Decoupage and Painted Seashells for Spring Decorating

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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