Seashell crafts sometimes have a bad reputation for looking tacky or resembling something you’d find in a gift shop. But done right they can be a really stylish and unique addition to your interior design. I love collecting shells during long walks on the beach and have been making shells for years. I’m always looking for ways to transform my shell collection into something beautiful and unexpected.
In this post I share all of my own seashell craft ideas, each with detailed instructions so you can recreate them yourself. Whether you’re a beach bum with jars full of seashells or you just picked some up on your last vacation, these projects will give you plenty of inspiration. If you don’t have the luxury of living near a beach, don’t worry because online or at craft stores you can easily find inexpensive bags of shells to start your project with.
(And if crafting isn’t your thing, I’ve also listed stores where you can purchase similar seashell crafts. But of course it’s much more rewarding and affordable to make them yourself!
Shell tassels
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One of my favorite ways to display shells is with these boho shell tassels, inspired by similar Bali-style objects I saw a few years ago. I used my collected black scallop, snail and mussel shells from the Jersey Shore, but any shell works wonderfully. All you need is jute twine, a Dremel for drilling holes, your shells, and some patience. Hang them on doorknobs, curtain rods or furniture hardware for an instant nautical touch.
I have made 4 different shell tassels so far as you can see below. The fifth shell tassel on the right is actually one of the shell tassels Pottery Barn currently sells.
Mussel flowers (mussel shell)
This is one of my most unique seashell craft ideas. By layering mussel shells on a wooden skewer, you can create a flower that looks exactly like a protea bloom. This tutorial of mine shows a great way to use conch shells that are often overlooked in crafting. Place them in a vase or stick them in the sand for a beach flower arrangement.
DIY seashell candles
These seashell candles are one of the easiest seashell crafts you can make. All you have to do is repurpose cheap tea lights by reusing the tea light wick and melting the tea light wax. The result is a variety of beautiful small candles that you can place around the table or wherever you like in your home or for events.
Snail shell bracelet
Who says seashell crafts are just for home? I have a large collection of Jersey Shore snail shells and wanted to use them too. This unique DIY snail shell bracelet uses my little snail shells and becomes a beautiful piece of jewelry that keeps a little piece of the beach with me.
Best of all, you can also use land snail shells, which are just as pretty. It’s a surprisingly easy project that also makes a great gift.
DIY starfish ornaments
You can find starfish as well as shells on beach walks, which is why I couldn’t leave them out of this overview. These DIY starfish ornaments only require three materials and are one of the easiest coastal crafts you can make. They are perfect for a beach themed Christmas tree.
You might also like my Macrame Starfish, a seashell-free beach craft project.
If you love the beach aesthetic as much as I do, then you should also check out my various macrame projects that have the boho beach decor touch.
Bye,
