Are you going to the beach this summer? Collecting small shells for decorating your room when you get home can be fun and a nice way to remember the trip.
How to Salvage Shells
Early morning is the best time to hunt for shells on the beach. Beachcombers go early to pick up the best shells. They harvest large shells after storms, but for your projects small shells are best. You can sift through the beach pebbles and sand and pick out tiny shells at any time of day. Save the most perfectly shaped and nicely colored ones. Wash them and lay them in the hot sun to dry thoroughly.
Starfish and sand dollars can be purchased in beachfront shops. They will be clean and well preserved and will be easier to carry home than smelly found ones. Chips and pieces will work okay in some art projects so don’t turn your nose up at them.
After the shells have been cleaned and dried, you can soak them in some bleach water to rid them of any remaining bad smells and again allow them to air and dry. Pack them carefully in plastic bags and place them in a box for safe keeping.
If the beach you are on has a rule against collecting shells, try a shop or craft store where bags of shells are sold for beading.
Assembling Your Supplies
When you return home, assemble the items needed to decorate your box.
- A plain unfinished wooden box six to eight inches long (purchased at a craft shop)
- Craft glue or a hot glue gun and glue sticks
- A piece of felt the size of the box’s base
- A bottle of Shellac or Modge-podge
- Newspaper
- Clean shells from the beach or a craft shop
Create Your Treasure Box
- Before gluing, lay the shells out in rows by size and/or color on newspapers spread on a work table.
- Next, study the shells and the box to decide how you will lay out the shells on the top and sides of the box.
- Make a border around each rectangular part of the box. Lay the shells all the same way so your design will look symmetrical when complete.
- Glue the shells in place and allow them time to dry.
- The center of each side and the top should be decorated next.
- Use a pencil to draw a small circle or oval on the box’s lid.
- Glue the shells in a pattern in the shape you have marked.
- Fill in completely with the rest of the shells.
Tips and Finishing Touches
If the shells are different colors, fill in a space with the same color. Decorate the center and the edges with a different color. If the shells are alike in color, fill by the shape or size. Glue all the shells in place being careful to leave spaces for the lid’s hinges and clasp.
After the glue has dried well, begin covering it with puzzle coat or shellac. Be certain that the tabletop is covered with newspapers to avoid damage or messy cleanup jobs. Coat the shells and allow shellac time to dry before handling.
Last of all, cut a piece of felt to match the bottom of the box; trim it slightly and glue it to the base of the box. If you have a bit left over use it to line the interior of the box or at least the inside floor of the box. Allow the felt to dry and trim any edges that might show.
Now your sea shell box is ready to display on your dresser or desk. It will remind you of the fun you had during your summer vacation.
If you collect other sea shore treasures this summer here are somemore great beach trip collection ideas.
