Did you go to the beach over the summer? Collected shells? Then use them to make this awesome sea shell bib necklace tutorial by Erica Domesek over at PS I Made This.
It requires spraying with Krylon metallic paint. Doesn't the use of tulle add elegance to the design especially with the gold painted shells?
Rather than cover up the shells with paint, another alternative is to take off the grungy outer layer and then polish up the shell with beeswax to reveal lovely colors. The Crafts Channel's video tutorial uses a Dremel tool to do all the work including drilling the holes.
Heed the instructor's warning to wear a dust mask when working with sea shells this way.You shouldn't be breathing in that stuff. Some people drill holes with the shell underwater which not only keeps the drill bit cool but controls the dust too.
But you may not need to do anything to the shells you pick except drill holes in them. One splendid example is the clever knotted seashell necklace tutorial by Nik Schulz who made it for Brookelynn Morris over at Craftzine. I love the informal look!
More Seaside Inspirations :
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
It requires spraying with Krylon metallic paint. Doesn't the use of tulle add elegance to the design especially with the gold painted shells?
Rather than cover up the shells with paint, another alternative is to take off the grungy outer layer and then polish up the shell with beeswax to reveal lovely colors. The Crafts Channel's video tutorial uses a Dremel tool to do all the work including drilling the holes.
Heed the instructor's warning to wear a dust mask when working with sea shells this way.You shouldn't be breathing in that stuff. Some people drill holes with the shell underwater which not only keeps the drill bit cool but controls the dust too.
But you may not need to do anything to the shells you pick except drill holes in them. One splendid example is the clever knotted seashell necklace tutorial by Nik Schulz who made it for Brookelynn Morris over at Craftzine. I love the informal look!
More Seaside Inspirations :
- Luhuanus - Large Conical Shells in Jewelry Designs (includes a tutorial)
- How to Drill Sea Glass
- How to Wire Wrap Sea Glass Jewelry
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Great video!!! Some really good info here. Thanks again Pearl Guess I have a better use for those shells than just sitting in a jar!!
ReplyDeleteCarol
www.DesigningIt.etsy.com
You and me, both! I also have some shells to use up!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I didn't know about using beeswax as a polish on shells like that. Might just work for stones as well. Will have to play with that. Thanks for the inspiration Pearl! And Merry Christmas to one of my favorite bloggers!
ReplyDeleteThis has been my latest jewelry endeavor after an uncle gave me a bunch of shells he has hunted during his trips to the Gulf. I've had some crazy times sawing and drilling through them! It's certainly stress relieving.
ReplyDeleteGood idea about beeswax and stones. And lucky you Ali with those shells from the Gulf.
ReplyDeleteNearly forgot! Merry Christmas to all of you too.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea...I'm always impressed with the things people come up with!
ReplyDeleteCheers