Decoupage shells are such a pretty way to transform plain seashells into colourful little treasures! With decorative napkins and a bit of Mod Podge, ordinary shells become beautiful coastal decor pieces. They look great in a shadow box, or you can use them as tiny trinket dishes!
This easy seashell craft is a fun way to use beach finds or shells saved from your vacation, and each decoupage seashell turns out a little different. Choose napkins with colours and patterns you love, then mix and match details to create a whole collection of pretty shells. They’re lovely for displaying on a shelf, holding small jewelry, or simply adding a handmade beachy touch to your home.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our website and allows us to keep creating fun, free content.
How to Make Decoupage Shells
Equipment:
See the craft in action:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Cut a piece of napkin and prepare the shell
- Peel off the top patterned layer of the napkin. You’ll only be using this single ply when decoupaging.
- Then cut the napkin so it’s just a bit bigger than your seashell.
- Optional: Decide what part of the shell you’re going to decoupage and add a white base coat of paint to that part of the shell (the inside or the outside).This is important for darker or patchy looking shells so the napkin pattern shows nicely.
Step 3: Decoupage the seashell
- Once the paint is dry, use a brush to apply a thin coat of Mod Podge.
- Set the napkin on top of the Mod Podge and press it down gently.
- Use your paintbrush to really adhere the napkin to the shell. Brush gently and try to keep the napkin as smooth as possible.
- Add more Mod Podge on your brush and smooth down the napkin at the edge of the shell.
- Once the napkin is nicely stuck down you can rip off the excess around the edge.Another option is to wait for the Mod Podge to dry and then use a nail file to smooth out the napkin at the edge of the shell.
- If you’ve ripped off the napkin use your brush to make sure the edge of the napkin is nicely smoothed down. Allow to dry.
Step 4: Add a gold border
- Paint a line of gold acrylic paint around the edge of the shell. Allow to dry.
- Your decoupage shell is complete!
- Have fun making decoupage shells in all different patterns and colours!
Helpful Tips:
- You can also use a gold paint marker to create a clean line around the edge of the shell. This is a great option if you’re not comfortable using a fine-tipped paintbrush, or if you want a neater metallic border.
- Use matte Mod Podge for a flatter, more subtle finish, or gloss Mod Podge if you want your decoupage shells to shine. Either option works well, so it all depends on the style you prefer.
- For a cleaner finish, try cutting out smaller patterns or sections from the napkin and placing them exactly where you want them on the shell. This can be easier than covering the whole shell with one large napkin piece, helping to reduce folds, wrinkles, and extra texture.
What type of shells work best for decoupage?
Scallop shells and oyster shells both work well for decoupage. Look for shells that have a larger, flatter surface where you can apply the napkin, along with a slightly concave shape if you want to use them as trinket dishes.
Shells with a shallow bowl shape are especially useful for holding jewelry, coins, keys, or other small items. Avoid shells that are too bumpy or deeply ridged, since it’s harder to smooth the napkin over this type of surface.
Where can I find napkins for making decoupage shells?
The dollar store is a great place to check first, especially if you want an inexpensive option. Home goods stores often have pretty seasonal or decorative napkins with more pattern choices available.
You can also find napkins online that are made specifically for decoupage. These come in lots of different colours and designs, so they’re a good option if you’re looking for a specific style.
How can I use my decoupage shells?
Decoupage shells make beautiful little trinket dishes or catch-all dishes for small items like rings, earrings, coins, and keys. They’re also pretty as decorative accents on a shelf, nightstand, or dresser.
You can add them to a centerpiece, place them in a candle holder or mason jar, or glue them into a shadow box frame for coastal-inspired wall art. It’s a lovely way to display seashells while giving them a colourful handmade look.
These decoupage shells are such a simple way to give seashells a colourful, handmade makeover. The napkin designs add so much detail, and you don’t need any drawing or painting skills to make them look beautiful!
Use these decorated seashells as trinket dishes, display them with your summer decor, or turn them into a pretty keepsake from a beach trip. They’re easy to customize with different napkins and shell shapes, so every finished piece has its own unique coastal charm.
Here’s even more seashell craft ideas:
Now available
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
Leave a Reply