Demonstrate your love of the ocean by greeting your guests with a handmade Seashell Wreath. This wreath made of natural materials can be displayed either indoors or outdoors and is the perfect complement to any nautical home theme.
Supplies Needed To Make A Seashell Wreath
- Grapevine wreath
- Various seashells
- One large starfish and two medium sized starfish
- Several strands of craft pearls
- Natural colored reindeer moss
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Clear acrylic spray sealer, gloss or matte
- Frame wire
- Various embellishments
Decorating The Wreath
Before you decorate, use the frame wire to create a hook for hanging the wreath. Wrap several bits of wire through a natural opening at the back of the wreath, around a few strands of grapevine and create an open loop so the wreath can be hung on a nail or picture hanger. Secure the wire by making a knot and wrapping the wire around itself at the base.
Look at the sample photo and decide what type of design you would like. Remembering where you placed the hook, lay out your seashells and starfish on a table in a circular pattern until you achieve the desired look. Make sure the top of the design is in-line with the wire hook at the back of the wreath.
Using the hot glue gun, attach the shells and starfish to the wreath. Add small pieces of reindeer moss and chunks of coral as well, if desired. The moss resembles seaweed and will add to the nautical feel of your creation.
Once the shells are in place, affix the end of a pearl strand to the back of the wreath using the hot glue and then wrap the pearls around the wreath. If you need to add a strand or hold a strand in place, do so using a small bit of hot glue on the back side so the glue will not be visible.
You may also choose to add a few flowered embellishments to the front of the main starfish, as in the sample photo. Again, affix these strands to the back of the wreath as well.
Sealing Your Design
Place the decorated wreath on a flat surface and allow all glued areas to dry completely. Once dry, spray the entire wreath, front and back, with the acrylic sealing spray. Pay close attention to holes and open areas to be sure the entire design is coated.
Allow this to dry and then add one or several more coats until you are satisfied with the results. In the sample photo, a glossy finish was used. You may use either a glossy or a matte finish. Now simply hang and enjoy!
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