Easy Seashell Ornament

If you’re lucky enough to get a beach vacation this year (or are just dreaming of your favorite ocean view, like I am!), here’s a simple way to use some of the shells you picked up to create your own souvenir! We’re going to create an Easy Seashell Ornament that you can use for Christmas, Christmas in July, or to display in your home year round. Ready? Let’s get started.

You’ll need:

plastic ornament (mine are 60 mm, but you can use any size you prefer)

5-10 seashells, small to medium size

sand (bring some home, or you can purchase craft sand)

twine or thin ribbon

scissors

cardstock

tag punch (optional), your choice of shape and size

marker (I used a Sakura ultra-fine gold paint marker)

 

Making Your Ornament

Step 1: Fill the ornament with sand and 5-10 shells.

I like to choose shells with a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Fill one half of the ornament with the sand and shells, then snap the other half on to close it. Gently shake the ornament from side to side and the sand will sift to the bottom, allowing the shells to rise to the top.

Step 2: (optional) Create a tag.

I used a tag punch and white cardstock to create a small scalloped tag. You can use any size/shape punch you have, or simply cut a shape using scissors. Then, I used Faux Calligraphy to write the name of the beach on the tag in gold marker. You could also write the year or anything else you like. (For tips on how to do super-easy Faux Calligraphy, check out this post.)

Step 3: Attach the tag using twine and create a hanger.

I like the natural look of twine with the sand and shells, but you could also use a thin ribbon or cord. I threaded it through the tag and the top of the ornament, then tied a knot to keep the tag in place. Then, I trimmed the twine to the length I wanted the hanger and tied another knot at the top.

That’s all there is to it! This Easy Seashell Ornament is a great way to use some of those shells you find on your favorite beach and create an inexpensive souvenir that will remind you of your trip for years to come.

What about you? What is your favorite vacation destination? We are just dreaming of ours this year, but hope to be able to visit it again before too long.