DIY Seashell Christmas Ornaments
Collecting treasures has become a special bonding tradition for Maya and me. Whether it’s seashells, sea glass, or little trinkets from our adventures, she loves gathering these tiny reminders of our trips. I usually let her take just a few home—otherwise, I’d be finding shell fragments in every corner of the house and inside all her backpacks!
But this time in Hawaii, we found the most beautiful shells.
At first, we started making necklaces with the ones that had tiny holes, but with Christmas right around the corner, I thought—why not turn them into ornaments? Not only for our own tree but as heartfelt gifts for family and friends.
These DIY seashell mosaic ornaments turned out to be the perfect craft—simple, fun, and budget-friendly! All you need are a few treasures and some clay, and you’ll have a keepsake to remind you of those special moments for years to come.
So, if you’re heading on vacation, planning a beach day, or have a collection of shells sitting at home, this craft is for you!
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Seashells (or small rocks, crystals, driftwood, etc.)
- Clay options: Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Oven-Bake Polymer Clay, or Salt Dough
- Parchment paper (for easy transfer)
- Cookie cutter (optional)
- Paperclip or ornament hook
- Twine or string for hanging
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Gather Your Treasures
Choose shells and other small items from your collection—whether from a beach vacation, a simple day at the shore, or even store-bought treasures.
Step 2: Prepare the Clay
Take a handful of clay and roll it into a ball. The thicker, the better—it needs to hold the shells securely and allow room for the hook. Flatten it gently onto parchment paper with the palm of your hand. Smooth out the edges as needed.
Step 3: Shape Your Ornament
Use a cookie cutter to create your desired shape. We used a heart, but circles, stars, or any festive shape work beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Shells
Carefully press your shells into the clay. If you have a specific pattern in mind, arrange them before pressing down. We chose our design in the moment—whatever felt right! Press firmly so the shells stay put.
Step 5: Insert the Hook
Take a regular ornament hook and push ¾ of it into the top of the ornament, leaving a small loop exposed for hanging.
Step 6: Let It Dry
- For air-dry clay: Let it dry for 2–3 days. Ours took 3 days due to thickness.
- For oven-bake clay: Follow the package instructions, then allow it to cool completely.
Step 7: Hang & Enjoy!
Once dry, string twine or ribbon through the hook and hang your beautiful keepsake on the tree!
Helpful Tips:
Fixing Loose Shells: If any shells fall off after drying, use a small amount of super glue to secure them back in place. We had a few pop off, but super glue worked like a charm!
Respect Nature: When collecting shells, follow Leave No Trace principles. Choose treasures already on the ground rather than disturbing living creatures. Use this as a learning moment with kids!
Safety First: This craft involves small pieces, so supervise little ones closely.
Did you try this DIY? We’d love to hear how yours turned out! Share in the comments below.
The Amaros
Hi! We are the Amaros! Making memories and havin' fun!
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