DIY Seashell Decor: 2 Easy Crafts for a Boho Beach Look
In short: with a few seashells picked up on the beach, you can easily make pretty seaside decorative objects. Two simple, trendy DIYs: shell candles for a cosy mood, and a driftwood and shell wall hanging to dress a wall. Either way, remember to clean the shells thoroughly before you start.
The essentials
| DIY | Key materials | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Shell candles | Hollow shells, tea lights, saucepan, bowl | Very easy |
| Wall hanging | Driftwood, rope, drilled shells, scissors | Easy |
| Common step | Clean the shells (sand, iodine smell) | Essential |
Shell candles for a cosy atmosphere
Shell candles are made by melting the wax of tea lights inside hollow shells.
Sun-kissed beaches, shells and crustaceans... summer is almost here! What could be more relaxing than a long walk by the sea to pick up pretty shells? If you love cosy atmospheres, you will adore shell candles: the ideal decorative object to create a warm mood with a real seaside spirit.
What you need:
- Hollow shells, ideally
- Tea lights (one per shell)
- A lighter or matches
- A saucepan and a bowl
Step 1 - Clean the shells. This step is important to remove the sand and the iodine smell. If you do not want to keep their natural look, customise them with paint: metallic tones (gold, silver) for a chic decor, or pastel tones for a Scandinavian feel.
Step 2 - Melt the wax. Separate the wax from the wick of the tea light (light it for a few minutes if needed to loosen them). Then melt the wax in a water bath: place the bowl containing the wax in a saucepan of boiling water. To scent it, add a few drops of essential oil; for a funky version, dare to add glitter and dye.
Step 3 - Pour the wax. Place the wick and its base in the centre of the shell, then carefully pour in the melted wax without drowning the wick. Let it cool, and there you have a trendy, handmade seaside decorative object!
A driftwood and shell wall hanging
The wall hanging is made of drilled shells, hung on cords from a piece of driftwood.
Shells are no longer simple holiday souvenirs: they have become real decorative objects. Here is how to make a modern, trendy wall hanging that will take your walls to the ocean shore.
What you need:
- A piece of driftwood
- Rope and a spool of cord
- Shells of the same size (about ten)
- Scissors and a drill (small bit)
Step 1 - Prepare the support. Tie a rope on each side of the driftwood so you can hang it; adjust the length before cutting.
Step 2 - Clean and drill the shells. Clean them to remove sand and impurities. If they do not have a natural hole, drill them gently with a small bit to avoid crumbling them.
Step 3 - Hang the shells. Cut one piece of cord per shell, thread it through the hole and knot the end. Then tie each cord with its shell to the driftwood.
To follow the trend, slip a few artificial succulents or a little greenery under the cords. And there you have a beautiful handmade wall decoration!
Extend the seaside mood
Frequently asked questions
How do you clean shells picked up on the beach?
Rinse them to remove the sand, then leave them to soak to get rid of the iodine smell. Dry them well before using or painting them.
How do you make a candle in a shell?
Melt the wax of a tea light in a water bath, place the wick in the centre of a hollow shell, then pour in the melted wax without drowning the wick. Let it cool.
How do you drill a shell without breaking it?
Use a drill with a small bit and drill gently, without forcing, to avoid crumbling the shell.
Can you paint shells?
Yes. For a chic decor, choose metallic tones (gold, silver); for a Scandinavian feel, prefer pastel shades.
Are these DIYs suitable for children?
Yes, they are ideal creative activities for the family. The steps with hot wax or the drill should, however, be done by an adult.
