Now that spring is here I’m looking for ways to add some color and pizzazz to my garden areas. Over the years I’ve painted a lot of extra-large clam shells and placed them throughout my flower beds. I realize that not everyone enjoys decorative painting and that’s okay. For those of you who don’t…you can use Decoupage to add pretty designs to your seashells.
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All of the seashells that I use for garden yard art measure at least 4″ in width. Surf Clam Shells are the best for this project since they can be found in larger sizes and are heavy enough to not blow away during a storm. Plus…if you spray them with a clear acrylic sealer (I recommend at least 2 coats) you can keep them outside year round.
Decoupage and Painted Seashells for Spring
Aleene’s Decoupage Medium (I like the glossy finish)
Foam Brush (to apply it)
Large Surf Clam Shells
Acrylic Craft Paint (in desired colors)
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towels
Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer (glossy finish)
Paper for Decoupaging
Scissors
Paper Suggestions: Scraps of Gift Wrapping Paper, Designs cut from Magazines and used Gift Bags, Scrapbooking Paper, etc.
Wash and dry your seashells. They need to be clean and thoroughly dry before using them.
Go through your paper scraps and find designs that you like. I cut out some flowers from some gift wrapping scraps that I had saved. The stronger your paper the better. I don’t recommend paper paper napkins, paper towels, newspapers, etc. for this project. Medium weight to heavy weight paper is best when using it for outdoor projects. I like to cut close to the edges. Make sure your paper design lays flat, doesn’t have any wrinkles, etc.
Paint your shells with the desired color of acrylic craft paint. I like the sheen from the metallic colors and I add 2 generous coats of paint. Let them thoroughly dry.
Dip your foam brush into the decoupage medium and apply a thin coat onto your shell. Then place your paper design on top. Make sure it lays flat. Use the foam brush to add a generous coat of decoupage on top…make sure to “iron out” any wrinkles or bubbles. Let dry for 30 minutes and then apply a second coat. Let thoroughly dry.
Take seashells outside and spray them with 1-2 coats of clear acrylic spray sealer. Let dry for 12 hours before using them to decorate.
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I really like these shells. If I can find some larger shells I want to try to make some with or without my grandchildren.
Two things — first you just gave me a great ideal on how to finish a wooden treasure box I was working on for my great niece.
Second – It is always nice to hear when somebody decorates their flower bed/gardens. I used to do that and I would have the strangest cuties in flowers. This is a great ideal and I will be doing it with my great niece on a smaller shell…………. dollar tree :-0
So pretty. I have some pretty designs that I have saved from cards over the years. What a neat way to use them to add some color and fun to the garden.
I like the Spring colors and flowers. We need a little of Springtime’s joys right now because it hasn’t been a great Spring having to stay inside a lot.
I really like these painted shells. They are lovely and so perfect for Spring. A super fun project also to do with my daughter.
Thanks. You can do this same thing (method) onto painted rocks or on ceramic tiles from a home store. We purchased some clearance ceramic tiles for .39 cents each at the Home Store (Lowe’s) and left the kids paint and stuff on those too.
These are so beautiful. What a steady hand you have these flowers are perfect. These are so clever and would also make a great gift idea.