Distinctive Gifts and Party Decor Made from Seashells

After winter storms the beaches are lined with large shells, tossed about on the high seas, sending hard-to-find shell varieties right up to the shore. Because they are deposited during higher-than-normal tides, they tend to get stuck in the rocks, or partially buried beneath the wet sand, unable to wash back out to sea.

So the best time to go seashell hunting is right after a heavy storm. Just make sure you bring a large bag or tote to place them in, remembering that the shells you will be collecting after the storms have passed, are larger than normal.

Organizing Shells for Gift Crafts

Rinse the sand off the shells when you get home and allow them to dry before crafting. If you would like your shells to appear as colorful as when wet, spray dry shells lightly with a coat or two of clear spray gloss (optional).

Organize shells in old muffin tins or size-compatible containers, by same-type shells and by similar colors. Using this preparation method you will be able to create beautiful seashell crafted gifts and projects quickly.

Personalized Beach-Showcase Gifts

Better Homes and Gardens online features "Easy Seashell Crafts" with delightful "Beach Memory Jars" personalized for gift-giving, or as shadow boxes to showcase on the wall, as in "Framed Shells" or a "Glass-Topped Table". Try making an elegant, yet all-natural "Beach Treasure Box" to hold treasures inside and out, or a mobile, to use those shells with natural holes, as in "Hanging Shell Wall Art".

Outdoor Shell Gift Projects & Party Decor

FineCraftGuild.com offers a free tutorial for crafting their exquisite "Bed Sheets with Shell Print" gifting craft, which could also be used to make a seashell-print, summer-party tablecloth design. Seashell tea-lights create soft summer-night party lighting, using instructions for a "Seashell Candle" by Kaity's Craft Corner for Kids.

For casual summer party table décor, try your skill at seashell painting, as in "Patriotic Sea Shells Craft" from FreeKidsCrafts.com. Be sure to include painted shells from the shell-print party tablecloth above, and combined with the patriotic shells, will festively decorate your summer party tabletops.

After the party allow your guests to take these homemade seashell-treasure gifts and mementos back home with them. I guarantee they will begin collecting shells for you and your future projects.