I love the pretty shapes, colors, uniqueness of each, etc. They just mesmerize me.
It’s so much fun to walk along the beach and look for pretty shells and hear the sound of water rush up onto the sand.
I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to live along the coast my entire life.
I don’t think I could ever live away from it now!
I so LOVE the beach…..and the “beach life”.
It’s just part of my soul.
So when my friend Kathy from Petticoat Junktion invited me to be a part of her “seashell tour” I said YES!
That is right up my alley. :)
And I decided to create this DIY Seashell Frame Art…..
I have shells (and starfish, sand dollars & sea biscuits!) all over my home.
In jars, trays, displays, art work, etc.
For this project I decided to use these pretty shell pieces instead of whole shells. These things are just gorgeous and so iridescent.
LOVE
Aren’t they pretty? I think so.
Here’s the frame I started with….
I painted it with General Finishes “Snow White”. (any white paint will do, even spray paint)
I added in a bit of this “Fine Stone” into the paint to give it a “sandy” texture.
I wasn’t sure how much of the frame would be showing and thought it might be neat for it to have that texture.
Kind of cool finish….but in the end it didn’t matter! ;)
Except for the sides.
They are the only thing left showing.
I started adding shells in one corner ….
…and just layered the shells all the way around.
I actually really enjoyed doing this.
It was very relaxing and almost like doing a puzzle.
And that’s it!
I had planned to leave it as a frame but I can never leave anything as is. ;)
So I decided to make it a mirror by spraying the back of the glass with Looking Glass Spray Paint.
And then I messed with it a bit more by painting “beach life” on the front and sprinkling white sand over that!
I know, it’s a bit of overkill but I like it for now. ;)
I may take it out and replace it with another piece of plain glass and add a photo as some point.
(no biggie since frames –and glass– are easily found in excess at thrift stores for cheap)
And can I just tell you how hard it is to photograph a mirror? Really hard.
And even harder to see the paint on it.
I can see it very easily in person but translating that to the camera…not so much!
I moved it outside to take a few more….
I sprayed a sealer over the painted graphics and then sprinkled sand over that.
I then sprayed a second coat of sealer to “hold” the sand.
Love those shells.
Perfect handmade gift for those beach loving friends or family. :)
With “beach life” on the glass or just a photo inside the shelled frame.
Be sure to take a peek at my friends’ seashell treasures too ….they are below.
And I’ll see you later this week with a brand new furniture makeover!
This turned out so pretty! I always want to pull all my coastal décor back out when the warm weather gets here. I have a little box that would be so pretty covered in these. Now I want to run and go buy some lol. XO
aww nancy i love that you used the broken beautiful pieces of shells they look wonderful and make so homesick for fl growing up and living most of my adult life in fl picking shells was a fun thing to do and i always wound up with some pieces like that, i love tn in the spring summer and fall but wish every year i could go to fl in the winter xx
OH yes, you and me both!!! (FL for the winter!)
It is a fun thing to do…I bought these but I think I’m going to go down the road and pick some up! Especially the oyster shells (we have an abundance of those here! ;) )
My next project may be with them instead!
Maybe one day for the winter in FL…for the both of us! ;) I am going this summer for a week…to the west coast…can’t wait!
xo
Nancy
that was my favorite spot to go shelling and omg just had friends vacationing there wahhhhh xx
Oh we can’t wait! I’m so ready for a getaway and that will be the perfect spot. :) It’s been a long time since we visited! I’m just glad this winter is over…even if it means staying put! ;)
Nancy, not only do I really LOVE your frame, but I love that rope covered mirror as well! That was very creative to add texture to the inside by using sand! Sharing and pinning your wonderful project!
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Nancy, your frame looks amazing, I love how you incorporated beach-related-lovely-things! :)
Have a sunny day ♥
Diana
Hi Diana! :)
Thanks so much!!
Hope you have a fabulous day too!
xo
Nancy
This turned out so pretty! I always want to pull all my coastal décor back out when the warm weather gets here. I have a little box that would be so pretty covered in these. Now I want to run and go buy some lol. XO
Thanks Christy! Oh that would be pretty! :)
xo
Nancy
What a great recycle/upcycle, Nancy! Super pretty frame.
Thanks Malia! :)
Nancy
I have never seen these iridescent shell pieces where do you buy them? Gorgeous frame!
Thanks Kathryn! :)
The shells came from Michael’s I do believe!
Nancy
Love it Nancy – pinning to show my sister who is doing a coastal vibe in her guest room.
Thanks Marie!
Oh yes, would look great in there with a pretty photo!
xo
Nancy
How did you attach the shells? Did I miss something? I wouldn’t want to rely on the wet paint to hold them on. ?
Hi Maggy,
I’m so sorry, I see now that I did leave that out! I will edit the post. I used a hot glue gun and glued them to the frame. :)
Nancy
aww nancy i love that you used the broken beautiful pieces of shells they look wonderful and make so homesick for fl growing up and living most of my adult life in fl picking shells was a fun thing to do and i always wound up with some pieces like that, i love tn in the spring summer and fall but wish every year i could go to fl in the winter xx
OH yes, you and me both!!! (FL for the winter!)
It is a fun thing to do…I bought these but I think I’m going to go down the road and pick some up! Especially the oyster shells (we have an abundance of those here! ;) )
My next project may be with them instead!
Maybe one day for the winter in FL…for the both of us! ;) I am going this summer for a week…to the west coast…can’t wait!
xo
Nancy
i am from the west coast bradenton just south of st petersburg/tampa xx
Oh yep, my favorite area! We are staying on Anna Maria Island (again!) :)
that was my favorite spot to go shelling and omg just had friends vacationing there wahhhhh xx
Oh we can’t wait! I’m so ready for a getaway and that will be the perfect spot. :) It’s been a long time since we visited! I’m just glad this winter is over…even if it means staying put! ;)
WOW, what a beautiful transformation!
Thank you Anne :)
Nancy
So pretty Nancy. Your shells are iridescent. Mine aren’t like that. I love the sheen. They really pop.
Thanks Kathy! Yes, that is my favorite part!
Nancy
That frame before??! SHUDDER!!!!! The final product is gorgeous, and those iridescent shells are beautifuL!
My thoughts exactly! ;) Thank you!!
So pretty! I love the colors on those gorgeous shells!
Thanks Maryann!
Nancy
Nancy, not only do I really LOVE your frame, but I love that rope covered mirror as well! That was very creative to add texture to the inside by using sand! Sharing and pinning your wonderful project!
Thank you Jane! :) I just finished that one too! It was a fun project!
Nancy
So pretty! I love the natural glam of the shells. Such inspiringe ideas for our beach cottage!
Thanks Christy!
Nancy
Where did you get the shell pieces?
It’s been awhile but think I got them from Michael’s but I’m sure Amazon has them too.