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I’m a collector of many things and one of those things is shells. I can’t resist picking up shells when we are visiting British Columbia. Over the years I’ve collected so many in different shapes, sizes and varieties. Usually they are just stored in a basket on the deck. But after awhile even the basket gets full and you can’t appreciate the shells. This year I decided to make a shell wreath out of them.
The first task was to sort the shells in different types and sizes. I’ve got mussels, scallops, clams, periwinkles, hornshells, mudflat snails, limpets, oysters and more. Then came the part of gluing them onto a wreath form. The wreath forms came from Dollarama and were 3 sizes for for $4.00
It was just like doing a jig saw puzzle in trying to fit them together. Starting with one or two of the larger ones glued into place I then started fitting and gluing the others into place.
Sometimes they overlapped and sometimes they butted up against each other. It wasn’t the type of project that you could put them in place and then step back and take a look and think that one shell would look better some place else. They had to be glued into place as I worked my way around the wreath form.
Once all the main shells were in place it was time to hold it up and look to see what parts of the wreath showed through and then it was time to fill in the spaces. Sometimes it didn’t matter if the shell was cracked or a bit broken as it could be fit under another shell.
I had so much fun making the large shell wreath I also made a medium sized one and I have enough shells left over to make a small one.
Now I just need to decide where to hang the wreath. I know the middle sized one is going to be a gift, for someone who loves shells. I’ve been trying them out on one of the cupboard doors where you can notice the difference in size.
Shells have been used to create other crafty projects for the home and garden. A couple of years ago I turned some of the big shells I had collected into shell candles. This was a fun project to make.
I also have a shell dangler handing in the garden. (others are here) This was made several years ago, and not from BC shells but shells collected from other places. Here it is on a snowy day in the garden along with some other winter whimsy.
I did cheat a little bit and bought a mixed container of smaller shells from the dollar store to use to fill in the small spaces. I made sure I bought shells that looked like they were found on the beaches of BC and not exotic looking shells that obviously come from tropical climates. On our next trip I’ll be finding shells to replenish my collection.
I’ve made many different types of wreaths over the years. How about you … do you make wreaths?
Wreath making:
- bumbershoot wreath
- button wreath
- cork wreath
- heart wreath
- hosepipe wreath
- little wreaths
- mini wreath
- pinecone wreath
- rake wreath
- shell wreath
- wire wreath
Some other shell crafts:
Daniel LaFrance
Very nice! I thought to myself she should nest one into the other to create one single big one… then again, it might look too busy. lol
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
I did think of that idea Daniel and tried out a few but it just didn’t look right with all the other shells. Perhaps I can use the technique in another project. Hope you are getting out and about to do some photographing this weekend.
Jackie
I love the shell creations. I have a large collections of shells I’ve gathered over the years and am interested in making some shell danglers. I saved a picture of your danglers as a reference
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
I have all sorts of danglers in the garden …. wire & marble, old cd’s, shells, plastic canvas ones. I added a link to some of the other ones I make. Good luck making your shell dangler. Thanks for visiting today.
Myrtle
Awesome job done making the 3 different sizes of shell wreaths Linda.
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
Thanks Myrt. It started out sunny today but has clouded over as the day went on. Hope you had a good weekend.
Jennifer Jilks
You are crafty!
Maggie
Love these shell wreaths whoever receives one as a gift is one lucky person. I think I might be inspired to start bringing shells back from our Sunday walks at the beach but it might take me quite a while to gather together enough of them.
Happy Mosaic Monday.
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
It took me a few trips to gather the shells I wanted. I used up lots of them so now need another trip to replenish what I used. Have a great weekend.
Snap
Love your shell wreath and so nice of you to give us a lesson on how you did it! I don’t think I have enough shells!!!!!!!!!! Happy Monday!
Julie Cartwright
Oh these look super Linda very effective, I have not made something with shells for a long time I used to love doing this.
Lavender Dreamer
You know I love and collect shells too…and sea glass. I haven’t done a shell project in awhile but you are making me want to make a wreath. When you are thrift store shopping, keep your eye out for a big oval mirror. I have one with shells glued around the edges and have it on my coffee table. Looks like something you would like too! Hugs!
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
That sure does sound like a project I would love to do, and now I have a reason to visit thrift stores again ?, as if I need a reason. Thanks for the idea Diane.
Sylvia D.
Linda, It was nice to see summery wreaths while we sit in the depths of cold weather. Thanks for the break. Have a great week. Sylvia D.
Stewart M
We had a lot of fun in the last week making shell patterns on the beach. But the tides always take them away – which I suppose is part of the joy of doing it!
Cheers – Stewart M – (back in) Melbourne
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
I imagine you find some lovely shells in Australia Stewart. Thanks for stopping by. My latest bird post was about eagles, https://craftygardener.ca/spotting-eagles/, if you missed it.
Teresa
That’s so pretty! And a great idea too. I have literally buckets of shells in the garage, so I need to try to make a wreath too. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
Margie
Very cool! The last wreath that I made was over 20 years ago and was made of pinecones.
Angie
Whenever I work with glue, I seem to have challenges. I suppose you were using a hot glue gun? The end product is exquisite – well done. I have never made a wreath …
Lorrie
I haven’t made a wreath for awhile now. Your shell wreath is beautiful and will make a lovely gift for someone.
Michelle
Very creative! You have a lovely shell collection, and now wreath. Thanks for linking up to Creative Compulsions.