Shells everywhere…
These shells were found on the beaches of Captiva, Cayo Costa, and Sanibel.
Living in Florida and boating on a regular basis, we get to go shelling a lot! I love it! It’s one of the most relaxing things in the world…just strolling along the beach with the sun shining down, the waves lapping against the shore, and the birds flying overhead. All the while looking through piles of shells on beautiful white sand. Always looking for one more shell before stopping to turn back to the boat.
Have you noticed all the new shell home decor coming out in the stores? Well, I’m going to show you how to make your own shell frame today! This can all be done at a fraction of the price you would pay in a store, and you are being so creative!! That’s a good thing!
I keep clean shells in boxes so I can start a project with shells without having to wash and dry them. These have a thin coat of clear on them already.
You can purchase shells, but just make sure you get plenty. It takes quite a few shells to make this frame. I always end up using more than I planned on when I started. Good thing I’ve got boxes full!
First, you start with a frame. A large flat surface works best. Remove the glass until you’re finished.
Make sure all your shells are clean. Now, it’s best to find shells of a similar size for the base row. This can be done with all white or whatever shells you have. Just try to keep a uniform look on this part.
Use a hot glue gun to secure them to the frame. You could stop right there and call it a day. It’s a nice shell frame already. But to make it extra special, let’s add more.
Start by finding shells to fit in the empty spaces. Don’t glue yet, just move them around until you have about 10 or so in place. Go ahead and glue them down before you knock them off and don’t know where you had them. {That’s never happened to me…I’m just saying.}
It takes time to find a shell to fit just right in each spot. It’s kinda like a puzzle. Keep working on it until you love it! Add one here and there. Then check it from all angles to see what it looks like. When you’re done, you’ll know it!
When you are finished spray it will a clear glaze. {The glaze is thicker and has more of a shine than regular clear spray.} This will bring out all the colors in the shells! It also hides some of the extra glue that you might see. Let it dry. Add a photo!
Not too hard, but it does take a little time. Enjoy creating something beautiful!
Giveaway!!!
Would you like to make one? How about having the frame and shells delievered right to your door?
Here’s a frame just like the one I used above. A large bag of shells with way more than enough for the frame. This will give you lots of shells to pick from. All these shells were picked by me!
To be entered in the giveaway just leave a comment.
To be entered a second time just sign up for our email or RSS and leave another comment to let us know. {This makes it easier to figure out later!} If you already subscribe, that counts!
To be entered a third time just tweet about the giveaway on Twitter and leave me another comment.
I hope all you crafty bloggers enjoy this! I know there’s lots of ya’ll out there!
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oh wow! that is a beautiful frame and you make it seem easy enough even i could make it
thanks for the chance to do so!
jenn’s last blog post..i knew this day would come
You could make a lot of money selling those on Etsy.
Paul U’s last blog post..Don’t monetize your site?
That’s beautiful! I love the blue of the table in the picture. Is that your picnic table?
JanMarie’s last blog post..Lessons And The Lions Roar!
That is so lovely, and what wonderful memories it must evoke. I miss living seaside – now landlocked. I have a few shells, but would have likely just randomly slapped them on a frame – I am glad to have the tutorial. I would love to be entered in the drawing!
Thank you!
That frame is beautiful – I want to make my own. Please enter my name and thank you for a great giveaway.
You did a beautiful job! How pretty
Sunday Baker’s last blog post..Classic Chocolate Cake
Hi!
*like your blog too*
Thanks for visiting my blog. I Love your shell frame!! In the past I have made so many things with shells, I really miss it. Fell free to enter me!
Anna Sophia’s last blog post..Spring Frame
This is gorgeous! I’m actually heading to the beach this weekend, so I’m going to go searching for some shells (or buy some if I can’t find enough) and do a frame just like yours. Thanks for the tutorial!
living with lindsay’s last blog post..Initial Prize
This is a great idea!! Since I collect shells, it’s a no-brainer that I must leave a comment
Great post!!
~angela
Angela’s last blog post..Monday Memories
Excellent frame. You need to have a good eye to choose the right shells to fit in the right spots and you obviously are very good at it. Just a lovely way to adorn a frame or mirror. Thank you for visiting my blog last week.
♥, Susan
black eyed susans kitchen’s last blog post..PERFECT DAY AND PUSSY WILLOWS
How cute! I’ve got my fingers crossed!
Kim, that is so beautiful! You definitely could sell those on etsy! Thank you for the tutorial and the chance to enter the giveaway!
Gayle’s last blog post..Monday Memories: The First!
I tweeted it, too!
Gayle’s last blog post..Monday Memories: The First!
Yep, me again! I’m already signed up for your RSS. Don’t know if that counts.
Gayle’s last blog post..Monday Memories: The First!
I didn’t know you were so crafty! The frames look wonderful.
Katherine’s last blog post..Poached Pears
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for yur sweet comment.
It’s always fun meeting new people.
Love the frame, I’m a big fan of the beach. I never find shells like that at our beaches, usually very small or broken up.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Happy day
When we lived in Puerto Rico a few years ago, I made a very similar thing. At a church craft night, we made shell wreaths. Mine turned out beautifully and I really enjoy the reminder of the beach during the long Utah winters. One thing that surprised me was how many shells I needed and the fact that I had to stop myself at a certain point because it seemed there was always one more spot for a shell
mombrud’s last blog post..My first giveaway! A science booklet
That is gorgeous!!! Thanks for showing how to and for a chance to get all the items for this great project!!
Now our next trip to the beach I will be on a mission!
Love it!
Y’all, Kim gave me one of these when they came up to visit and it’s darling! Thanks Kim!
The Nester’s last blog post..Staging Your Home for Sale:: The Exterior
Neat project! I would love to do this with my son.
Rachel’s last blog post..Wisdom and Folly
What a beautiful frame! I would love to be entered in the contest please!
Kristen’s last blog post..Menu Plan Monday
Thank you for sharing how you do this! I love this seashell frame. I always enjoy having lots of photos around of the special people in my life.
I just put a link on Twitter using tinyurl.com.
I sent out a tweet!
http://twitter.com/cttRachel
Rachel’s last blog post..Wisdom and Folly
I’m subscribed to your mailing list.
Rachel’s last blog post..Wisdom and Folly
What a great idea! I have been wondering what to do with all of those shells we collect on our beach trips.
I’ve been wanting to do this for so long. thanks for the lesson
Very pretty shells!
Fifi Flowers’s last blog post..Weekend of Distractions…
I’m originally from Florida but now I live in the midwest. I would love to win this frame and put a picture of my Florida home in it! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
Jerri’s last blog post..The Simple Woman’s Daybook – March 9, 2009
I’m also subscribed to your email list.
Jerri’s last blog post..The Simple Woman’s Daybook – March 9, 2009
Wow that frame is gorgeous! I remember when I was a kid picking up shells at Clearwater Beach, my mom would save them in a big 5 gallon paint bucket. We never did anything with them though
. Great job!
Toni
The Happy Housewife’s last blog post..Beans
These are so pretty and you make it look really easy!
songbirdtiff’s last blog post..Details in the Fabric (Jason Mraz)
Love it! Pick me!
Brittany’s last blog post..Another Week’s Review
Great tutorial, and I’d love to win your giveaway!
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I’m also subscribed to your RSS.
Jerri (Simply Sweet Home)’s last blog post..Recipe of the Week: Chicken Tortilla Soup
cuuuuute!! I love the shell frame!!
And I think shell collecting and saving for projects is a great idea!! I am going to have to start doing that
Jessica’s last blog post..Games!
i get your rss feed. thanks for an extra chance to win
jenn’s last blog post..i knew this day would come
Very cute! But I have to say I love that chippy blue table! I checked out your Etsy shop and you are a girl after my own heart…love that felt! Added it to my favorites.
Ashley
How blessed you are to live on the coast and how creative you are to make such a lovely frame! Thank you for the tutorial.
Robin
You made that look so easy. It’s very pretty too.
Great idea! Thanks for the giveaway!
Jenny’s last blog post..A Family Table
Oooh, I love the frame! Since we don’t have any seashells in the Buckeye States, I’d better win this or wait until I can visit the beach!
Kimm at Reinvented’s last blog post..Trash to Treasure Tuesday
I subscribed to your e-mail list. Thanks!
Kimm at Reinvented’s last blog post..Trash to Treasure Tuesday
I’m off to tweet!
Okay…this is such a fun giveaway and so CREATIVE!!!
Sandy toe
sandy toe’s last blog post..Spring Fling Giveaway
I love this! I have a frame this would be perfect for. Thanks for the tutorial.
BlueCastle’s last blog post..Let’s Have A Little Fun
Very pretty! The shells we collect here (Puget Sound) are quite different from those you’ve featured. I’d love to enter for a chance to win ~ thanX!
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I subscribe to your RSS feed. ThanX!
diXymiss’s last blog post..I love a parade!
I loved your tutorial on the shell frame! I’ve always wanted to do one to add to the “leaning towards the beach” theme of my family room here in cold, still wintery, Cincinnati. The only sign of spring I have is my daffodils starting to poke thru! This would perk me up tremendously.
I would love to win this. I did something similar with the kids one summer. They found the shells on the beach, we cleaned them and glued them on a frame. I finished it off by putting a picture of the kids at the beach in it.