Upcycle Oyster Shell Craft: DIY Decorative Ring Dishes

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The Best Source for Oyster Shells

I love making oyster shell crafts because you can get oyster shells for free. Even if you are not a fan of oysters, you can visit a restaurant serving oysters on the half shell and ask for a takeout box of shells. I am sure you can get all you need for any project.

How To Prepare Oyster Shells For Crafts?

Once you have your shells, you must clean them to remove any oyster residue. I begin by washing the shells and scraping away any oyster meat. Next, I add the shells to a bucket with 1 part Clorox and 1 part water. I allow the oysters to soak for a few hours. Finally, I rinse them and allow them to dry. Once dry, you can begin your projects.

How To Make an Oyster Shell Ring Dish

Making an oyster shell ring dish is easy, and even with limited crafting skills, you can create a decorative dish. The shells come in all shapes and sizes. I recommend using large shells to make a trinket dish. Next, ensure the shell sits level and doesn’t rock. Here are some ways to level and stabilize your oyster shell jewelry dish.

How to Level the Oyster Shell

You may get lucky and find a level shell without making any adjustments. However, most shells have a rocky bottom and may need assistance to create a steady, level jewelry dish.

There are several ways to level the shells. I like to add beads or shells to the bottom.

Place your shell on a table and determine where you need a bead to keep it steady. Then, add a drop of permanent glue, such as E6000, and adhere the bead or shell in place.

How To Make A Natural Oyster Shell Jewelry Dish?

Once you have attached your items to create a level shell, you are ready to decorate it into a stunning shell jewelry dish.

To dress up the shell, you can add a rim of gold around the edges. I recommend covering the bottom of the shell with gold paint or Rub N Buff. I personally like the finish achieved with Rub N Buff, but you can use paint if you prefer.

I add a drop of gold to a disposable brush and paint the rim and back of the shell. Rub off any excess.

For added decoration, I added a pearl to the top rim of the Oyster Shell Ring Dish. I used a pearl button and glued it in place. You can also embellish the dish with additional seashells.

See how quick and easy that was! This natural design will be perfect for any decor style.

How To Make A Napkin Decoupage Oyster Shell Ring Dish?

For our next oyster shell craft idea, let’s make a napkin decoupage oyster shell ring dish. For this one, I used a small seashell to level and create a steady dish.

Begin by painting the back with gold Rub n Buff and the inside with white craft paint. Painting the inside of the shell will ensure the shell color doesn’t distract from the napkin’s design.

How To Apply Napkin Decoupage To Oyster Shell

Separate the napkin layers to add napkin decoupage to your oyster shell craft. Then, cut the decorative layer to approximately the same size as the inside of the shell. Ensure that the paint on the shell’s inside is dry, and then add a coat of Mod Podge. Gently press the napkin onto the Mod Podge to prevent it from tearing. Use your brush to help spread the napkin evenly over the shells inside.

Apply another coat of Mod Podge over the top, and gently press out any bubbles and wrinkles as you go. Remove any excess napkin around the edges and allow it to dry.

Finally, apply the gold Rub n Buff to the top edge of the shell and over the napkin edges.

Stylish Coastal Oyster Shell Trinket Dishes

Once everything is dry, you can add jewelry to your dish.

The small seashell helps balance the oyster shell, but I also love how it adds to the design.

The blue-and-white napkin design works well with the DIY faux wallpaper in our beach cottage bathroom.

Related Articles

Here are some other articles that include oyster shell crafts and coastal DIY projects.

• DIY Cottage Oyster Shell Garland: A Unique Coastal Craft Idea
• Decoupage Oyster Shell Ornaments
• DIY Nautical Mirror from Thrifted Supplies
• Pottery Barn Dupe Candleholders
• 15 Simple Coastal Decor Ideas for Any Home

Resources

Thank you for stopping by today. I look forward to sharing my next adventures with you.