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For centuries, the allure of the ocean has inspired creativity, and shell crafts stand as a testament to this timeless fascination. From ancient coastal communities adorning themselves and their homes with nature’s treasures to modern-day crafters seeking sustainable and beautiful materials, shell crafts hold an enduring charm.
What makes shell crafts even more appealing today is their inherent sustainability. Artists and hobbyists alike are increasingly turning to these naturally discarded, biodegradable gems as an eco-friendly alternative to manufactured materials. By collecting and repurposing shells, you can actively participate in beach cleanup efforts, reduce marine pollution, and embrace the art of upcycling.
Discover 30 stunning shell crafts to spark your imagination and help you create stunning pieces!
Types of Recyclable Shells:
There are various types of recyclable shells which you can use for beautiful crafts. Each shell provides a distinct color, texture, and shape. Here are a few most popular seashell choices:
- Scallop Shells: Flat, fan-shaped, and ideal for wall decor and painting.
- Clam Shells: Round and deep, perfect for trinket dishes and candles.
- Oyster Shells: Uneven and textured; ideal for rustic or vintage projects.
- Mussel Shells: Shiny and thin and are widely used in mosaics and jewelry.
- Snail Shells: Have a spiral design and are commonly used in wind chimes and tiny projects.
- Cockle shells: Heart-shaped and ribbed, making them ideal for decor with a sentimental theme.
- Conch Shells: Larger, spiral shells make great statement pieces.
- Turban Shells: Round and rough. Commonly used in jewelry and keychains.
- Whelk Shells: Long spirals ideal for nautical-themed ornaments.
- Walnut Shells: Often used for mosaic, ornaments, figurines, and as Eco-friendly packaging material
- Pistachio Shells: The shape makes it ideal for artwork and miniatures.
- Coconut Shells: Perfect round shells are ideal for bowls, cups, natural plant containers, candle holders, lamps and home decor or sculpture base.
- Eggshells: Sourced from chicken, duck and quail are good for making chalk, candles, and crafts.
Types of Shell for Crafting
From Beach to Beautiful: Preparing Your Shells for Crafting
Before you unleash your creativity, proper preparation of your shells is key for durability, aesthetics, and hygiene in your shell crafts:
Clean and Sanitize
- Soak your collected shells in a solution of one part bleach to three parts water for 2-4 hours to effectively eliminate bacteria and algae.
- Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away any lingering dirt, barnacles, or residue.
- If your shells have rough edges or a dull appearance, carefully smooth them with fine-grit sandpaper, followed by a rinse in a diluted bleach solution.
Remove Fishy Scent
- A simple yet effective method is to lay the cleaned shells out in direct sunlight for a day or two to naturally dissipate any lingering odors.
- Alternatively, you can soak the shells overnight in a solution of baking soda and water.
Dry and Sort
- Lay the cleaned shells flat on a towel to allow them to air dry completely.
- Organize your shell collection by size, color, and shape in mason jars or plastic containers to streamline your future shell crafts.
- For long-term storage, consider using labeled cartons with silica gel packets to prevent moisture buildup.
Polish and Seal
- Enhance the natural beauty and durability of your shells by gently polishing them with a small amount of mineral or baby oil to achieve a smooth, shiny finish.
- To give your finished shell crafts, especially painted seashells, a glossy sheen and added protection against breakage, apply a resin sealant, clear acrylic spray, or mod podge. This is good for finished products like painted seashells. Ensure they dry in a dust-free environment for optimal results.
What to do with Shells?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to shell crafts! From practical items to beautiful decorations, seashells can be transformed into a wide array of treasures. Imagine crafting delicate wind chimes that sing with the ocean breeze, elegant candle holders that cast a warm, coastal glow, or unique jewelry holders that add a touch of the sea to your vanity.
Tiny shells can be incorporated into charming coasters, personalized bookmarks, and delicate jewelry pieces. Larger shells can adorn mirrors, trays, and picture frames, instantly infusing them with a nautical vibe. With a little imagination, shells can lend a distinctive, beachy charm to virtually any do-it-yourself project.
Nut Shell Crafts
There are numerous types of nut shell which you can use to make some lovely crafts. Make sustainable toys, decor items, and miniature sculptures.
Walnut Shell:
1. Artwork: Paint walnut shells and add felt to create adorable owls.
2. Wall Hanging: Take walnuts and paint them in multiple colors. After that, you can attach them with rope to make this walnut hanging.
3. Miniatures: Build tiny furniture in a halved walnut shell for whimsical decoration.
Related: 30 Mini Clay Art Ideas for Tiny DIY Projects
4. Mini Baskets: Use halved walnuts with tiny flowers to create charming basket decor.
5. Spring Mushrooms: You can place this spring mushroom tabletop decor to your dining table or centre table.
Related: DIY Bowl and Glass Mushrooms Garden Decor
6. Bird’s Nest: Make a nest-shaped basket out of walnut and twigs, then embellish with painted eggs.
7. Candles: Make candles with the walnut shells. These candles add a rustic touch to your decor.
Related: How to make easy gel tealight candles?
8. Wreath: You can hang this walnut shells door hanging on your special occasion. It looks beautiful.
Related: 60 Pine Cone Crafts You Have Never Seen
Peanut Shell:
9. Night Lamp: Glue peanut shells on a balloon structure, let it dry, then add a bulb.
Pistachio Shell:
10. Artwork: Paint pistachio shells and glue them in floral patterns on canvas or jars.
11. Dancing Dolls: Make dolls with charts in different poses. Later, paint the pistachio in different colors, make the dress, and attach them to the body.
12. Cherry Blossom: Decorate branches with pink-painted pistachio shells to mimic delicate wall décor with cherry blossoms.
13. Tulips in Jars: Glue painted pistachio shells to form tulips and arrange in small jars.
Coconut Shell Crafts
Convert coconut shells into planters, bowls, lanterns, animal crafts, and more Eco-friendly garden or home accents.
14. Planter: Polish and carve coconut shells into rustic bowls or planters.
15. Hanging Lights: To create cozy, rustic pendant lights, carve artistic holes in coconut shells and add bulbs.
Ocean Shell Crafts
Capiz, mussels, scallops, oysters, clams, and sea shells can be used to create sophisticated decorative items.
Related: 55 Unique Seashell Painting Ideas
Mussel Shell:
16. Floral Pieces: Create a textured, ornamental wall or table art by arranging painted mussel shells in flower forms.
17. Mosaic Bowls: Glue shiny mussel shells in concentric circles inside a bowl using mosaic.
18. Lobster Painted Shell: Paint a bright red lobster on mussel shells for unique, nautical-themed decor.
Oyster Shell:
19. Candle Holder: To create a sophisticated atmosphere, glue oyster shells into a circle and place a candle in the middle.
20. Bookends: Attach oyster shells to wooden blocks for coastal bookshelf decor.
21. Seashells Fairy Lights: To create beautiful, beach-inspired room lighting, glue tiny shells around LED string lights.
22. Capiz Shell Place Cards: Write guest names on translucent Capiz shells for wedding or party settings with nautical appeal.
Crustaceans Shell Crafts
Use thrown away or removed Crab, lobster, shrimp or even barnacle shells into beautiful decorative piece. Other unique finds include shellfish and broken turtle shells.
23. Crab Shell Art: Paint and mount crab shells as part of a nautical wall gallery.
Empty Turtle Shell:
Turtle shells from ethical sources can be made into decorative pieces
24. Decorative Box: You can convert a turtle shell into a jewelry storage container.
25. Lamp: Repurpose discarded shells (ethically sourced only!) into a rustic, natural-inspired ambient lighting.
Snail Shell Crafts
26. Magnets: Paint and glue small shells onto magnets for fridge art.
27. Mirror: Arrange shells in a pattern around a round mirror for nautical wall decor.
28. Air Plant Holder: Tuck tiny air plants into spiral snail shells for unique desktop decor.
Related: 40 Cool Air Plant Display Ideas
29. Candle: Fill large snail shells with colored wax for eco-friendly mini candles.
Egg Shell Crafts
Eggshells are delicate and adaptable; they can be used as vases, planters, mosaics, or characters in crafts that are appropriate for the season.
Related: Beautiful Painted Easter Eggs using best techniques
30. Easter Decor: Make Eggshells, centerpiece, for festive table arrangements with a spring theme.
31. Candles: To make little candles that are ideal for Easter decor, pour colored wax into half egg shells.
32. Decoupage Art: Apply floral paper using Mod Podge for vintage Easter decorations.
33. Hanging Ornaments: Paint and string eggshells onto twigs for a stunning tree display.
34. Geodes: Make geode models by coloring and crystallizing the inside of split eggshell halves.
35. Crystallized: Use borax to form colorful crystals inside egg halves.
36. Flower Vases: Hollow out eggshells and use them as delicate flower holders.
Related: Decorate a vase: 60 DIY home ideas
Where to Find Shells for Crafting?
Looking for shells to fuel your shell crafts while being mindful of the environment? Here are some eco-friendly and readily available options:
- Beachcombing: Walking along the shoreline during low tide and collecting only clean, unoccupied shells.
- Nature Walks: Look for freshwater shells around lakes, rivers, or inland sources of water.
- Farmer Markets: Sometimes stalls selling nuts or decorative things sell cleaned shell packs.
- Seafood Restaurants: Request discarded clam, oyster, or mussel shells.
- Local Markets: Look for one-of-a-kind items at seaside artisan stores and fish markets.
- Craft Stores: If natural shells are unavailable, purchase artificial or pre-cleaned shells from a craft store.
- Online Shops: Many online retailers sell bulk eco-harvested or recovered shells.
Shell crafts beautifully blend nature, creativity, and sustainability. Whether you’re crafting unique accessories, personalized gifts, or coastal-inspired home decor, seashells offer endless possibilities. By using repurposed shells, you not only create stunning items but also contribute to eco-friendly practices and beach cleanup awareness.
So, the next time you find yourself by the sea or enjoying seafood, consider the crafting potential held within those small ocean treasures. Let your imagination soar and bring the serene beauty of the ocean into your life, one shell at a time.
Ethical Note:
Seashells are vital for the survival of ocean creatures. Always research and ensure that the shells you collect are abandoned and will not harm the marine ecosystem.
Drafted by: Alveena Nazir
Written by: Hani Shabbir
