How to Make a Sea Shell Picture Frame

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Things You'll Need

  • Picture frame

  • Sandpaper

  • Sand

  • Small sea shells

  • Pebbles or tiny shells

  • Contact cement

  • Spray craft glue

  • Craft sealer

Make a Sea Shell Picture Frame

Recycle an old picture frame or make one out of some scrap wood. Then turn that lifeless frame into a work of art with sea shells. This project is not hard to make but is beautiful and will complement any nautical or beach type decor. You can use shells that you have collected or you can buy them at a craft store. Either way, in about an hour or two you will have a wonderful picture frame that looks like you bought it at a specialty store. Make extras because they make great gifts.

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Step 1

Take the back off the frame and remove the glass. If you are using an already made frame you should sand the surface to rough it up a little. This way the sand and shells will adhere better.

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Step 2

Spray on glue and cover it in sand. Make sure you get the top and side edges, too. Let it dry for about 20 minutes and repeat to make sure you have a good coating of sand. Let it dry for at least a half hour.

Step 3

Glue on pebbles or tiny shells. You can customize your frame at this point by covering the entire frame or just part of it. You can go down one side, do exactly half or go on an angle. Do whatever way you like best or matches the rest of your decor.

Step 4

Glue on the shells over the pebbles. Use a contact cement that will not dry out and dries fast. The shells are heavy and will slip from where you put them if you use a slow drying glue. Put your frame back together with a picture in it.

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