Shellcraft-Guides Sea Shell Arts and Crafts

Seashell Craft with Shark and Dolphin

2012-01-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

Seashell Craft Sculpture - Front

In the depths, near the bottom of the reef, a shark glides through the clear waters. Always on the move, the shark does not stop except to check out whether something is a threat or is something that can be eaten.

BEWARE! This shark can nibble the tip of your finger right off.

So on it goes, endlessly swimming along the reef in search of that which catches its eye and fills its tummy.

Above a dolphin plays on the surface of the sea. It has already caught it's prey and eaten its fill of fish. With the grace and agility that is a hallmark of its species, it rises into the air. It's tail beats the surface into a froth as it balances for a long look around before falling back into the ocean deaths. Perhaps it goes to look for a playmate - the shark you think?

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This seashell craft is built on an oval wood base on which a cherry stain was applied. A shark and a dolphin are the primary focus of this seashell project. In the background are the seashells that form the reef and the "sea".

A green fish peeks out from a crevice in the reef. Seashells of snails and mulusks are scattered here and there across the reef and the sandy sea bottom. Finally there is a pearl in there, under or behind the shark.

See the article Seashell Craft Shark and Dolphin Sculpture 6 for information on how I made it.

Candleholder with Dolphins

2012-01-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

Dolphins playfully swim around a bit of pink coral as seaweed sways to the ocean's currents. A small reef fish keeps an eye on their antics, ready to flee into the nearest crevice if they approach.

Nearby sits a pearl which was discarded when it's host was gobbled up by a hungry predator. The seashells and the pearl have joined the other non-eatable discards that litter the ocean floor near this small reef.

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This candleholder is used for the burning of tea lights. The dolphins are the main attraction with a pearl added as a point of interest. The glass is covered in seashells that help create a pattern and sand which mutes the candles light, giving it a soft glow.

Follow this Article Link to see how it was crafted: Candleholder with Dolphins

Candle Holder Seashell Project

2011-12-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

Seashells and Sand can be crafted into pretty holders for your votive and tea light candles.

In this seashell craft a scallop seashell is the main attraction. In front, a red fish with yellow stripes swims by hugging the bottom while keeping an eye out for a bit of food to nibble on.

Sea snails slowly work their way along the seabed also gathering up some sustenance. They travel in circles around this seashell project.

Behind the scallop sea shell sits a glass votive candle holder with a tea light inside it. Light the candle and watch the seashell craft light up. The scallop gives the illusion of a setting sun.

Read the project article here and use your seashells to make a shellcraft of your own.

For more How To articles see the articles index page.

Aquarium Shellcraft

2011-11-29T17:17:00.001-08:00

Fish over Reef

This shellcraft features a gold fish with blue and purple highlights slowly swimming near a bit of pink coral. Behind it a sea fan spreads it's branches into the waters.

Below and to the fore of this seashell art, a smaller yellow fish with red stripes and light blue fins eye a scallop. Perhaps the small fish is looking for a chance at the delectable meat hiding inside the shells.

Seashells and coral can be found here and there on the seafloor near this coral reef art.

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A lucky find of an old buy led to this pretty little dry aquarium. The hex glass container contained a Chinese cork sculpture that fell apart over time (not to mention accidental drops of the work). Eventually the cork pagoda and crane sculpture was nothing more than small pieces of loose cork lying on the bottom.

I was able to pry off the top without damaging the bamboo frame or breaking the glass. I used an Exacto knife to carefully cut along the edge to separate the bottom from the enclosure. Now I had two usable parts - a hex glass enclosure and a mirrored base.

Gathering some seashells, coral pieces, a bit of sea fan, a glass fish and a fish sculpture I sat down to design a shellcraft on the base. I put the design on the base and glued everything in place. For the last step I applied glue around the bottom edge of the hex frame and placed it back on the base.

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For some in depth shellcraft project ideas try the Articles link page.

Dolphins and Sea Turtle Sculpture

2011-07-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dolphins jump out of the water showing off their strength and agility while having a bit of fun. Their tails agitate the water's surface creating wavelets that swirl around them and then collapse - returning into the ocean - only to be agitated again and again.

Below them, much closer to the bottom along the reef's edge, a sea turtle calmly swims along ignoring the boisterours dolphins on the surface.

Keeping an eye on the both the dolphins above and the sea floor below, the sea turtle continues on its underwater journey. Perhaps it is looking for a bit of food, something edible to fill it's tummy with.

Maybe the sea turtle is looking for a cleaning station - a place where small fish hang out waiting for larger animals to come by and remove algae and parasites.

Where ever it is headed, may it keep safe and live to breed and continue its species

Opposite of the sea turtle, a lost pearl has found a home in the dead half of a scallop seashell. The seashell appears to have remained after the occupant was removed from its abode, perhaps becoming a meal for a hungry octopus. The other half of the seashell disappeared into the surrounding sands never to be seen again.

A small shellcraft sculpture showing one of many possible arrangements that can be made with seashells, glue, and miniature animal figures.

Angelo the shellcrafter

Seashell Craft Candleholder Project 4

2011-06-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

A small red crab hides from predators under a seashell that is leaning over a lost glass. Scallops and other shelled critters have attached themselves to the sand encrusted glass. They hang from the glass and feed on the plankton and other bits of organic materials that the ocean's currents bring by.

Where did the glass come from? Perhaps it fell off a boat or a cruise ship. It could have drifted for miles before sinking under the waves and falling to the seafloor.

There it has slowly been incorporated by the ocean. First sand, then various mollusks attached themselves or left their seashells behind.

Some coral pieces, broken off from the main reef, were moved by currents and fish until they fell near the glass cup. Now they are part of the reef in the making.

The crab moved in looking for a place to live. A couple of small fish also moved in, looking for a safe place to live, until a small reef - the mini of the mini - was formed.

Read all about making your own Seashell Craft Candleholder by following this link.

the shellcrafter

CD Craft Project 2

2011-05-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Make your own cd craft from unwanted compact discs and DVDs. Re-purpose them into beautiful works of art. These two photos show one possibility- seashell arts and crafts.

Inspired by circles, the design for this cd craft goes round and round - each circle using a different item:

Clam seashells, Dove seashells, rhinestones (blue on one side - purple on the other), and faux pearls (that would be false or fake pearls although there is nothing stopping you from using real pearls if you want).

In the center a larger clam seashell. On the blue side one that is black with a few white stripes. On the purple side a dark brown also with interesting patterns.

A mixture of natural and man-made, just like our world is today - especially the beach areas and waterways.

Make your own by following the instructions on the shellcrafter article:

CDCraft with Seashells – Project 2

Seashell Craft on Compact Disc - Project 1

2011-05-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

Large seashells are surrounded by smaller seashells on this seashell craft. An unwanted compact disc serves as the canvas for this bit of art.

Both sides of the CD are used on this compact disc craft. The pattern on both sides as fairly close to being the same. When hanging from the ceiling, any air currents (from air conditioning or ceiling fans) will cause the disc to slowly spin.
Take a look at how I put this seashell craft together by visiting the How To article.

Seashell Craft on CD - Proj 1

Seashell Craft Tea Light Candle Holder - Project 3

2011-04-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Seashell Craft shown with a lit tea light in the candle holder

Anchor your boat at a secluded island overlooking a near shore reef as the sun lowers itself thoughout the afternoon.

Explore the tiny island and then wade out into the surrounding reef. Admire all the parts that of this secluded paradise.

Broken seashells provide protection and homes to crabs and fish. A pearl sits on the sand waiting to be picked up after the oyster it belonged helped another reef denison, perhaps an octopus, to survive by becoming its meal.

A sandy bottom holds many secrets within the tumble of seashells and coral. What secrets can you unveil as you lanquidly stroll among over the sand?

Seashell Craft with lit tea light in candle holder after dark

The sun gives off one last burst of light in this tropical sky as twilight engulfs the island and its palm trees. Return to the island before the sharks come out to play and hunt in the reef.

Nap on the island or return to your boat and relax. Enjoy a cold beer out of your iced cooler. Have a bite to eat. Soon the stars will be visible in their infinite profusion and the moon will light your way for it is twilight and the sun is due to go away.

If you would like to know how this pretty seashell craft was assembled follow this link:

Project 3 - Seashell Craft Candleholder

Palm Tree Tea Light Candleholder Seashell Craft

2011-04-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

An island treat, sitting under the Palms while watching the waves a drink in hand. Seashells and coral scattered on the sand just waiting for you to get up and do a bit of beachcombing. Waves coming up the beach then down again - the rhythm lulling you to relax. Ahh..... Paradise.

A crab scurries along the beach intent on exploring the nooks and crannies created by the items tossed on the beach. It stops by a piece of coral and nibbles on something it found on the sand.

A whole little world can be created by seashell crafts. Read How this one was crafted here: Project 1 - Palm Tree and Crab

Dolphins & Pelican - Seashell Crafts Project

2011-04-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

Seashell crafts can be used to remember actual events. This one was inspired by a weekend trip to Vero Beach. We went to a local restaurant which was on the shore of the Indian River. This was near the mouth of the river where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean so the water is brackish (mix of salt and fresh waters).

Being on the water, the restaurant (whose name I cannot remember) had a couple of piers for boats to tie up to. While we waited for lunch to be served a couple of pelicans landed on the out most pier posts and hung around. They spent some time looking us over and some checking out the water.

About 15 minutes later dolphins arrived. There were 5 to 10 of them in the pod. They swam within viewing distance of the lunch crowd which got them a lot of “oohs” and “aahs.” Even the locals, like the restaurant staff, enjoyed the view although one would think that they would be used to seeing dolphin swim by.

The dolphins hung around for a few minutes. Some of them jumped out of the water, and others did the “tail dance lift” – where they lift their bodies out of the water. We, the pelicans and the humans, watched their antics until they stopped and continued on their journey. It was quite a show.

This sculpture, of swimming Dolphins and an attentive Pelican was inspired by that incident. If you would like to know the steps taken to build this seashell craft just follow this link: Dolphins & Pelican.

Seashell Craft Plaque with Red Crab

2011-03-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

This seashell craft is made to be added to your favorite wall. It features a small red crab near a piece of coral walking across the seafloor in search of her next meal. In a corner sits a pretty in purple scallop seashell. The frame has a variety of clam seashells found while beachcombing on the shore of Pompano Beach. That's where the whip looking thing, and the tube seashell where also found.

If you'd like to know how I put all this together, read my article at:

Seafloor Plaque with Red Crab

Let me know what you think. Leave a comment ( here or at the article).

Angelo the Shellcrafter

A Seashell Magnet Craft Angel with a Marblehead

2011-03-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

Another pretty little Angel magnet craft using a marble for the Angel's head instead of a cowrie seashell. Like most of my magnet crafts, this one uses a flat magnet. The magnet for this one was bought at the local Office Depot store. Hey, I ran out of free ones to recycle.

The full instructions for this seashell magnet are at: Marblehead Angel Magnet

Angelo the shellcrafter

Fish over Reef 1

2011-03-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

This shellcrafter sculpture captures a tiny scene on a reef. A fish gently swims by intent on its own purposes. Although the fish and the coral it rests on are artificial the seashells and sand are nature's own.

This is just another example of a shellcrafter shellcraft project. The fish figure and the bluish coral that holds it up I found in a gift shop. The wooden base was bought a craft store. The seashells and sand I picked up while beachcombing although there are seashell stores that will sell you craft seashells by the pound. You can probably use craft sand in place of the beach sand.

Here's the link on how I did it:

Fish over Reef

Take and look and see if it can help you do a similar project.

Angelo the shellcrafter

Cowrie Head Angel Magnet "How To" Published

2011-02-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

Now you can make your own Cowrie Head Angel Magnet. This magnet craft features seashells and rhinestones designed to represent an angel. Detailed instructions for this shellcraft are now available at:

Angel Magnet

So take a look, try it out, and leave your comments.

Wall Plaque

2010-03-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

A small red crab wanders a seascape of seashells and sand, slowly walking up and over the shells in its way. It stops near a small sea whip and gazes across a line of curving seashells at a small round globe sitting near a bit of coral.

The marble, for that is what it is, has found a resting place on the seafloor depicted on this wooden plaque. Perhaps a little boy or girl lost it while playing with it on a boat. Perhaps it was thrown overboard by someone who stepped on it. Or someone just decided to toss it to the seas. Does it matter? Not really.

The small red crab has found it and now, instead of a plaything, it is a sea treasure. This treasure will facinate the little crab and any other sea creature that stumbles upon it. A treasure to savor and then leave as found on the sea floor.

Cat at Beach Keepsake Box

2010-03-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

This green eyed kitty has joined the beach crowd. It has found a home among the seashells and sand of the local beach.

The kitty looks out from its beach home over the water. Perhaps it is watching the waves as they break and crawl up the shore. Or maybe kitty is keeping an eye on the shore birds as they flit up and down the beach.

She could be protecting the treasures hidden within the keepsake box she is sitting on. Who knows what has been placed within.

Learn how I made this seashell craft by visiting: Tan Cat Wood Box Project

Flower Pattern CD Shell Craft

2010-02-21T03:35:00.000-08:00

Flowers, with their colorful and delicate petals, enhance many a garden. They can brighten up our homes for a time, when brought indoors and arranged in vases.

This flower on this disc can only mimic those that naturally grow around us. The beauty is in the pattern and use of seashells and sand to bring a beach flower into your home.

A simple yet elegant design perfect for that bare corner of your room.

Clams & Scallops on a Candle Jar

2010-01-24T07:20:00.000-08:00

Clam and scallop seashells can be used to make an ordinary recycled candle jar into a bit of shell craft art. Purplish scallop seashells are surrounded by clam shell halves. A ring of clam seashells goes around the candle jar near the bottom. An anchor for the design.

A tealight in a clear glass votive candle holder, placed inside the candle jar art, adds the glow of the flame to the design.

No animals were harmed while executing the design of this candle jar. Clam and scallop seashells are common beach finds while beachcombing the sands of the Eastern coast of Florida. The seashells are usually cleaned well by sea and sand, some polished up real nice. A coat of polyurethane helps bring out colors and offers protection for the design.

the shellcrafter

Owls at the Beach - a beach sculpture

2010-01-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

This beach sculpture depicts a pair of owls living on a beach. They have found a home on an unspoiled corner of sand. From their perches on a dead and sand scaped tree, they view their domain. Although not visible to our eyes, a large patch of sea oats and other beach plants extends along the beach. The small animals that live in there include beach rats and mice - a nice steady supply of meals for the owls.

A red crab scampers near a fallen branch. Its claws lifted in a defensive position, it backs itself under the branch, although it is doubtful that the owls would be interested in a crab dinner. Behind the branch are some isolated bits of greenery, surviving on as best they can in this land of wind, sand, and salt.

A frozen tableau, on a bit of unspoiled beach not too far from the civilization we call home.

How to Article available at: Owls on Tree

Butterfly Fridge Magnet Seashell Art

2010-01-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

Butterflies are free! This old saying is, of course, not quite true. Wild butterflies are free to flutter about, eat, breed, and die on Natures dime. They provide shimmering beauty to many a meadow and back yard during the warmer months of the year. Kids, dogs and cats still chase after them enjoying their breathless prettiness.

Butterflies are also now captive. They are being bred in various places and displayed live for human entertainment. They are kept in enclosed places where we can enjoy them year round. They are also captured in photos, drawings, and in seashell arts and crafts.

Here is a fridge magnet design that shows a butterfly composed of seashells and rhinestones. This is a beach butterfly, lying in the sand resting before continuing on its journey.

Except that now it has been captured and made into a fridge magnet, there to provide a pretty decorative piece for a long time.

How To article available here: Seashell Butterfly Magnet

Candle Holder Reef with Red Crab

2009-12-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

A small red crab hides amoung seashells and coral on this candle holder. It peers at the world wondering just how safe it would be for it to scurry out and grab the pearl for its treasure chest.

Swimming nearby is a blue fish with a hungry look about it. The fish keeps itself hidden among another group of seashells on the candle holder. It eyes the small red crab, keeping it in sight. If it comes out perhaps the blue fish can make a meal of it and satisfy its hunger.

Such is life on a reef. Although to human eyes the color and the variety of life, make the reef one of our favorite places, in reality it is a place not only of life but also of death. All the beings of the reef are looking for their next meal, and that meal is usually one of thier neighbors.

Read the How It Was Crafted article here:
Project 2 - Crab and Fish

Unicorns on a Puerto Rican Beach Sculpture

2009-12-26T05:14:00.000-08:00

A unicorn and her colt rest peacefully on a secluded bit of beach on the island of Puerto Rico. What could be more appropriate for the Enchanted Island than these magical beings. With the water of the Caribbean lapping the shore nearby, they lay down and enhance their mother and child bond.

The islands famous icon - el Coqui (the tiny frog) - sits nearby. Lured down from its normal habitat in the trees by the presence of the Unicorns. It sings to them of the mysteries it has seen while looking down from its home on high.

This beach sculpture is set on a small (3 inch) round wood base. The wood has been stained darkly to better show off the design. A largish scallop seashell sits behind the unicorns representing the setting of the sun. A Puerto Rican flag flies from a pole just in front of the scallop. Sand and seashells complete the "beach" of this shellcraft beach sculpture.

Read this beach art article to find out how it was made.

Stars on a CD Craft

2009-12-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

Stars come in lots of sizes from somewhat small to extra large. The star on this CD craft would be extremely small and would in all probability not exist in real life. Then again this representation won't turn you into a crispy critter either.

The center of the star is a regular, washed up on the beach and scoured clean, clam seashell. The arms are a different type of clam seashell, which have ridges that provide a bit of texture. These have all been found on the beach during beachcombing expeditions.

The rhinestones add a bit of color and sparkle. The design runs on both sides. If a bit of air makes it spin while it hangs, you can still see a star.

This CD craft was made from a CD that refused to play the music recorded on it. It was warned more than once to play or be crafted. Perhaps it was tired of spinning round and round because it ignored the warning and ended up as a CD craft.

Shellcrafter

Candle Jar Craft - Coquina Flowers

2009-12-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

Flowers are the way many plants use to help them keep their species from extinction. Their attraction is legendary. Beautiful to look at, putting out a pleasant scent (well most of them) and attractive in our homes and gardens. Here are some flowers you can enjoy that will not wilt and pass away.

Coquina seashells form the petals of each flower. They have a natural shine and lots of colors and patterns. In the center or eye of each flower rests a rhinestone. Each flower is sitting on it's own bit of beach, forming disconnected flower islands around the candle jar craft. The flower on the jar lid follows the same pattern is made the using the same materials and pattern.

Pretty little scallop seashells add their own unique shapes and colors. They enhance the design on their own little islands of sand.

In this photo, I've added a tealight candle inside its own glass holder (so the wax doesn't mess up the candle jar craft). See how great it looks with the light shining out of the jar? You can also use it for storage.

the shellcrafter