Decoupage Oyster Shells

Decoupage oyster shells are a beautiful way to add coastal charm to your decor, and they make great DIY gifts. I’m giddy to share this step-by-step tutorial because you’ll be amazed at the simplicity and elegance of this oyster shell craft.

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Why I love this oyster shell craft

While vacationing in South Carolina, my family picked up a wonderful collection of oyster shells. Our kayak guide encouraged us to take a “few shells” from a pile washed up on a bank. When we docked, I was shocked to see how many my son had collected!

He knew I would enjoy making some oyster shell crafts!

If you’ve never tried decoupage, this project may have you hooked. Decoupage is a beginner-friendly craft that uses glue to apply paper, fabric, or other material to virtually any object, like wood, glass, or oyster shells (of course).

With Mod Podge, paper napkins, and gold paint, you can turn plain oyster shells into decorative trinket trays or shelf sitters. Decoupage oyster shells make great party favors or wedding keepsakes, too.

We collected oyster shells in the Lowcountry of South Carolina near the Atlantic Ocean. However, you can find shells using the link above or on Etsy. My shells have an elongated structure, so the shapes may vary depending on where you collect them.

Instructions

With decoupage, there isn’t a “right” way of doing things, so feel free to experiment with different techniques. I’ve spent many years doing decoupage projects, so I’m sharing my best tips below.

Step 1: Clean the oyster shells

Always start with clean oyster shells, preferably ones without major blemishes or holes.

If you collected shells near the ocean, start by rinsing them with water and vinegar in a ratio of 10:1. You can also use bleach instead of vinegar. We enjoy letting the oyster shells bleach naturally in the sun for several days.

Step 2: Separate all layers of the napkins

I chose a trio of paper cocktail napkins with hints of blue, green, and gold to complement each other. You can try more vibrant colors or substitute tissue paper if you like. The sky’s the limit!

Separate the plies of the napkin to isolate only the printed layer. Typically, there are three layers in napkins. I like using clear tape to help remove the last ply.

Roughly cut the napkin slightly larger than the oyster shell for the design you’d like to apply.

Step 3: Paint and decoupage the oyster shell

1. Paint the shell with white acrylic paint (optional). White paint helps the napkin stand out, but you can skip this step for a more natural look.
2. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge. Use a small detail brush to spread Mod Podge (or another decoupage glue) inside the shell up to the edges. Then gently apply the napkin (printed side up) and smooth out the wrinkles with your fingertips.
3. Remove the excess napkin. Dip a small paintbrush in water and brush along the edges of the paper to gently tear away the excess. You can also sand the edges with a nail file or light-grip sandpaper.
4. Seal the decoupage oyster shell. Once the shell is completely dry (after 20-30 minutes), seal the design with another layer of Mod Podge.

Step 4: Add gold paint around the rim of the shell (optional)

For a finishing touch, apply gold paint to the rim of the shell using a fine paintbrush or paint marker.

I’ve tried many gold paints over the years, and this metallic paint ranks #1 in my book. It has the same sheen as gold leaf without looking too yellow or brown.

You can also experiment with brass, silver, or other colored metallics, depending on the aesthetic you like most.

Enjoying Your Decoupage Oyster Shells

Once the shells have completely dried, you can enjoy them as jewelry trinket dishes or place them in a bowl or tray for a coastal touch.

Decoupage oyster shells can also be used for jewelry or Christmas ornaments. You can drill a small hole to add a hook for hanging. I’ve also seen beautiful oyster shell candles as a fun variation.

Let me know how you plan to use them, and tag me on Instagram (@firstdayofhome) when you finish your projects! Don’t forget to pin this to Pinterest below as well!

Pin it for later!

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