DIY Seashell Craft Ideas

Ah, summer. The time for warm weather and wonderful vacations. If you are planning a vacation to the beach, or if you’re lucky enough to live there, I’ve got a treat for you. If you’ve ever been to the beach you’re bound to have seen your share of seashells.

What to do with all those shells, though. You know you bring home tons just dreaming of the things that you’ll create. I’m going to make it easy for you. I’ve collected fabulous ways that you can put those seashells to good use. Also, check out how you can turn your cheap sunglasses into designer duds.

From home decor like wreaths and candles to jewelry and just about everything in between, there’s definitely something in this collection that’s going to make you want to head out to the beach and grab a few more shells.

Picked up a few seashells during your last beach trip or have a seashell collection you'd like to show off? Here are our ideas for how to use those seashells in beautiful crafts. Add a touch of the salted sea air without all the annoying sand when you learn how to make crafts with seashells. Seashell décor is a pretty way to make your nautical touches come with a side of nature.

These seashell crafts for adults were designed by our readers and are tried and true ways to add a bit of seashell style to your home. Perfect for your bathroom, beach house, or summer home décor DIY craft.

Let’s get started crafting with those shells. Before we’re through, your house will look like it belongs on the beach with the other cottages. We’ll fill it with beach-worthy décor from top to bottom.

Flower pot

Use those seashells to really dress up your spring and summer flowers by attaching them to your flower pots. These particular pots are weathered first, so they have that great beach cottage look, and then adorned with your seashells. These are so easy and you can just imagine how great they’ll look on your porch or inside your home! Do them in different sizes to really dress up your planting.

Clamshell Centerpiece

Turn those seashells into this gorgeous centerpiece that is perfect for gracing the table during the summer months. Not only does this help you to use up those seashells, it’s got a beautiful cyclamen plant in it that brings a bit of the outdoors inside. You just fill a larger clam shell with potting soil and add the plant. Then use the smaller shells for decoration. So easy and yet so beautiful!

Seashell Shadow Boxes

These shadow boxes are not only gorgeous, they’re very easy to create. You can get most of the supplies you need at your local craft store and if you have seashells already on hand then you’re halfway there. Just fill your shadow boxes with shells and add in sand or whatever else you want. Mix up the sizes of your shells to really make them unique.

Beach Treasure Box

The lid of a cardboard mache box is the ideal place to display a few prized specimens. Paint the sides and lid of the box with artist's acrylic paint in a color found on some of the shells, such as the raw sienna shown. After the paint is dry, arrange the shells on the lid, take a digital photo, then remove all shells.

Referring to the photo, glue each shell in place one at a time, largest to smallest. Then plan the design for the box sides, leaving the lid on. To make feet, glue same-size shells to the bottom of the box at the corners.