A couple of weeks ago I posted about a seashell wreath I created from a previous trip to Florida. I loved this idea: use seashells to create a craft and lasting memory of our week in paradise.
I still had a couple of smaller shells leftover that I wanted to use in some way. While searching the web for seashell ornaments, I ran across this cutie from Wedding Bee. I love to collect ornaments from places we’ve traveled throughout the years, so I thought this would be the perfect project with a few modifications! So let’s begin…
I gathered my supplies:
- $1 plastic ornament ball from Michael’s
- gold ribbon
- white sand from Hobby Hobby
- red paper flowers from Michael’s
- gold glittery alphabet stickers
- scrapbook paper
- small leftover seashells from vacation
- hot glue gun
I started with getting the sand into the empty plastic ornament ball. My bright idea: I put some of the sand in a plastic bag then cut a small corner out to use as a funnel.
I filled up the ornament about 1/3 of the way with the white sand.
Next I dropped the itty bitty seashells into the opening of the ornament so they sat right on top of the sand.
Then I glued on one of the red paper flowers that I purchased from Michael’s to the top of the ornament near the opening. I also added a gold ribbon for a tree hanger.I added some of the gold and glittery alphabet stickers to green scrapbook paper to add a little tag to the ornament to help remember our week on the beach!
Pretty cute, huh? A perfect little memory from our summer vacation! Luckily if the seashells start to get buried from packing away during the summer months, I can just shake the ornament and the shells magically move to the top of the sand!
Total costs: $1 for the scrapbook paper, $3 for the gold glittery alphabet stickers, $3 for the sand from Hobby Lobby, $3 for the paper flowers and $1 for the ornament from Michael’s. I already had the ribbon and seashells, so $11 total!I really wish I could’ve hung this on a Christmas tree to really show you how it will pop, but unfortunately I’m not getting it out for another 4 months… ok, maybe 3 🙂
jane @ The Borrowed Abode says
Hi! Saw your comment on What the Graham and I’m going to Haven too, so I just wanted to say hello! 🙂
As a bonus, I think your ornament is such a good idea for a way to remember a family trip! I have a jar of shells from several trips, as well as a jar of rocks, but never thought to do this 🙂
howtonestforless says
Yay!! Can’t wait to mee you, Jane! I’m now a Facebook friend and Twitter follower 🙂
Lisa @ Creative Raisins says
I am loving this idea, my children have a ton of sea shells they have collected.
Laura says
How cute would these be on a Christmas tree with starfish placed among the branches, raffia garland and larger seashells with holes drilled in them and hanger inserted? I can see it now…..
howtonestforless says
Ohmigoodness! That sounds fabulous!!
debbie says
What a great idea. My friend just mentioned she had a lot of shells from her recent vaca and she did not know what to do with them. I will suggest this idea. It is very cute.
Maya @ Completely Coastal says
I love these minis!! And the white sand make them extra festive. I featured larger ones last year. My favorite beachy ornaments for sure!
Marie says
What a great idea! We love collecting ornaments from places we’ve been! I’m co-hosting a link party and I’d love it if you’d come link up on Wednesday at southernlovely.blogspot.com
See you soon!
Marie
mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com
Christie, Describe Happy says
I agree, what a great way to create a keepsake from your vacation!! And I really like how you decorated the ornament. very sweet!
Fenice says
I agree with everyone else, such a creative way to have a keepsake from a vacation, and I would have never thought of it myself.
Natasha @ Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive,365 says
I love this idea! We are going to the beach in a couple of weeks for our Spring Break so I will bring home some extra shells to make a few of these.
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Amy@One Artsy Mama says
I loooove this idea! We just got back from our favorite vacation spot, Myrtle Beach, and I have some leftover shells myself. My son actually bought one of those plastic ornaments yesterday from Michaels and I know he’d love to make one of these with me! Thanks for the inspiration!
Amy
Amber Holder says
What a great project 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Bethany says
This is so cute!!! And a great little holiday gift idea for a few beach-lovers I know. Thanks for the inspiration!
Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com says
This is so pretty! I have tiny shells from a few beaches we have visited and never knew what to do with them. This is it! Thank you! Thank you so much for linking up at Savvy HomeMade Monday. We are partying again and I hope you will stop by! 🙂
Emily says
oooo… I have all of that except the ornament! Thanks Erin. That will be fun!