As promised in Wednesday’s post I am writing today about how to make some simple crafts from a few beach finds. If you like these two ideas and are searching for some more inspiration check out my previous post which I linked above!First off, this is a super simple piece that would be ideal for a dinner party, lunch, or happy hour.

 it is quick to put together, functions as a statement piece and can be dissembled and its components reused.

I started off with a simple glass pitcher that I decided to use as a vase of sorts.

Originally, I was looking for a couple of glass hurricanes, I had planned on filling with shells and then using them to hold candles; but decided on this piece instead.

I got this one for just a couple of dollars at the Glass Barn in Reading. If you haven’t been and are into DIY, I definitely recommend that you go. They have all sorts of dishes, glasses, and knick knacks that are unique and inexpensive!

I sorted through the shoeboxes upon shoeboxes full of shells, my family has collected over the years and chose some larger ones in a similar color scheme while making sure they weren’t too monochromatic.

Depending on the effect you want, you could choose your shells in all different sizes or all in white.

I have always loved what I call the “gravel” (which is the crunched up broken shells that tend to congregate right where the waves crash), because its so colorful and makes a great filler for the negative space the larger shells leave.

I then simply filled the bottom half of my vase with the shells,

I chose taking care (every so often) to make sure that the shells are facing out and that they aren’t all getting stuck in one place or leaving gaps of unfilled vase.

You could add flowers to this if you like or simply leave it as is.

This easy craft makes a great centerpiece for last minute entertaining.

This next project is only slightly more time consuming and just as easy.

The bulk of the time spent on this one will be spent choosing shells which fit the size and shape you’re looking for, but that’s also a step which your kids can help with!

I purchased this simple plate at Target for around ten dollars I was originally hoping for something a little larger but this worked well!

 Then I started gluing small shells around the edges making sure to fill in all the space around the shells and letting it overlap the side of the plate every so often. Don’t use your favorite shells on this step because they may get covered up as you continue to fill in with more sea shells.  I used hot glue to attach the shells and it worked really well. If you have trouble with it adhering to your plate try using a small piece of sandpaper to rough up the finish of the plate just a little before gluing.

After I had the outer edge completely covered I went back through and filled in any gaps with even smaller shells and then attached larger shells and tiny sand dollars randomly throughout the edges.

This plate could be used as a key dish for your vacation home, a cheese platter for entertaining, or anything really that you can think of! For the purpose of this post I used it as a candle holder:

I may end up using it as a jewelry holder eventually.  Once winter’s here, the sea shells will be a constant reminder of summer.

What are your favorite things to do with your beach finds? Who in your family is the best at collecting shells? Comment and let us know!  Grace.

Do you need help getting  a jump start on a project?

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