Teach Me Tuesday: Shell Picture Frame Tutorial

Welcome to Teach Me Tuesday! I spend a lot of time each week reading all of the great DIY tips out there in Blogland. Because there are so many fabulous projects that I can’t wait to try, I figured that it would be fun to feature some of my very favorites here each Tuesday.

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming edition of Teach Me Tuesday, please email me at LivingWithLindsay@gmail.com and we’ll chat!

Today’s edition of Teach Me Tuesday features Kim from Forever…Wherever! Kim’s blog is full of really interesting information from home decor, to cooking, to traveling (I had never heard of Wally-Docking until Kim came into my life!).

Recently, Kim featured an adorable tutorial for making a gorgeous seashell covered frame. I fell in love with this frame as soon as I saw it and knew I had to make one, too. I thought I’d frame a picture of Zack and give it to my parents to keep in their beach house, but I’m kind of thinking that I might be selfish and keep it for myself. I bought tons and tons of shells when I was in Destin, Florida last week, just in case I need to make two.

Kim writes:

These shells were found on the beaches of Captiva, Cayo Costa, and Sanibel.

Living in Florida and boating on a regular basis, we get to go shelling a lot! I love it! It’s one of the most relaxing things in the world…just strolling along the beach with the sun shining down, the waves lapping against the shore, and the birds flying overhead. All the while looking through piles of shells on beautiful white sand. Always looking for one more shell before stopping to turn back to the boat.

Have you noticed all the new shell home decor coming out in the stores? Well, I’m going to show you how to make your own shell frame today! This can all be done at a fraction of the price you would pay in a store, and you are being so creative!! That’s a good thing!

I keep clean shells in boxes so I can start a project with shells without having to wash and dry them. These have a thin coat of clear on them already.

You can purchase shells, but just make sure you get plenty. It takes quite a few shells to make this frame. I always end up using more than I planned on when I started. Good thing I’ve got boxes full!

First, you start with a frame. A large flat surface works best. Remove the glass until you’re finished.

Make sure all your shells are clean. Now, it’s best to find shells of a similar size for the base row. This can be done with all white or whatever shells you have. Just try to keep a uniform look on this part

Use a hot glue gun to secure them to the frame. You could stop right there and call it a day. It’s a nice shell frame already. But to make it extra special, let’s add more.

Start by finding shells to fit in the empty spaces. Don’t glue yet, just move them around until you have about 10 or so in place. Go ahead and glue them down before you knock them off and don’t know where you had them. {That’s never happened to me…I’m just saying.}

It takes time to find a shell to fit just right in each spot. It’s kinda like a puzzle. Keep working on it until you love it! Add one here and there. Then check it from all angles to see what it looks like. When you’re done, you’ll know it!

When you are finished spray it will a clear glaze. {The glaze is thicker and has more of a shine than regular clear spray.} This will bring out all the colors in the shells! It also hides some of the extra glue that you might see. Let it dry. Add a photo!

Not too hard, but it does take a little time. Enjoy creating something beautiful!

Isn’t that a gorgeous frame? I bet it would cost $75 in one of the boutique stores by the beach. I can’t wait to get started making one or two of my own!

Beautiful job, Kim! Thank you so much for sharing this delightful tutorial with us. Please be sure to check out Kim’s blog, Forever…Wherever, to check out more of her great ideas!

P.S. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!