DIY Decorative Shell Trays

These decorative shells can be easily made at home and serve as practical trays for jewelry, keys, or USB sticks. They can also function as elegant salt and pepper dishes on a well-set table.

Using water-soluble adhesives like Decopatch or Mod Podge creates a glossy finish, giving the impression that the shell’s interior is made of porcelain. Various decorative materials, such as tissue paper, napkins, or custom printed patterns on copier paper, can be used to achieve desired designs.

Materials

• Patterned paper
• White paint
• Water-soluble adhesive (e.g., Decopatch or Mod Podge)
• Scissors
• Brush

How to Create Decorative Shell Trays

Step 1: Clean and Paint the Shells

Thoroughly wash and dry the shells. If dark spots remain on the interior surface, it is beneficial to paint the entire inner area with white acrylic paint before applying adhesive. This is particularly important when using tissue paper or napkins, as dark areas might otherwise show through. If using printed patterns on regular copier paper, pre-painting may not be essential.

Step 2: Cut the Patterned Paper

Cut out the desired motif from the paper using scissors. Ensure the cut-out is slightly larger than the shell’s interior. It is advisable to initially cut a larger piece, place it in the shell to assess the fit, and then trim it more precisely.

Step 3: Carefully Glue the Paper into the Shell

Once the white paint has dried, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the shell’s interior surface using a brush. For thicker paper, the back of the paper can also be coated with adhesive to make it more pliable and easier to adhere to the shell’s curved surface. This step is typically unnecessary for tissue paper or napkins. Using the brush and adhesive, carefully press the paper onto the shell, starting from the center and working outwards. Tissue paper or napkins are more prone to tearing but generally adhere without wrinkles. Copier paper is more durable but requires more effort to avoid wrinkles during application.

Step 4: Trim Excess Paper and Decorate the Rim

While the paper is still wet, the excess edge can be gently torn or trimmed. Alternatively, the paper can be trimmed slightly short of the shell’s edge with scissors, leaving a small border. For an added decorative touch, the outer rim of the shell can be painted with acrylic colors such as gold, silver, or blue.