Watch out Anthropologie! Today we’re making our own oyster shell decor with just a few inexpensive supplies. These trinket dishes are so on trend (and so expensive) but we’ve discovered how easy it is to turn oyster shells into some cute home décor using decorative paper napkins and Mod Podge!

OYSTER SHELL DECOR

If you have been following my blog for a while, then you know that I LOVE coastal decor!

I live on the water in Maryland, so I’m always on the hunt for cute coastal home decor items to buy. One thing I have been seeing a lot lately (in my coastal home decor hunting) is pieces that showcase oyster shells. For example, I have seen an oyster shell mirror, an oyster shell art print, decorative oyster shell balls, and more!

As much as I love all of the oyster shell things, the prices are bit much for this thrifter. So, in an effort to save money, recycle, and use some of my craft supplies, I decided to put on my DIY hat and make my own oyster shell decor trinket dishes! {This post contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.}

BEFORE WE DIY, LET’S TALK ABOUT OYSTER SHELLS:

When it comes to getting oyster shells for this project, you have a few options depending on where you live and your budget.

If you live by the coast you can ask for oyster shells at seafood restaurants or you can buy oysters yourself at the grocery store. However, if you live further inland, then it might be a bit more ”challenging” to get them. In that case, I would still check your local seafood restaurants first, but if you are still not having any luck, then the internet will be your best friend!

I recommend buying your shells on Amazon (they have both oyster and clam shells as well as other options). You can buy them in large bundles and (most of the time) you only need to do minimum cleaning to get them ready for crafting. They come in a variety of sizes which makes it easy to purchase the exact size you need for your project.

Be on the lookout for is listings that mention ”freshwater cultured pearls”. You don’t want these types of oyster shells for this project. Instead, look for words in the listing that mention ”natural, polished, crafts, arts and crafts, DIY, home”, etc. Shells with these words in the listings will be designed for crafting, which is what you are wanting if you are buying online.

Finally, you can buy oyster shells at your local craft store as well. These shells might be more on the fake side, but it’s still an option.

SUPPLIES:

shells (oyster or clam work best)
white acrylic paint
gold acrylic paint
mod podge (matte or gloss)
decorative paper napkin – this is a BIG OL’ RABBIT HOLE…I can’t stop myself from buying all the pretty patterns!
foam paintbrush
detail/thin paintbrush

Project Notes:

Besides oyster shells, you could also use a large sea shell or possibly some large flat-shaped exotic seashells.

OPTIONAL: PREP WORK – CLEANING YOUR OYSTER SHELLS

When it comes to cleaning, I highly recommend that you clean your oyster shells before you start this project!

If you got your oyster shells from a restaurant, grocery store, or from last night’s dinner, do the following 5 steps. However, if you got your oysters from Amazon or the craft store, I would only do steps 1, 4, and 5.

SUPPLIES FOR CLEANING:

Plastic Bucket
Measure cup
Bleach
Water
Dish Soap
Sponge or Scrub Brush
Paper Towels
Gloves and Apron

HOW TO CLEAN OYSTER SHELLS:

1. Place your oyster shells in a throwaway plastic bucket.

2. Create a mixture of 50% bleach and 50% warm water and pour this over your oyster shells (in the bucket) and let them sit for 30 minutes.

TIP: Since we are dealing with bleach you will want to wear gloves and an apron while doing this step and step 3. Also, you may need to let your oyster shells sit for longer than 30 minutes if the dirt is not coming off.

3. After the oyster shells have been in the mixture for 30 minutes, pour out the bleach/warm water mixture.

4. Pour fresh warm water over the oyster shells and add a little bit of dish soap. Then scrub each oyster shell (while it’s in the water/soap mixture) using a sponge or scrub brush to remove any additional dirt.

5. When the oyster shells are clean and have a smoother finish, place them onto a paper towel and let them dry.

TIP: Place the oyster shells with the outside down onto your paper towel.

HOW TO MAKE OYSTER SHELL DECOR TRINKET DISHES:

1. If shell has any dark spots use white acrylic paint to cover. If there are no dark spots you are ready for step two!

2. Separate layers of paper napkin (there are usually two). Keep the decorative layer and discard the plain layer.

3. Cut or tear napkin to slightly larger than the shell.

4. Add a thin layer of mod podge to shell and immediately apply napkin, starting in the center and working your way to the edges, gently tapping the napkin so it adheres to the Mod Podge.

5. Tear away the excess napkin from the edges.

6. Add a second thicker layer of mod podge to shell. Let dry.

woman adding another layer of mod podge to shell

7. Use detail paintbrush to add gold acrylic paint to the edges of the shell. Let dry.

Once your shell is dry, you are ready to display it!

Now, if you are wondering how to use or display your oyster shell, I have a few ideas!

Idea 1: Use them as a ring holder! This would be so cute for a coastal bathroom or simply on your dresser.
Idea 2: Create place setting “cards” by using your Cricut and some vinyl to add names to your shell (add it before adding your second layer of Mod Podge). Perfect for coastal or destination themed events!
Idea 3: Create ”oyster shell clusters” by displaying 2 or 3 shells on a coffee table or in a decorative centerpiece box!
Idea 4: Include them in a coastal or nautical theme gift basket! This is great for those who maybe are new to living on the water or for those who have had to move away from the water but are still wanting a piece of ”home” with them.

The possibilities of using these shells are truly endless! So, get creative and have some fun decorating your home!

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