I bring to your attention my way of preserving a piece of the sea at home.

The main thing you need to make such a vase is shells and an interlayer of a tall glass.
I used ordinary shells collected in the summer at sea.

Other required materials:
- dense green threads, you can floss;
- wire (such as in the photo and thicker);
- transparent glue;
- cardboard;
- transparencies;
- white paint, or not white. To your taste;
- black marker;
- round tablets. You can take cheap, or expired.

The first stage is the manufacture of the vase itself.
Everything is quite simple, but it takes quite a lot of time. We choose a certain place on the glass and, starting from it, glue the glass with shells.
Gaps can be filled with smaller shells, it looks neater)
To make our vase look prettier than hers inner part should be covered with paint. I used white paint from a balloon. Paint dried for 10+ hours.
In order not to stain the outer part, we wrap it with a transparent film.

When the vase is ready, you can put it in fresh flowers(but then it’s better to varnish the inside), or you can like this ...

Stage 2. Flowers. We take two types of wire: thin and thicker. We begin to tightly wrap a thicker wire. We stop, we attach a thin one to it.
We wrap the thin wire to the end and back down - we return to the thick one. And so with each, depending on the number of flowers.
The flowers themselves are most conveniently made from 8 shells. Take two pieces of round cardboard.
Glue 4 shells to the first and to the second. When the glue dries, glue the halves together by placing a wire stem inside them.
We do this with all colors.

Tablets can be used to make the centers. I painted over them with a black waterproof marker - for the contrast of colors.

Shells brought from summer vacation are a great occasion to decorate the house in nautical style, which will be very appropriate in this hot season. Armed with imagination and our ideas, you will find practical use shells in interior decor.

Shell vase
A wide-mouthed, spirally twisted nautilus shell can be used as a vase for a small bouquet on a bedside table.
2

Shell soap dish
Want to put your shore finds to good use? Turn a couple of glued shells into a soap dish: use the small shell as a “leg” and the large one as a soap holder.
2

Shell prints
The shape of shells can become an original pattern that can be used on any fabric. For example, transfer the print to sofa cushions or tablecloth for the dining table.

Composition of shells-candles
Color the seashells metallic color(you can use a simple nail polish for this purpose), insert the wick and pour hot wax. After the wax has cooled, the candle shells are ready. Put a few candles in the middle of the table, add starfish and shells of various shapes to the composition.
3

Arrangement of candles for the table
Create such a wonderful arrangement in the center of the table for a romantic atmosphere at a summer dinner. Insert a few into a transparent vase thin candles and fill the bottom of the vase with sand to keep the candles upright without falling. Decorate the surface of the sand with small shells.

Shell garland
It's time for summer parties! To create a Mediterranean themed party, decorate the room with such an interesting garland. Take a garland with small light bulbs and glue a shell to the base of each light (we recommend using epoxy glue).
1

Solyanka and pepper pot from shells
Four clam or scallop shells are enough to make a hodgepodge and pepper pot. Well, you still need a little imagination :) Put salt and pepper in two container shells and place them on the remaining two shell-stands.

Flower arrangement in a shell
Create interesting composition from leaves and branches, placing them not in an ordinary vase, but in a spiral shell. The whole secret is that you need to put floral foam in the shell, in which the stems will be fixed.

Plafond in the form of a shell
The plafond, in color and shape, reminiscent of a shell, will be a wonderful summer decor in your bedroom.

Shell framed mirror
You can decorate a mirror with multi-colored shells of the same size - glue the shells to the rim of the mirror, observing the sequence of different shades.

Marine patterns
Summer white linens looks even more attractive with such fun prints on the edges. Colors and shapes are up to you.

Decor of pots with shells
Decorate clay pots with shells: stick shells on the entire surface of the pot, starting from the top and covering the bottom of the previous one with each subsequent layer.
1

Wreath on the door of mussel shells
cook tasty dish seafood, but never throw away mussel shells. From them you can make such a wonderful wreath on the door.

Oyster shell saucer
With the help of such a wonderful oyster shell, you can make a small saucer for storing jewelry.
1

Candle shells
Another option for candle shells: simple, but interesting solution for table decoration.

Napkins with marine prints
Napkins with shell prints and a few starfish make for a great summer table decor.

Book stand
A book stand (a stand placed at the edge of a row of books on a shelf or table so that the books stand upright and do not fall) mediterranean interior can serve as a large sink.

Romantic evening with shells
From large shells you can make such a wonderful romantic composition. Fill a small tray with sand, top with pebbles. Set pairs of shells with their bases in the sand and secure with pebbles. Place small candles in each pair of shells.
2

"Rescue" circle on the door
From shells white color make a great wreath for the door. Just glue the circle with shells in several layers. It's quite massive, so secure it well.

Vacation in the summer on the sea coast promises sure to bring souvenirs in memory of the beautiful hot days. There are many ways to use them at home. There are many options for using shells as decorations. You can decorate any room with your own hands and if available interesting ideas create beautiful decor from shells.

Seashell care

If there are many sea shells available, then at home, without proper care, they will quickly begin to darken. Worst of all is the smell that appears in this process. To extend the life of these souvenirs, you need to follow the step-by-step instructions.

Start caring for such a souvenir from freezing the product itself. Collect the shells in a bag and close it, then place it in freezer For undefined period. When you can handle the shellfish, defrost them. Do not open the package right away or you will smell the fetid smell of sea rotten clams. It spreads very quickly throughout the room and does not volatilize well. Cover your mouth and nose with a cotton-gauze bandage, put on gloves and remove the insides of the shells with tweezers and a knife.

Pour the clams with water and boil for 15 minutes. Drain the water and after complete cooling, carefully remove the internal contents from there with tweezers. Place your shells under running water. Then they will be completely cleansed.

The next step is bleaching. Prepare a glass container, stack your sinks and fill them with some kind of bleach. In this state, you need to leave it all alone for a couple of hours. Then they need to be washed, dried and lubricated. vegetable oil, then cover with a colorless varnish.

ADVICE! When drying seashells, do not get carried away sunbathing. If you overexpose the shells in the open sun, they will begin to crumble.

Items to decorate

Decorating with your own hands is a very exciting and useful activity. You can give free rein to your imagination and create something new, unique with your own hands. Such an option for transforming the premises will be very economical.

new life in home interior In this way, you can give objects of different sizes:

• mirrors;
• coffee tables;
• lampshades or nightlights;
• dressers;
• jewelry boxes;
• photo frames.

A variety of trinkets of a similar theme will serve as an excellent addition to the main material. It can be sea horses, corals, stars, pebbles, and many other small items. They will be in your home.

ADVICE! Do not overdo it with the decoration of rooms with shells. It should remain light and relaxed.

If you overload the space with such decor, it will look very stupid and ugly. Please note that this natural component is an excellent tool not only for creating a marine image with your own hands in the house. He can make the most strict interior softer and more interesting. This result is possible under the condition correct selection material.

1st idea: shell mirrors

The first thing that many girls think about using a natural component to decorate their home with shells is photo frames or mirror rims. It is these products that are in special demand among ladies.

To design a beautiful mirror with your own hands, you will need:

• mirror (framed);
• hot glue gun (can be used when performing work transparent glue"Moment");
• shells;
• beads, pearls, pebbles from the river and other decorations for decoration (they can be found at home);
• varnish (colorless);
• tweezers.

The very process of decorating a mirror with your own hands is very entertaining, but painstaking.

You need to put a mirror on the table. Cover it with a cloth or paper so as not to spoil it with glue or scratches. Then heat up the glue. Glue small shells along the inner rim.

Advice! To make them better fastened, it is necessary to pour glue on them.

After the outline is ready, start gluing the large shells. Do not forget about their organic placement relative to each other. Then the gaps between the shells are filled with decorative beads, pebbles, pearls, etc. After the mirror frame is completely covered with shells, leave the resulting product. It should dry well. It usually takes about a day. The final stage is to cover the mirror with shells with a colorless varnish.

2nd idea: photo frame

A stylish photo frame can make every photo unique. It will add a certain charm.

Making a unique frame is quite easy. This will require:

• glue;
• shells;
• rhinestones;
• sequins;
• pebbles;
• pearls.

When all the components are ready for work, you can proceed to the process itself. Take wooden frame. Mark on it the location of the shells and other decorating trifles. Then use glue to bring the idea to life.

3rd idea: candlestick

One of the most interesting and unusual jewelry handmade are seashells in the role of a candlestick. In order for such an interesting little thing to appear in the house, you will need a large shell, a wick and wax.

The process of preparing such a romantic attribute will not take much time and effort. You need to choose the most big shell. It should be comfortable and stable. Fix the wick in it, fill it with wax, and then let it cool.

Conclusion

Shell decor is a great chance to express yourself. It is pleasant to do it with your own hands, dream up, spend time usefully and with pleasure.

Decorating panels and bottles with your own hands (2 videos)

Seashell decor options (43 photos)

Gloomy days are so tired, more and more often memories of sea holidays are visited ... such thoughts haunt many. And what if you create a marine atmosphere at home? After all, many people bring shells from vacation, which are carefully placed in a box and left to gather dust in the pantry ...

So the shell high point has come, it's time to find a worthy use for them! Today we will look at interesting topic, of course, with photo examples: "Shells in the interior or shell decor."

But this does not mean at all that in all other styles, shell decorations will not look appropriate. They will perfectly complement any interior design, and all thanks to their unobtrusive external design.

Shell decor.

The first on the list was the decoration of the mirror with shells. The mirror frame can be completely covered with different-sized shells or one of the sections can be highlighted with them.

In addition to small wall mirrors, you can decorate a huge mirror with shells, doing everything in the same way, that is, covering the entire frame with shells.

Shells in the interior can also be used for transformation. Sea gifts, you can fasten along the edge of the lampshade or cover it completely. Shell lampshades with a linen or burlap base look great.

Supplemented with shells, they seem to “come to life”, in any case, they will be transformed in the blink of an eye. Shells can be used to highlight the end part or a decorative leg, if any.

You can also decorate with shells the most ordinary ones, which will simply perfectly complement the interior of a kitchen, bedroom or living room. In the decor of the clock, different-sized shells look great.

And of course, one cannot fail to note the photo of the frame, here the flight of fancy is unlimited: the shells can be approximately identical in size, or on the contrary different, they can be painted or left in their natural color, glued around the perimeter of the frame or fixed only on the side, top, bottom, etc. .d.

Large shells can be used to create impromptu vases that look really new, unusual and fresh.

You can also make coasters for hot dishes or napkins for bowls from shells. Such products are best made from shells of the same size and shape.

Small shells can be used to decorate candles, candlesticks, pencil holders, door wreaths, and switches.

Another great solution for using shells is to decorate tables or chests of drawers. It will not be superfluous to note that tables decorated with shells will be appropriate not only in the premises of the house, but also in the garden.

How to make candles from shells (video):

Shell topiary (video):

Shell vase (video):

From which we can conclude that the shells in the interior simply cannot but rejoice, they will remind you of a sea holiday and will help to significantly transform the design of the premises. In addition, the creative process itself, according to the embodiment of the products described above, is very exciting.

Friends, you often send letters with the question “where to buy shells?” Quite often, shells are presented in the departments of everything for creativity, as well as in online stores, here they can be purchased at affordable prices! Happy crafting! Dear readers, do not forget to subscribe to the updates of the site "Comfort in the House", only interesting things await you ahead!

Show hidden content

Keeping shells as a reminder of carefree days on the beach is best in the form of interior items, jewelry and souvenirs. After all, they are such a beautiful, completely free, natural and durable material. In this material you will find 50 inspirational photos, 8 ideas and as many step-by-step master classes for making DIY shell crafts for beginners.

Basic instructions for preparing shells

cleansing

Before you start making crafts from shells, you need to properly prepare them.

• If the shells are “dead” and there are no remains of mollusks left in them, then you just need to soak them in a solution of water and any chlorine-containing agent (for example, with bleach, “Duck”, etc.) in a 1: 1 ratio for 30 minutes. If the shells are very dirty or you want to remove the dark outer layer (periostracum), then soak them longer. After soaking, brush the shells with a brush and rinse in clean water.
• If the shells are "live", that is, they have the remains of mollusks (albeit long dead) and have bad smell they must be thoroughly cleaned. To do this, dip the shells in boiling water for 5 minutes, and then remove the remains of the mollusks with tongs, nail scissors, etc. There is a second way: heat the shells in the microwave for 30 seconds, then try to remove the remains with tongs. If unsuccessful, continue heating the shells in the microwave, checking the result every 10 seconds. Once all the remains have been removed, treat the sinks with chlorine according to the first instruction.

After processing, inspect the shells for chips and, if any, sand them with a sanding block, disc, or sandpaper. If desired, you can give them a shine with clear nail polish or furniture, as well as with oil or fat cream. True, in this case, before processing the shells with glue, the gluing points will have to be additionally degreased with alcohol.

Hole drilling

To make some types of shell crafts (for example, wind chimes, beads, bracelets and other jewelry), you need to drill a hole in them. This task is quite simple, the only difficulty is that the shells can crack or delaminate at the drilling site.

• Therefore, remember the main rule: the thinner the shell, the smaller the hole should be in it and, accordingly, the thread / accessories of the decoration.

There are two ways to make holes in shells - manual and automated.

Method 1. Pick up a drill for a drill, screwdriver or straight grinder with a diameter of 0.8 - 2 mm. Lay the shell on a wooden or plastic board and stick it with masking tape. Drill a hole directly into the tape - it will not allow the shell to split or delaminate.

Method 2. If you do not have a screwdriver or drill, then you can make a hole in the sink with a carnation and a hammer. To do this, first glue the shell with masking tape, put it on inside shell mark, then attach a nail and gently tap it with a hammer a few times to make the initial hole. Next, expand the hole by moving the same nail back and forth inside it until you reach the desired diameter.

If neither a nail nor a hammer was at hand, then use an ordinary needle, nail scissors or a knife and “drill” the hole manually. The result will appear in about 10 minutes.

Idea 1. We encrust frames, frames and frames

Shells can be used to decorate the frame of a mirror, picture or photo frame. We present examples of such crafts in the following selection (scroll the photo to the right).

Today we offer you to decorate a frame for a mirror with shells, but by the same principle you can decorate any photo frame or picture frame.

Materials:

• Shells small, medium and large size and, if desired, additional decorations (eg, starfish, pearls, skate figures, etc.).
• Glue gun and a few sticks of glue or clear epoxy.
• Newspaper or any unnecessary paper to protect the mirror from glue.
• Masking or regular tape.

Instruction:

Step 1. Protect the mirror with paper by securing it with masking tape. At this stage, the frame can be painted if it is original view does not suit you.

Step 2. Sort the shells by size to make it easier to create a future composition.

Step 3. First, glue the first row of small or medium shells (about the same size) around the mirror.

Step 4. Now start gluing the largest shells. Beforehand, you can play with the layout options and choose the best one. If you are using epoxy, then after all the parts are glued, leave the frame to dry overnight.

Idea 2. We make a Valentine panel

From the shell collection different forms and sizes, you can make a panel in the form of a valentine. However, you can cut out any other shape from cardboard / plywood, say, the same seahorse or a letter.

Materials:

• Glue gun or any strong adhesive;
• Collection of river and sea shells;
• Cardboard;
• Scissors;
• Leg-split.

Instruction:

Step 1. Cut out the base for the heart-shaped panel from cardboard.

Step 2. Use a knife or awl to make two holes for the twine.

Step 3. Start gluing the shells, trying to leave minimal gaps between them. Leave the loop holes open.

Step 4. Cut the twine to the desired length, thread the two ends of the rope through the holes from the inside of the panel and tie into double knots.

In the next video, you can see a visual master class on making crafts from shells with your own hands in the form of a valentine panel.

Below are other ideas for creating a panel of shells.

Idea 3. "Write" a picture on canvas

And here is another idea for creating a wall craft from shells.

Materials:

• Canvas on a stretcher;
• Shells;
• Glue gun or other strong adhesive, for example, "Moment";
• Template or stencil of the desired design, printed on paper;
• Acrylic paint for background (optional)
• Brush (optional)

Instruction:

1. If you want to repeat the idea of ​​​​the painting of this master class, then first create a background for the composition of shells. To do this, use a brush and acrylic paint desired color. Wait for the background to dry before moving on to the next step.
2. Fix the template or stencil to the canvas with masking tape, and then trace its outlines with a pencil.
3. Start gluing the shells on the drawing without going beyond its borders.

Idea 4. We cook candles for mini-candlesticks

Shells are almost finished miniature candlesticks that are just waiting to be supplemented with paraffin wax and a wick. You can use the resulting candles for a romantic picnic or just to decorate the interior.

Materials:

1. Sea or large river shells;
2. Small round candles in tin molds;
3. Water and a saucepan for a water bath;
4. PVA glue or Double-sided tape.

Instruction:

Step 1. Remove the candle itself from the tin container, and then remove the wick from it by pulling the metal base at the bottom of the candle (see photo). Set aside the wicks and return the candles to their molds.

Step 2. Glue each wick on double-sided tape or PVA glue in the center of the shell.

Step 3. Now we need to melt the paraffin to a completely liquid state. You can do this in three ways:

1. Bring the water in a saucepan to a boil, then lower the heat so that the water stops boiling, and lower the molds into it.
2. Put the candles on the stove, heated to the minimum heat, and make sure that the paraffin does not burn.
3. Warm up the wax with a hair dryer.

Step 4. As soon as the paraffin is melted, remove the molds from the heat and proceed to filling the shells. It is best to use any tongs or a pair of Chinese sticks for this. Remember to protect the table surface with newspaper beforehand.

• If the shells are already too unstable, and you are afraid that the paraffin will harden unevenly, then it is better to spread the candles into the cells of the egg packaging or fix, for example, with soft plasticine that does not leave marks.

After about 20 minutes, the paraffin will completely harden, and you can enjoy the light of candles from shells.

Idea 5. Making a marine-style topiary

Topiary is a small ornament in the form of a tree in a pot. You can learn the principles of making topiary from shells with your own hands or from the following video lesson.

And in this selection of photos you can get ideas for decorating a topiary from shells with your own hands in a traditional way. round shape or in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Idea 6. We make a flower candlestick

if you have enough shells of bivalve mollusks, then you can make them into the form of flowers.

Today we propose to make just such a craft from mussel shells.

Materials:

• Shells of bivalves;
• Any round base of small diameter;
• Glue gun;
• PVA glue (optional)
• Glitter (optional).

Instruction:

Step 1. Prepare the shells - wash them with soap, remove the remains of organic matter and, if desired, bleach them with chlorine-containing products (see instructions at the beginning of the article).

Step 2: Paint the round base of the candlestick in a neutral color such as white.

Step 3. While the base dries, sort your sink set by size.

Step 4. Start gluing 1 row of shells on the sides of the base with hot glue.

Step 5. When the first row dries a little, start creating the second row, placing each new shell overlapping the previous one and so that it is between the two shells of the first row. As a result, you will have a layout of two rows of shells in a checkerboard pattern, as shown in the photo.

Step 6. Glue the third and all subsequent rows according to the same principle, but not on the base, but on the joints of the shells of the previous row (the place is marked with an arrow in the photo below).

Step 7 When you have glued the last row, inspect the candlestick and add one or two more rows where you think it is needed.

Step 8. Hooray, the shell candle holder is ready! If desired, you can additionally decorate it with sparkles. For this you need to do the following:

• Treat the shells with PVA glue inside or only around the edges.
• Sprinkle glitter generously on the craft, let the glue dry, and then shake off the excess.

Idea 7. Create wind music

Shells are perfect material for the manufacture of wind music, because the "chime" of such sea bells is very pleasant to the ear.

Materials:

• Twine, fishing line or any thread.
• Twig or wooden stick.
• Scissors.
• Hot glue gun or tool for drilling small holes (a drill with a 2 mm drill or just a needle and nail scissors).
• Shells.

Instruction:

Step 1. If you want the shells to be tied to the threads, then first drill holes in them (see photo). basic instruction at the beginning of the article). If you don’t have a tool, and you are satisfied with the adhesive method of fastening, then immediately proceed to the next step.

Step 2. Tie a twine to the branch as shown in the photo, measure about 7 cm from it and cut off the excess.

• If you use shells with holes, then the twine must be cut immediately to the desired length with a margin for knots.

Step 3. Glue the shell to the twine with a drop of hot glue. Then glue another 7 cm string of twine to the other end of the shell. Continue working until you are satisfied with the length of the first row.

• Shells with holes can be tied to a thread in at least two ways: by tying knots around the holes or under them (the knot must be larger than the hole).

Step 4. Continue hanging threads with shells to the desired number. In doing so, you can play with the length of the rows to form, say, an arch or ladder. In this case, the wind chime has alternating short and long strands.

Step 5. When the product is ready, tie another piece of twine at both ends of the branch.

Following the principles of this master class, but replacing the branch with a hoop or adding starfish, beads, feathers and other decor to the shells, you can create more whimsical wind music designs.

Idea 8. Making a cowrie shell bracelet

If you have at least one cowrie shell, then you can make a boho-style bracelet for an arm or leg out of it. You can buy all the accessories for such decoration in needlework stores or in large sewing stores.

Materials:

• One cowrie shell;
• 1 m silk lace;
• Half skein of floss in a contrasting color;
• Beads (in this master class, copper beads from an old bracelet are used);
• A pair of crimp ends with loops (intended for cords and making bracelets);
• Fastener for jewelry (in the form of a ring or carbine);
• Fastener ring (detachable);
• Scissors;
• Pliers.

Instruction:

Step 1. Drill a small hole on both ends of the cowrie (see the basic instructions at the beginning of the article).

Step 2. Cut about 15 cm from the skein of silk cord and set this piece aside for a while.

Step 3 Pass the silk cord about half way through one hole in the shell and tie a knot.

Step 4 Pass the other end of the cord through the middle of the shell and tie a knot at the second hole.

Step 5. Cut a few threads of floss, collect them and fold the resulting bundle around the silk cord next to the shell as shown in the photo.

Step 6. Take a short piece of lace, wrap it tightly around the top of the folded floss, tie a knot and cut off the excess. You will get a brush. Fluff it and trim with scissors if necessary.

Step 7. Start stringing beads on both ends of the bracelet. After the desired length is reached, bend the ends of the cords in half and put the resulting ends into the crimp ends.

Step 8. Use pliers to pinch the ends of the bracelet, and then cut off the excess cord.

Step 9 Using pliers, attach the ring to one end and the clasp to the other. Your shell bracelet is ready!