Think inside the box! Nothing could be easier to assemble than this Seashell Shadow Box - which makes this seashell craft suitable for children as well as adults.
This is also a great way to display seashells collected on your vacation, but if you can't do that, then Assorted Sea Shells by the Pound (shown below, right) might be an option for you.
All you need for this nature craft is a shadow box and seashells. The shadow box pictured here was purchased in a dollar store; it had a plastic flower inside which was removed. Total size of this box is about 5" x 5". Sometimes deep picture frames can be adapted to use as a shadow box - watch for thrift store or garage sale bargains!
Seashell Shadow Box Holder
Craft Instructions:
1. Remove the back of the shadow box and place the box on a table with the glass side down. Beginning at the bottom of the box, begin arranging the seashells. For the best balance, position several larger seashells as the lower layer, with medium sized seashells in the middle and smaller ones at the top.
2. Place the seashells in upside down, so that you're looking at the bottom of them and the fronts will show through the glass.
3. Use smaller shells to fill in any gaps between the larger shells. Gently pick up the box and tip it on a slight angle to force the shells to fall into a natural position. You'll probably find that this creates a gap at the top which should be filled in with more small shells.
4. Preview your shadow box seashell display by carefully holding the box above your head to see through the glass. If the shells are positioned in a pleasing way, replace the cardboard back and fasten in place with the pins or tacks provided.
5. If there is too much gap between the shells and the cardboard, fill the space with quilt batting, fun foam, more cardboard, or other lightweight material that will prevent the shells from moving.
How to make shadow box with sea glass - what do I put in the back of the shadow box to glue the sea glass to? What kind of glue? I have found quite a lot of sea glass. Help - Thank you a lot
Reply to Ruth Muench
kay hoover – kay-hoover@hotmail.com
Oct 27, 2009 - 21:47
i wish you could tell me more to make out of seashells. thank you very much,kay
ashleigh – florida
Jan 07, 2009 - 15:09
does anyone know how to make beach sand stick to the backing of a shadow box to display shells on
Reply to ashleigh
Wendy – england
Jan 07, 2009 - 16:28
I would use sandpaper that a carpenter would use to sand down wood.
Reply to ashleigh
HomeDepot
Jan 14, 2009 - 16:21
You can use an aerosol spray glue on the background, then sprinkle a generous dose of sand.
Reply to ashleigh
Suzanne
Jan 18, 2009 - 20:33
You can use tackey glue, cover and paint the entire background w/ a paintbrush full of the glue, then cover the whole surface w/ sand. Gently press, let dry, then tap off excess. Can apply shells w/ tackey glue too. Works great.
It even holds up to moisture in my bathroom. Hope this helps!
Reply to ashleigh
ms.bennett – wareham
Apr 17, 2009 - 11:40
i would glue and sand let the sand dry then finish your project!!
Reply to ashleigh
kelli
May 29, 2009 - 01:32
You could use the "sand" spray paint from a hardware store... unless you were using specific sand for sentimental reasons. If not, the paint would be an easy, less messy way to go.
To glue actual sand, you could put down a thick layer of craft glue and put a heavy layer of sand on top, then leave it for a day or two till the glue is dried. Then just brush off the sand that didn't stick!
dionne – canada
Jul 14, 2008 - 09:58
this is a cool project and i really liked it!!
i think it will be really fun and it would turn out very nice if it works!!
thank you bye!!
rey – Philippines
Jul 11, 2008 - 04:15
I ask for some sample of your crafts and arts in seashells if you can sent to my email.
thank you very
(shown below, right) might be an option for you.
Seashells by the Pound
