Easy, Inexpensive DIY Seashell Decorations

Would you love to find a simple, budget-friendly craft project that people of all ages will enjoy? You have definitely come to the right place. Check out the simple steps to make these easy, inexpensive DIY Seashell Decorations.

The DIY Seashell Decorations Supplies 

(Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links.  If you click one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission that will help support this blog. Thanks so much. )

1. First, gather up white or light colored shells that you have either collected at the beach (Yeah, FREE!) or purchased in bulk. If straight from the shore, make sure that the shells are rinsed thoroughly and dried. 

Good places to purchase bulk seashells for your DIY seashell decorations include:

Amazon with mixes such as this  White Sea Shells Assortment, Various Sizes,1 Inch to 4 Inch and US Shell, 36 Piece, White Scallop Sea Shells, 4 to 5 Centimeters in Size.

Hobby Lobby and Michael’s are also good choices because you can use their frequent coupons and sales to help reduce the purchase price.  Also, you may wish to consider Etsy.

2. Permanent Markers-The colored fine point Sharpie Permanent Markers work very well for shell decorating. The markers vibrant colors really stand out. The fine tips glide over smooth surfaces and are up to the challenge of ridges and contours that are present on many shells. 
Not necessary by any means, but worth considering to add additional depth and character to your DIY seashell decorations are some Acrylic Paints. Add in some paint brushes, especially fine tipped, and you are in business. 3. Acrylic Spray that you will use to seal up the art on your shells once you have finished putting your decoration on them. Mod Podge makes sealer spray in both matte and gloss. 

Now in case you are thinking, hey wait a minute Sarah, I thought you said that these are inexpensive shell decorations! Why am I having to buy or use from my craft stash several different items? The beauty of this craft project is that your supplies can be used over and over again for multiple types of craft projects. And the price per shell decoration of art supplies used is really low.  

Let’s Get To Seashell Decorating

Once, you have your supplies, all you have to do is get to creating. 

The possibilities are endless and your skill and age level do not matter. The shells will all end of beautiful in their own way because they are your unique creations. Here are some examples that I and some of my friends (Karen, Linda, Bobby, and Pam) created. 

Heart Afloat

With message on the inside 

Show Your Colors

Sailing Away 

A Little Crabby 

Kaleidoscopes 

Stars and Stripes 

Once, you are done decorating your seashells, simply spray acrylic sealant on them and let it dry. Repeat.

With a couple of coats applied , the shells will be good to go for displaying or giving as gifts. Give them to family and friends or leave them at a park, doctor’s office waiting room, etc.. for strangers to find and enjoy.  

For more easy, inexpensive craft ideas check out:

99 Amazing Paper Plate Crafts