Get Inspired with Seashells

A walk on the beach can't help but inspire us to collect shells. This humble collection is a nice reminder of a vacation, but what to do with them isn't always immediately apparent. Their natural colors fit into any decorating scheme and the variety of shapes makes for naturally interesting displays.

A Simple Display
Often, the simplest idea is the nicest. Fill a glass jar with your collection of shells and set it in front of a window. The light will reflect on them and create a delightful display. Or, pile the shells into an interesting basket and set it on a side table. They are always tempting to touch.

Shell Collage
The most ordinary shells can look best when arranged in a collage. Glue them in symmetrical rows on a piece of weathered wood and hang in a hallway or bathroom.

Chiming In

Wind chimes made from shells are a delight to the senses. Each type of shell has its own sound depending on size and shape. It's easy to make because most shells have a hole through which you can string nylon and tie to a piece of wood.

Type Cast Sea glass, stones and dried, whitened bones are interesting when arranged in a type drawer. This is a flat wooden tray divided into small partitions that once held printer's type. These trays can be found at flea markets, second hand shops and through mail order sources. To create a display, glue a found object into each section of the type drawer and hang it on the wall as if it were a framed picture.

Shell Flowers
You can make flowers from cup-like shells. Using tweezers and glue, arrange shell petals on an object such as the top of a box or basket. This is a nice way to decorate a mirror frame in a bathroom. To make a shell flower picture, use seaweed and sea grasses for your flower stems and compose a picture on heavy colored paper. Add a frame and hang with picture wire.

Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.

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