Written by Mermaid Olivia
There are many different ways to decorate seashells. One of the most popular way is by painting them, but lots of people take their artistic efforts one step further and try decoupage.
Decoupage is a way of decorating something by applying tissue paper onto an object (e.g. a box or bottle), and adding glue or varnish to seal it. The finished product typically has a three dimensional look and feel to it, and can turn even the simplest things into something impressive.
In this article, you will find 12 great ideas how to decorate seashells for a stunning effect. Ready? Dive in!
Handpainted Shells Idea #1: Chinoiserie Decoupage Shells
One of the most popular ways to decorate clam and oyster shells, is by giving them a chinoiserie design. To achieve this, you will need to buy chinoiserie wrapping paper or napkins, and fix them to your shell with watery glue and laquer. Simple yet elegant!
Handpainted Shells Idea #2: Gilded Decoupage Shells
This idea, isn’t much different from the one above; only that, you use different type of wrapping paper and napkins for the decoupage, and you also cover the external part of the shell with golden paint. Easy!
Handpainted Shells Idea #3: Handpainted Shells
This is yet another idea that can require wrapping paper or napkins, but if you’re artistic, you can paint flowers by yourself. These remind me of late summer months that are filled with much sunshine.
Handpainted Shells Idea #4: Newspaper Decoupage Shells
This idea, is quite creative and has a cool vintage look; make sure though that you use some interesting text; nobody would want to pick your decorated shell and realize, it was decorated with a leaflet from the dentist’s office!
Handpainted Shells Idea #5: Gilded Map Decoupage Shells
Whoever invented this, was a genius. It’s hard to ignore this type of seashell art. By the way, if you were wondering, where you can find the map of Santa Ana – tiny coastal town where the action of “Mermaid Princess Amelia and the Lost Symphony” takes place – it’s here.
Handpainted Shells Idea #6: Gilded Ocean Depth Shells
These are absolutely stunning! They remind me of ocean views captured by planes or drones flying in the air. You must admit that the blue one, looks particularly effective, almost like there’s a real ocean cave inside of the oyster shell. Fantastic!
Handpainted Shells Idea #7: Gilded Flower Shells
Here comes yet another variant of decoupage shells, this time, adorned with flowery wrapping paper (or napkin). But look at how smart the artist was: the chrysanthemum (or marigold) flower on the lowest shell looks like a sea urchin.
Handpainted Shells Idea #8: Gilded Antique Shells
These would be all the rage on a mermaid wedding; but they may not be that simple to make. As you can see, many have gilded decorations pasted to the top. It may be difficult to find such ones, so you will want to make a good online research before choosing to recreate these.
Handpainted Shells Idea #9: Gilded Plant Study Shells
This idea looks great for a biology classroom project about fossils! On one hand, you’ve got shells that can survive for centuries, and on other – ferns and other antique plants.
Handpainted Shells Idea #10: Gilded Baroque Painting Shell
Here comes yet another clam shell artwork; I see here decoupage paper, laquer, a golden market, lots of superglue, and an old hairpin. I hope that this brief analysis makes this craft easier to make. By the way, Edith Dvali from “Mermaid Princess Amelia and the Lost Symphony,” would probably love it!
Handpainted Shells Idea #11: Gilded City Drawing Shell
This one looks more like some fantasy window to a cartoon world. Interesting, but not very mermaidy.
Handpainted Shells Idea #12: Gilded Blue Ink Shells
And this one, looks like a continuation of the previous idea; it makes me think of chinoiserie, though, mostly because of the blue ink. I think that these, are also made with the decoupage method, but the person used their own drawings on some sort paper, rather than ready napkins. I like the effect, it has a cool winter look.
As you can see, you can use different materials to give shells your own unique look. Whether you choose paint or wrapping paper and glue, you can create something spectacular – and keep your children, or students, entertained and away from electronical devices.
Related Articles:
- Mermaid Scrapbook (DIY Mermaid Craft Ideas For Girls Who Love Sea Decor)
- Personalized Message in the Botttle (DIY Mermaid Craft Ideas For Girls Who Love Sea Decor)
- Why did the Fibonacci Spiral become a symbol of the “Mermaid Princess Amelia” fantasy series?
- 5 simple sea-related decor ideas to give your apartment a mermaid look
- How to prepare a mermaid gift basket, and what to put inside? Mermaid gift basket inspirations and ideas
Grab your copy of “Mermaid Princess Amelia and the Lost Symphony” here…
English: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T6BJ6RG
Spanish: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Z8GK1JX
Italian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0953PN3Y7
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