DIY Ornamental Shell Trinket Trays

A couple 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 more.
In my native store at any time when I promote them, I bundle them up in small white packing containers as a result of they make an awesome present.
Three shell shapes work properly for this undertaking: oyster, clam, and scallop. The scallop form is the flattest so I began making my very own (these ones under) to get the dangle 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 under); 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
Extra steered serviette patterns that may look pretty inside shells:
bloom pink / herbs botanical / garden party
blue flower / sea fans / 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 properly 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 totally dry. Paint a layer of decoupage medium like Mod Podge on the within to totally coat the shell with a medium measurement craft paintbrush. Fastidiously 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 heart flippantly together with your fingers, slowly pat the serviette across the edges of the shell shifting from the middle to the surface edges. Take your time so that you just’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 surface 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. Enable the layer to dry for 2 hours, then add second skinny layer of decoupage medium and permit to dry a further two hours.
Step 5: With a skinny tip paintbrush, paint the perimeters 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. Enable the gilding to dry and the shells are executed!
I’ll add a Reel on Instagram to point out the steps begin to end.
Remember Mod Podge is just not 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 excellent for holding earrings and rings too.
Let me know in case you recreate your individual variations, I’d like to see what patterns you select.