Shell Art

Collect lots of different shells from the beach, big and some small. Give them a good wash in warm water, to get rid of the dirt and sand, then you can get started making your piece.

You can make a necklace or bracelet; decorate a picture frame or a box of some sort.

To Make Jewellery

• You need to ask an adult to help you pierce holes in each shell.
  
  
• Make the holes in the middle of the shells; use a small flat head screwdriver to scrape away shell to
  make the holes.
  
  
• The hole should be big enough to fit some string or cotton.
  
  
• Tie a large knot in your string or thread so when you put the shells on they do not fall off the end. Leave a long threat on the knot so you will be able to ties it up when you have finished.
  
  
• When you have a hole in the shells your using, push the string through it.
  
  
• When you have enough shells on tie a large knot at the end to stop them falling off this end as well.
  
  
• You can now tie both ends together to make your bracelet or necklace.

Decorating a picture frame with shells

• Firstly you need an old photo frame or you could make your own. Try to do it with flat wood that
  shells will stick to.
  
  
• Find the best shells and put them on the frame without glue first to see if they fit.
  
  
• When you are happy add PVA glue around the edges of the shells and place them carefully on the frame.
  
  
• Leave them to set for 1 hour or more.
  
  
• You can try sticking shells on, try plant pots or other clay bowls as well.