DIY Ornamental Shell Trinket Trays

A number of months in the past I ordered decoupage shell trinket trays from a wholesale vendor and ended up promoting a dozen in a short time in my native store. Individuals are drawn to them for his or her natural form with the gilded edges and fairly patterns inside.

They take weeks to switch through a wholesale vendor as a result of they’re handmade so I believed I’d merely make them myself any longer.

In my native store at any time when I promote them, I bundle them up in small white containers as a result of they make an awesome present.

Three shell shapes work nicely for this undertaking: oyster, clam, and scallop. The scallop form is the flattest so I began making my very own (these ones beneath) to get the cling of it. Subsequent I’ll transfer to the extra curvaceous clam and oyster shells like those I’ve been promoting in my store.

To recreate this undertaking listed below are the provides you’ll want: 1) shells 4-6” in measurement (see sources beneath); 2) decoupage medium like Mod Podge; 3) patterned paper napkins; 4) gilding paint, I used this one within the brass shade; 5) medium and skinny tip paintbrushes; 6) craft scissors.

I had some leftover patterned paper napkins from this vase undertaking, so I ordered two extra packages of napkins for this spherical.

napkins I used:

caspari cocktail / flower & butterfly

pink blooms/ ditsy floral

Extra advised serviette patterns that will look pretty inside shells:

bloom pink / herbs botanical / backyard occasion

blue flower / sea followers / rifle floral

Listed below are the three shell shapes for reference for if you wish to make a few of your individual and must order provides:

I used the shells on the left for this undertaking, however the bigger lion’s paw would work nicely too.

4-5 inch white scallop / 5-6 inch lion’s paw scallop

The steps are easy, first spherical up your provides then get began!

Step One: Clear shells and permit them to completely dry. Paint a layer of decoupage medium like Mod Podge on the within to completely coat the shell with a medium measurement craft paintbrush. Rigorously separate a paper serviette (they’re both 2 or 3 ply) and utilizing solely the patterned piece, layer it gently on prime of the decoupage medium.

Step Two: Urgent down within the middle calmly together with your fingers, slowly pat the serviette across the edges of the shell transferring from the middle to the skin edges. Take your time so that you simply’re cautious to not tear the paper serviette.

Step Three: As soon as the within of the shell is totally coated, use scissors to trim the skin edges of the shell to take away any extra serviette. Trim as near the shell’s edge as potential.

Step 4: Add a skinny layer of decoupage medium to the highest of the shell on prime of the patterned serviette with a medium measurement craft paintbrush. Permit the layer to dry for 2 hours, then add second skinny layer of decoupage medium and permit to dry an extra two hours.

Step 5: With a skinny tip paintbrush, paint the sides of the shells with a gold or silver edge. Watch out to not paint the sting too thick or the gilding will drip into the shell. Apply two THIN coats, being cautious to permit the gilding paint to dry slightly as you make your manner across the shell, this avoids drips. Permit the gilding to dry and the shells are carried out!

I’ll add a Reel on Instagram to indicate the steps begin to end.

Remember Mod Podge isn’t labeled as meals secure so I wouldn’t ever serve any meals that’s liquid, chilly, or heat in these shells, however slightly little bit of unfastened sea salt does make a cute presentation.

They’re good for holding earrings and rings too.

Let me know if you happen to recreate your individual variations, I’d like to see what patterns you select.