Seashells are beautiful works of art worthy of displaying. Their colors and intricate designs are amazing, and they are collected by many for their natural beauty. Seashells are good for far more than displaying in a clear glass jar or a basket. Here you will find unique and easy craft ideas for using and displaying seashells. These seashell craft projects make wonderful gifts, and they are ideal for decorating a nautical or ocean-themed room. Give the following unique and easy craft ideas a try, and display your collection of seashells in unique new ways that will turn many heads and generate numerous compliments.
Craft Ideas for Unique Seashell Plaques
To make a beautiful seashell plaque you will need a plain wooden plaque or a fiberboard square approximately six-inches in diameter. You will also require stain in a color of your choice, a rag, plaster of Paris, stencils for creating a design around the perimeter of the plaque, a picture hanger, a hot glue gun, and a beautiful seashell of your choice. In addition, you will need latex craft paint in an accent color that matches a color in the seashell and a paintbrush.
Begin by attaching the picture hanger to the back of the plaque. Next, stain the wood, and set the plaque aside to dry. Next, mix a small batch of plaster of Paris, and apply the plaster to the edges of the plaque with the stencil in place. Carefully lift the stencil from the plaque, and allow the plaster to dry completely before continuing. Once the plaster is dry, paint the textured design with an accent color. After the paint has dried, glue the seashell to the center of the plaque and it is ready to display on a wall.
Seashell Mosaic Craft Ideas
Small shells are ideal for making a mosaic, and all that is required is strong craft glue, a thin sheet of plywood cut to the appropriate size, and small seashells of various shapes and colors. To add extra color, consider painting seashells with a watercolor wash. All you need are watercolor paints to add vivid color to ordinary seashells.
Begin by planning a design for the project, and choose shells carefully to complete the picture. If desired, paint the shells to create a colorful seashell mosaic, or randomly glue on shells for a unique mosaic design. Consider making a large swirl by gluing the first shell in the center of the board, and glue shells around and around until they form a huge swirl. The finished picture will look like a giant seashell with rich details and unique designs.
Alternately you can design a seashell mosaic that replicates ocean waves. Paint ordinary scallop shells a rich shade of blue, and top off the waves with caps of creamy white shells. These are just a few craft ideas for using seashells. Use your sense of imagination and creativity to make beautiful seashell mosaics that are sure to impress. With watercolor paints and handfuls of shells, the options and ideas for crafts with seashells are virtually endless!
