Create a keepsake of your summer vacation by making your own easy DIY seashell artwork.
For the longest time, I’ve felt like a Jeff Foxworthy punchline.
Not, “you might be a redneck if,” although admittedly a few of those probably do apply. Nope, I’m referencing this one-liner: “One of the few things that I’ve learned about women is that if you give them a basket of seashells, they’re going to put them on the back of the toilet.”
And that’s just where these gilded seashells sat for three years. Because that’s where seashells belong. On the back of the toilet.
But I’ve evolved in my seashell decorating and I’ve figured out lots of other ways to display these souvenirs of vacations past.
For example, I created this quick and easy seashell artwork for our coastal-inspired guest bedroom. (You may have seen it shared first at Made From Pinterest.)
And when I say quick, I mean it. I probably have less than 10 minutes invested in this project.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, but I only recommend products I love. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Supplies:
Wooden frames
Seashells
Watercolor background
Card stock or poster board
Pencil
Scissors
Spray adhesive
Hot glue
Instructions:
For my project, I repurposed some empty frames I’ve had for years. But if you don’t have or can’t find any frames that look beachy, just paint a plain wooden frame to suit your style. (Here’s an easy paint distressing technique you could try.)
You’ll also need a watercolor background for this project. I used some that came with a font package I purchased, as well as these free watercolor backgrounds from Angie Makes. You could also use scrapbook paper.
If you choose to use the watercolor backgrounds from Angie Makes, print them out on regular printer paper, using a high-quality setting. Then, trace around the frame insert and cut out your background.
Cut a matching piece of white card stock or poster board to use as a backing.
Protect your work surface and spray adhesive on the back of the watercolor print. Adhere to the card stock.
Reassemble the frame, putting the glass between the cardstock and the frame backing so you don’t lose it.
Use hot glue to attach the seashell to the stiff-backed watercolor paper.
DIY Seashell Artwork: Shop for Supplies
I made several pieces of seashell artwork for the guest bedroom.
No more toilet sitting for these beauties!
If you’re stuck at home but dreaming of the beach, you might enjoy these posts:
Sophisticated Coastal Guest Bedroom
[…] also think they’d be pretty framed and turned into seashell artwork, like I made here. What other ways would you use these chinoiserie chic oyster shells in your home […]