Shell Wreath Tutorial

Have you ever collected so many shells that you didn’t know what to do with them? I love collecting them and have loved using them in wreathes and ornaments.   Now that I’ve been to the Gulf of Mexico a few times, I’ve learned that this is where all the best shells are kept.
Sea Shell Wreath DIY

Supplies:

Directions:


Step 1
To whiten the shells:  Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water (I did 2 cups bleach + 6 cups water) in the sink.  Leave for about 5 hours or overnight.Step 2
Rinse well using a strainer (so the shells don’t go down the drain).  Rinse again – use dish soap if needed.

Step 3
Dry completely on a dish towel.  I just let mine air dry.

How to make a sea shell wreath

Step 4
Lay out your shells like a puzzle and get started hot-gluing them in place.  If you’re kids are doing this with you, Crafter’s Pick Glue is the best because it isn’t runny.

Halfway through making a shell wreath from shells collected at the beach.

Step 5
Stop and make sure it’s not too crooked or strange shaped.  I tied mine to the oven.  It looked pretty misshapen!  Go back and add more shells.  Check again, back up 10 feet again and look at it.  Final product….

How to make your own shell wreath from collected shells.

Done!  I actually went back and added a few more shells and a sand dollar after the picture was taken.  Feel free and make it anyway you wish.  I covered the entire grapevine wreath.  I’ve seen these wreathes retail for as high as $125!

Lessons Learned in Wreath Making:
1.  Do not use your favorite dish towels when shells are drying.  They may still have bleach on them!
2.  Attach your string, ribbon, or twine before you begin the project.
3.  Do not leave a metal spatula in the bleach – it will corrode.
4.  Make sure you have enough glue before you begin!

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Other posts you might enjoy:
DIY Seashell Ornament
Make this wonderful and easy shell ornament.
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