Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Decorating with Shells – An Oyster Shell Ball Tutorial


One of my favorite activities when I visit the beach is shell hunting. For years I have been slowly adding to my collection and using my treasures in my home.


They are scattered about in almost every room and serve as a reminder of the many fun vacations my family has enjoyed over the years.


This summer I decided to collect shells which I had previously ignored – oyster shells.

I have seen lots of different decorative uses for these shells and decided to try my hand at creating a simple shell ball.


It was an easy process requiring only shells, hot glue and a Styrofoam ball.


I began my project by grouping the shells by size.  By using shells of nearly the same size, I figured I would increase my odds of ending up with something round.


Beginning in the middle of the Styrofoam ball, I simply applied hot glue and stuck/pressed the shell into to Styrofoam through the glue before it hardened.  I worked in a single row around the circumference of the ball before beginning the next row.


The entire project took about twenty minutes and when I was finished I had a decorative reminder of another great summer of fun!

Do you use shells as decorative accessories in your home?  If so I would love to know how you display your beach finds.


28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your shells look fabulous!!I love them in all the jars.

Kathy

The Country Nest said...

What a great idea, I have mine in jars and on a white platter with candles. Love what you did.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

The shell ball looks great! I have just one shell, and it sits on a pile of books....

Laura Trevey said...

I am such a fan of seashells and collecting them ~ love this post!!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

What a cute idea for oyster shells. They are all over the place here and now I know what to do with them.

hugs
Sissie

Southern Sisters said...

I love it!!! Love decorating with shells

Carrie

judi said...

i'm with you when it comes to shell hunting. i don't what it is but it's hard NOT to collect them, no matter how many i already have!
i also use them in my decor. they are usually piled into containers like aqua canning jars, piled around pillar candles on a tray, or scattered about on the mantel or guest bedroom. i love the ocean & beach so this is also my way of bringing it home with me.
on our last beach vacation in april i actually collected some oyster shells, so now i will have to try this unique idea of yours. love the way it turned out.
judi

Meagan said...

This is such a fabulous idea! I have collected SO many shells over the years and never know what do with them all, but I can't ever get rid of any of them.

Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} said...

Clever idea and the result looks lovely in your tablescape!

Completely Coastal said...

I love the oyster ball! Only find oysters every once in a while though. Don't have enough yet to make something.

Anonymous said...

What a genius of an idea! It looks gorgeous!

Visiting from The Shabby Creek Cottage. Your blog is beautiful, as is your home. :)

Tami said...

Love shells, the gray colored oyster shells are one of my favorites to collect. Visiting via The Shabby Creek Cottage.

Blessings,
Tami

designchic said...

I love it - so pretty and unique...one of my favorite accessories in my house is a giant clamshell!!

{hooked on hickory} said...

omg that seed cabinet!!! drooling!

ashley

{darlene} @ fieldstonehill said...

I am not a huge shell girl, but I LOVE this project!! Way to go, Stacy!!! It looks so chic!

Upscale Downhome said...

Love the oyster shell creation...never seen it. Very cool!

SHERRY HART said...

Love that ball. Just came across a bag of oyster shells at a flea market and bought it. Might have to try the ball!

Kellie Collis said...

These are lovely! Those shells in jars are pretty. Enjoy the week ahead, Kellie xx

Holly Lefevre said...

LOVE this idea...it looks perfect! I have tons of those balls...I should do that. Beautiful (did you enter this at The DIY Club...Styrofoam is one of our sponsors!)

flip flop and fancy free said...

just found your blog, and love it! question on the oyster ball...do you glue all the around, the entire ball, or do you leave some of it undone?

Red Door Home said...

Thanks for the question. I worked in sections - applying a strip of hot glue about 3 inches long and then pressing the ends of the shells into the styrofoam ball through the glue.

Tery H said...

I loved your oyster ball so much I made one myself.
Thanks for being so inspirational!

Unknown said...

This is amazing! I have so many shells, now I know what to do with them! I love all your tutorials, I'm so glad I found you1 :) Michelle

Unknown said...

How did u get the shells so clean and white? I love the oyster shell ball. Am going to buy a glue gun and attempt.

Unknown said...

I love the oyster shell ball. One question, how did you get the shells white? I'm going to buy a glue gun and attempt this.

Unknown said...

Just found you, (where have I been ?). Love your oyster shell ball. Have decorated for years with seashells as I live near the beach in Hawaii, but never tried the ruffily look like your ball. Have always tried to keep them circular. Will try my hand at your design. Mahalo plenty for sharing. Aloha

Unknown said...

How did you clean your shells?

Unknown said...

How did you clean your shells?

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