12+ Things to Do With Seashells (get your coastal craft on this weekend!)

Hey there, beachcombers and craft enthusiasts! If you’ve ever taken a stroll along the sandy shores, chances are you’ve encountered the delightful treasures of the sea: seashells! These tiny, intricate gifts from the ocean have a magical way of captivating our imaginations and sparking creativity.

Today we’re diving into the wonderful world of seashell crafts, where the possibilities are as vast as the ocean itself. Whether you’re a seasoned shell collector or simply looking for a fun way to bring a touch of the beach into your home, we’ve got you covered with these fantastic ideas for things to do with seashells!

But before we jump into the crafting fun, it’s essential to mention a little beach etiquette. While collecting seashells can be a delightful pastime, it’s crucial to check whether you’re allowed to gather them from the beaches you visit at home or on vacation. Some areas have regulations in place to protect the local ecosystem, so always be mindful of the environment and follow any rules or guidelines set by local authorities. If you can’t collect shells from your local beach you can always pick them up at your local craft store.

Now that we’ve got that important bit covered, let’s shell-abrate the beauty of these natural wonders and get crafty with some seashells!

Get Crafty: Things You Can Make with Seashells

Here are ten ideas for things people can make with seashells:

1. Decorative Shell Frame: Create a beautiful picture frame by hot-gluing various seashells onto a plain frame. This can add a coastal touch to any room.
2. Shell Jewelry: Use small seashells to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or anklets. You can drill small holes in the shells to thread them onto jewelry wire or string.
3. Seashell Wind Chimes: String together a variety of seashells using fishing line or twine and hang them from a piece of driftwood or a metal hoop. As the wind blows, the shells will create soothing sounds.
4. Seashell Candle Holder: Glue seashells onto a glass candle holder or container, leaving space for the candle to sit safely. When lit, the candle will cast a beautiful glow through the shells.
5. Seashell Mobile: Create a hanging mobile by attaching seashells to strings of varying lengths, then hang them from a wooden hoop or branch. Hang the mobile near a window or in a breezy spot for a calming visual display.
6. Seashell Coasters: Glue flat seashells onto cork coasters to create unique and decorative coasters for drinks. Seal them with a waterproof sealant for durability.
7. Seashell Magnets: Glue small magnets onto the backs of seashells to create charming magnets for your fridge or magnetic board.
8. Seashell Mosaic Art: Break larger seashells into smaller pieces and use them to create mosaic designs on surfaces like picture frames, trays, or tabletops.
9. Seashell Potpourri: Mix dried flowers, herbs, and small seashells in a decorative bowl to create fragrant potpourri. Add essential oils for an extra burst of scent.
10. Seashell Garden Markers: Label your garden plants by writing their names on large seashells using waterproof markers or paint. Place the shells in the soil next to each plant for a whimsical touch.

Got kids? Check out our collection of fun seashell crafts for kids.

More Seashell Craft Ideas – with Pictures!

Keep scrolling for more seashell inspo from some talented crafters, and click on the links to go check out the full tutorials.

These Sharpie seashells are so beautiful, and they’re so fun to make! Relax and enjoy this unique form of seashell painting.

Kids headed back to school can savor a piece of summer by latching one of these DIY seashell keychains onto their backpacks.

Is it good to keep sea shells at home?

Keeping sea shells at home can be a wonderful way to bring a touch of the beach into your living space. Not only do they add a natural and aesthetic appeal, but they can also serve as beautiful keepsakes or decorative pieces. You will want to clean and preserve them to maintain their beauty and remove gunk and unwanted smells.

How do you clean seashells without ruining them?

Watch this video to find out the safest way to clean your seashells without ruining them:

These nautical-inspired DIY seashell paperclips are adorable.

If you have dreams of being a mer-princess, this beautiful seashell mermaid crown craft is for you!

Is it OK to collect seashells?

You need to check the rules for the country or state that the beach is in because in some places it is illegal to remove natural matter, included seashells from a beach and can lead to a hefty fine.

If you are safe to collect shells on your beach check out this guide to Ethical Seashell Collecting to find out how to collect them in the safest way.

Watch the video to see how easy it is to make resin coasters with seashells

Celebrate Christmas in July by making this stunning DIY seashell Christmas tree display

How to put a hole into a shell with NO drilling! Watch the video to see how to make easy Seashell holes 🐚

What kinds of shells are good to use for craft projects?

When it comes to choosing shells for craft projects, the possibilities are nearly endless, but some types are particularly well-suited for various crafts due to their size, shape, and durability. Here are some examples:

1. Scallops: Scalloped shells have a distinctive ridged edge and come in various sizes. They’re excellent for crafting because of their uniform shape and relatively flat surface, making them perfect for gluing onto surfaces like frames or coasters with a hot glue gun.
2. Conch Shells: Conch shells are large, sturdy shells with a smooth, rounded shape. They can be used for a variety of crafts, including wind chimes and candle holders.
3. Clam Shells: Clam shells come in various sizes and shapes, with some having a smooth, oval appearance and others being more elongated. They’re versatile for crafting and can be used for jewelry making, mosaic art, or as decorative accents.
4. Cowrie Shells: Cowrie shells are small, smooth, and usually egg-shaped with a glossy surface. They’re popular for jewelry making and can also be used to embellish photo frames, mirrors, or even clothing and accessories.
5. Oyster Shells: Oyster shells are flat and oval-shaped with a rough, textured surface. They’re ideal for crafting coasters, garden markers, or as natural serving dishes for small appetizers or snacks.
6. Turret Shells: Turret shells have a unique spiral shape with pointed ends. They can be used to create eye-catching jewelry pieces or as decorative accents in mosaic art and shell crafts.
7. Sand Dollars: While technically not shells, sand dollars are often used in shell crafting due to their flat, round shape and delicate appearance. They’re perfect for decorating a seashell wreath, creating Christmas ornaments, or as embellishments in shadow boxes and frames.
8. Murex Shells: Murex shells are known for their intricate spiky or ridged exteriors. They add a touch of texture and visual interest to crafts like wind chimes, mobiles, or mosaic art.

These are just a few examples of the many types of shells that can be used for craft projects. Ultimately, the best shells for your project will depend on your creative vision and the specific aesthetic you’re aiming to achieve. Feel free to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and textures to bring your shell crafting ideas to life!

Beach-themed succulent planters are a cheap & easy way to bring the trendy chic coastal style into your home. 

These would make great centerpieces for a coastal themed wedding too!

Make these DIY coastal bookends with seashells on them. All you need is scraps of wood, seashells and seashell stencil.

This DIY seashell bracelet is such a fun charm bracelet is super simple and the perfect accessory for those beach days.

Watch the video to learn how to make DIY Gilded Seashell Candles

You’re going to love making an oyster shell candle holder! It’s a beautiful addition your home decor.

Find out how to make DIY seashell ornaments with found seashells, tissue paper, napkins and decoupage medium.

Creative things to do with seashells! From stunning home decor to exquisite jewelry, dive into the endless world of crafts! Let your imagination run wild and bring the beach vibes to your creations. Get inspired today! 🐚✨ #SeashellCrafts #CraftersParadise