Shell Craft Seashell
Sculptures – Project 2
Welcome to the second project in the shell craft sculptures section of Shellcraft-Guides. As you can see from the photo, you can make some very nice seashell crafts with some seashells and figurines.
You’ll need some materials to work with, so let’s make a list of items you can use:
Materials:
1. 3 x 5” rectangular wood base
2. sea shells
3. a fish figurine about 3 inches tall
4. sand – beach sand if possible
5. a bottle of Elmer's Glue-All or something similar
6. cherry wood stain
7. polyurethane - gloss or semi-gloss
8. fine sandpaper
9. brushes
10. newspaper
First thing to do is go shopping for the items needed for this shell craft sculpture. The wood base can be found in craft stores. Seashells and sand you can get beachcombing at your local beach. A gift shop may carry figures of fish and other sea life. Try to keep it on the small side – 3 to 4 inches tall.
Now you want to prepare the wood base. Use the sandpaper to take any patina (glaze) off the wood and to smooth out any rough edges. Remove any sand dust you create.
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Apply the stain to the wood. You should not stain the area of this shell craft you will cover with only sand. The cherry stain is dark and may be seen through the sand. You can if you want to, of course. You may like the darker hue under the sand and seashells.
While the stain is drying, pick out the seashells you would like to use on this sculpture. If you have a starfish, take that out also. The one shown in the photo, was one of those dry types which I painted red with standard acrylic paint from a craft store.
The fish figurine is placed toward the back edge of the base, more or less centered. Depending on the figurine you found, you may have to place it at an angle so it fits nicely in place.
If you have a piece of coral glue it on the shell craft at this time also. The seashell project illustrated here has a piece of coral on the right side slightly behind the fish. It is standing on a flat end.
Next apply glue to the exposed surface of the base. Spread it around using a small brush until the glue covers all the places you want to add sand to. Then pour some sand over the glue. Let it sit for an hour or two to let the glue set, then you can gently tilt the sculpture over to remove the loose sand. Just be careful not to knock things off.
Add seashells in a pattern that is pleasing to you. You can follow the pattern shown in the picture or make your own. Mostly it depends on the type of seashells you have.
Add sand where you need it to hide bare spots or glue. Use the clear polyurethane (gloss is best) to cover everything. Set aside to dry.
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Sculptures can be placed on tables, mantles, or shelves. Hang a CD shell craft over it and make a statement.
Enjoy your sculpture. Come back, and try one of the other Shellcraft projects.
the Shellcrafter
Shell Craft Sculpture Project 1
Shell Craft Sculpture Project 3
Project 4 – Leaping Dolphins at Sunset
Project 5 - Owls at Beach
Return to Shell Craft Sculptures Main Page
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