Shells found on the beach can be used for a variety of creations, including decorations, jewelry, and artwork. You might be wondering what to do with those shells you’ve collected during your beach strolls. Let your imagination run wild by making candles, mobiles, garlands, jewelry trees, lamps, or even necklaces with these beautiful marine treasures! If you’re looking for fun and trendy activities to do with your kids or spend quality time with your family, why not dive into the world of DIY with shells? So, don’t hesitate—pick up the most beautiful specimens and follow our guide!
Here are 15 ideas for things to do with beach shells:
Create Shell Wall Art
If you love art and want to add a personal touch to your home decor, creating wall art with shells is a fantastic way to showcase their beauty. Gather a collection of shells and arrange them into patterns or shapes on a canvas or wooden board. You could create a beach scene, a mandala, or even spell out a word like “beach” or “ocean.” This is an excellent way to preserve the memories of your beach adventures while adding a unique and creative piece to your home.
Design a Shell Tray
Why not turn your shells into a functional and stylish home accessory? A shell-decorated tray can be both beautiful and practical. You can create a serving tray by gluing shells along the edge or covering the surface with a layer of shells. This will add an ocean-inspired touch to your coffee table or kitchen counter. It’s a great way to incorporate beachy vibes into your everyday life while creating a conversation starter.
Make Shell Keychains
Shell keychains are small, easy-to-make crafts that make perfect gifts or souvenirs. Simply attach a shell to a key ring using a jump ring or small cord. You can personalize these keychains by painting the shells, adding beads, or combining different types of shells for a more textured look. They’re not only cute and functional but also a great way to bring a piece of the beach wherever you go.
Create a Shell Pendant Necklace
A shell necklace is one of the most famous creations that showcase these marine treasures. Its elegance and trendy design make it a must-have accessory for the summer, adaptable to all styles and seasons. To create it, you’ll need some cord or a chain, along with cowrie shells, scallops, starfish, or pearls to decorate your base. You can also personalize your necklace by adding elements like wooden or plastic beads, pom-poms, or even painting the shells. In the same vein, why not create a matching bracelet?
Make Shell Wind Chimes
If you're looking for a soothing, nature-inspired project, try creating a shell wind chime. Use a piece of driftwood or a sturdy stick as the base, then string various shells from it using twine or fishing wire. You can even mix in beads or bells for a melodic effect. Choose subtle shades and remove the bark from your base before drilling small holes to attach the shells with a cord. Adjust the length to your liking by tying sturdy knots at both ends. For an even more personalized touch, feel free to paint or decorate your shells before adding them to the mobile. Hang your wind chime near a window or on a porch to catch the breeze and enjoy the soft tinkling sound of your shell wind chime.
Craft a Shell Lamp
Continuing along the same theme, a shell chandelier could also be made. This time, a little more patience is needed. For a large fixture, you’ll need about a hundred shells, preferably cowrie shells or other simple white shells. You’ll also need an appropriate metal base, which you can either make yourself or buy in a store. As previously mentioned, hang your shells and vary the thread lengths to bring your chandelier to life. Finally, add a light bulb in the center to complete your creation.
Make Shell Picture Frames
Transform those beach treasures into a sentimental gift or personal keepsake by making a picture frame out of shells. Simply attach a collection of shells around the edge of a plain frame using glue. You can mix different sizes and shapes of shells for a more dynamic design or stick to one type for a cohesive, minimalist look. This project allows you to preserve precious memories from your beach trips in a charming, unique way.
Create Shell Magnets
Turn your shells into adorable fridge magnets that will add personality to your kitchen. Using small shells, glue them to magnet strips or small flat magnets, and you’ve got yourself a beachy accent for your fridge. You can even decorate the shells with paint or glitter to make them more colorful and fun. Shell magnets make a wonderful gift idea, and they are an easy way to bring coastal charm to your home.
Craft Shell Garden Markers
For those who love gardening, shells can be turned into garden markers to label your plants. Take a large shell and write the name of the plant on it with permanent marker or paint. Then, stick the shell into the soil to mark the plant's position in the garden. Not only will this keep your garden organized, but it’ll also add a touch of beachy charm to your outdoor space.
Make Shell Soap Dishes
Elevate your bathroom decor with a shell soap dish. Using a large, flat shell like a clam or scallop shell, you can easily turn it into a soap dish. This is a simple yet elegant project that adds a coastal feel to your bathroom. You can also use smaller shells to create unique soap holders for individual bars of soap or as decorative accents around a larger dish.
Create Shell Ornaments
For those who enjoy crafting holiday ornaments, shells can be used to create beautiful, ocean-inspired decorations. Whether you’re making Christmas tree ornaments, Easter eggs, or even simple window hangings, shells can add a touch of nature’s elegance to your seasonal decor. Use shells to make intricate garlands or glue them to clear ornaments to make them stand out. You can even paint the shells or add glitter for extra flair.
Create a Shell Mirror
Likewise, you can use shells to create a mirror effect. Simply place and glue the shells around your frame to create a stunning result that evokes the mysteries of the ocean. It’s a great idea for a unique and original shell-based decor!
Make a Shell Jewelry Box
For those who wish to keep their rings and earrings discreetly stored, why not create a jewelry box decorated with shells? You can either collect or purchase a box and glue your beach findings onto it using a strong adhesive like wood glue.
Create a Shell Candle
reate unique candles by using shells as containers! Opt for large and deep shells like scallop shells, and wax. Melt the wax and carefully pour it into the chosen shell. While the wax is still warm, insert a wick. Voilà, you’ve created beautiful shell candles to light up and scent your home!
Design a Shell Tapestry
For a larger project, consider creating a shell tapestry. Using a large piece of fabric, attach shells to the surface to create a beautiful coastal design. You can arrange the shells in a pattern, or just place them randomly for a more natural feel. This is a great way to make a statement piece for your home while showcasing the beauty of the ocean in a truly artistic way.
The possibilities of what to do with shells from the beach are endless! With a little creativity, you can transform your beach finds into stunning pieces of decor, jewelry, and art. Whether you want to create something functional or purely decorative, shells offer an opportunity to bring the natural beauty of the ocean into your everyday life. So, the next time you find yourself at the beach, collect some shells and start crafting your own coastal treasures!
