How to Make Seashell Jewelry With a Dremel

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Things You'll Need

  • Dremel

  • Small bit

  • Seashells

  • Vise

  • Container

  • Water

  • Mask

  • Jewelry clasp

  • Fishing line

  • Beads

Image Credit: Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Instead of paying high prices for beautiful seashell jewelry, make your own by using a dremel. A dremel allows you to use small drill bits to make holes in intricate materials such as stones, seashells and various craft projects that require a specialized drill. Drilling these small holes will require patience and practice, but learning how to use this tool will be worth the investment. Once you master creating the holes in the seashells, you can create jewelry to give as gifts to friends or family.

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Step 1

Place the smallest drill bit size on the dremel.

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Step 2

Secure the seashell in a vise to ensure that it does not move. Make sure that the top of the shell faces you. This will make any splintering of the shell only apparent on the backside.

Step 3

Fill a container with water. If you use diamond points, you will need to dip the drill bit in water to cool it down. The water also comes in handy to wash the debris off the shell.

Step 4

Wear a mask to prevent breathing in any harmful dust. Hold the drill upright. If you hold it at an angle, the hole will not be straight.

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Step 5

Press down firmly on the shell to prevent the drill bit from slipping. Be careful not to press down too firmly or you can cause the drill to fail or the seashell to crack.

Step 6

Drill the hole slowly. You do not want to make the hole in one drilling session. Simply press the drill bit firmly against the shell, and drill for three to five seconds.

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Step 7

Take a small break to allow the bit to cool off and drill again. Once you come close to finishing the hole, flip the seashell over and complete your hole. This prevents the shell from cracking.

Step 8

Add the clasp to the end of fishing line. Once the clasp is in place, begin stringing on the seashells. Place colorful jewelry beads on the fishing line to create customized jewelry.

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Step 9

Place the final clasp on the end of the fishing line once you reach the desired length for a bracelet or necklace. Cut off any excess string.

Tip

Practice drilling holes in scrap shells first to ensure that you know how to make a hole properly.

Make seashells earrings by placing the seashells through earring hooks.

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