Sea shell shadowbox
July 27th, 2007 by CandaceHi, I’m Gina. As do many others, I have always loved the beach. Growing up in Minnesota, though, there are few opportunities to be in the ocean, so I guess I tried to take advantage of all of mine by bringing the beach home with me. Thus I have accumulated a lot of shells, beach rocks, coral, and other beachy finds from various trips, some with sentimental value. For example, one of the rocks I used in the project was from the spot on a rocky beach in New Zealand where my husband proposed.
There are lots of ways to display shells – on countertops, in bowls, etc. But I wanted a way to look at the special ones all at once without them taking up too much space or requiring much dusting. So I decided to create a seashell shadow box.
To begin, you need your collection of shells, your trusty glue gun, and a shadow box. Mine has a lovely dark wood frame and a neutral linen background that mimics sand:
Next, you lay your shells in a pleasing pattern. You could go with a more random arrangement if you like, but I preferred to arrange them so that I could balance shape, color, and size:
Then you glue! Most of mine were light enough not to require much glue, but obviously rocks or large, heavy shells will need more. Make sure when you’re gluing (and when you lay everything out) that your shells all fit when the lid is closed. One of mine (the large on in the bottom right corner) was oddly shaped and would only balance on one edge, so I paid attention to that while gluing to ensure I glued the correct edge.
I love the finished product! I had tons of shells left over, but I liked keeping some space between the shells. I think a tighter arrangement could also be lovely, though.
Here are close-ups of the shells and the linen background of the shadow box:
So have fun with your shells! I’m sure everyone has a collection of sorts that would fit nicely into a shadow box, even if it isn’t seashells.
July 27th, 2007 at 2:56 am
This is such a great idea! I will have to remember this next time we are at the beach!
July 27th, 2007 at 4:15 am
That looks great! I made a shell shadowbox for my parents using the shells we collected on our last family vacation and here’s an extra tip I found: wipe your shells down with mineral oil. Even when dry it leaves the shells shiny…almost like they were when you first picked them up.
July 28th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Oh, how very charming! Terrific idea.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Very simple and elegant. Can’t wait to get to the beach to get some shells.
November 26th, 2007 at 9:59 am
I just got back from Sanibel Island, FL, and wanted to make a display of my shells. Thank you for the lovely directions and the idea of the linen background. Your box is beautiful.
July 14th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
this is a graet idea i love it thats what io needed 4 my room.thanks 4 the great idea u had and i love ur box
October 5th, 2008 at 6:47 am
this is an awsome idea but it would be cool to add some sand to it
October 28th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
do u happen to make these for sale?
January 13th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Hi there – years later – wondering if you’ve found the hot glue to hold up to time? I’m just about to create several shadow boxes, but wanted to see how you liked having used the hot glue… I don’t want my shells to crash down in a year!
thanks!
Jennifer
October 10th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
[...] Çok güzel bir tablo olmuş, fonda kumaş kullanılmış ama bence biraz kumda yapıştırılabilirdi, hem daha hoş dururdu diye düşünüyorum. Evde birikmiş bir sürü kabuğum var ilk fırsatta deneyeceğim. Linki işte burada [...]
January 27th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Just what I was looking for! Nice work and it gives me just enough to get started.
May 3rd, 2011 at 11:17 pm
Hey man, was just browsing through the internet looking for some information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject.eczema treatment
May 11th, 2011 at 12:01 am
*This is our happiest time, we such thought. We treasure all of these.christian louboutin outlet.Travel gives us a worthy and improving pleasure pleasure^Rosetta Stone Spanish.
May 11th, 2011 at 6:24 am
Excellent & remarkable post! I have been visiting various blogs for my Thesis writing help. I have found your blog to be quite useful. Keep updating your blog with valuable information……. Regards