(click on picture to enlarge for details)
Betty got me excited about shells, so I found a great idea to pass along. I keep files on decorating ideas and came across this one. It was in the Fall/Winter 2004 issue of Better Homes and Gardens “100 Decorating Ideas Under $100.” My first impression was the great statement it made on the wall. Then, how easy and inexpensive it would be to do.
The wall looks “washed” with paint. Flat paint would be fine also or paint, right on the wall, a different color inside the frames. The shells were attached directly to the wall with, I’m guessing…small nails, glue gun, velcro??? The frames look like random pieces of mitred moulding or old frames, painted then sanded and distressed. Plan, measure and arrange the display on paper on the floor first. Then transfer to the wall, (see “Picture Display” post for directions).
If you didn’t want to use shells, you could use… pressed leaves, ferns, flowers, driftwood, fossils, postcards, any collection of things you want to display. Do you like this display?
Do you have any other ideas that might look great?
1. I love that idea! I have more shells than I know what to do with and you can only place so many vases around your home filled with shells. The idea I wanted to share with you was to cover an existing pendant light shade with small shells. You have to use an epoxy for this because hot glue will not hold up to the heat of the lamp. I have seen light fixtures like this for up to $400, when all you need to do is to purchase a very inexpensive fixture and add your shells. My mom did this in her powder room with a light that has been hanging in there for 30 years and it looks fabulous! You can also glue shells to an existing decorative pillow, whether you add them to the corners with thread or glue them to the front of the pillow in a square or any other shape. When you want to use them for hanging you need a dremmel drill with a fine bit on it so that you don’t crack your shells. It is very easy. Outlining the picture frames also looks great! I could go on and on and on. Thanks for the idea Cathy!
by lynn — 8/1/07 at 1:11 pm #
2. Hi Cathy, I like that idea…but I redesign my walls so frequently, I would be constantly scraping velcro off the walls. I bet you could do it using the whole frame sans the glass, and velcro the shells to a painted board rather than directly on the wall.
BTW, I also keep files of ideas…it’s priceless! Thanks for sharing!
by Susan — 8/1/07 at 2:55 pm #
3. Your Welcome Lynn,
Thanks for all your great ideas! Love the shells on a pendant light idea.
The shells are a little transparent and would give a nice glow to the room. Shells are amazing. They are natures tiny sculptures. No two are alike, but all beautiful.
Thanks for your ideas, there’s a million.
by Cathy — 8/1/07 at 4:31 pm #
4. Tall flower vases set the tone for conversation when filled with water, flowers, and a water light that runs on a battery. It is made to go in the water and catches everyone’s eyes. Great for any event.
by Debbie — 8/4/07 at 10:39 am #
5. Please tell us where you buy these lights Debbie. How great these would look on a dinner table with flowers or shells in a vase. Really sets a mood . Thanks for the idea.
by Cathy — 8/4/07 at 4:29 pm #
6. Hi Cathy,
This is just the sort of idea I was looking for to decorate my foyer/entryway in Florida…I love it….this is just the kind of grouping I was looking for..I will take this idea along with me to Florida in October along with the other great tips you have given me..I love to check out all of your posts..they are all fantastic!!! Thanks Cathy keep the great ideas rolling in…Margie
by margie [...] — 8/6/07 at 8:10 pm #
7. Hello my friend Margie,
Nice to hear from you. I’m glad you like the shell wall arrangement. Yes, it would look great in the entry of your Florida house. Especially against an aqua blue wall area. Little things such as small shells don’t have much of an impact by themselves, but when they’re artistically arranged in a grouping and set off by frames, that makes them become instantly interesting and important , miniature works of art.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the site. Lots of great ideas form everyone.
Write back soon, always nice to hear form you.
Cathy
by Cathy — 8/7/07 at 1:17 pm #
8. i love it.may do some of my own.love sea shells.
by patricia [...] — 8/7/07 at 2:32 pm #
9. Thanks Patricia,
Yes, come up with your own ideas, thats what makes it special and personal.
by Cathy — 8/7/07 at 6:59 pm #
10. A friend of mine has a wall mask with coral coming out of it like maybe hair I asked her where she got it and she said she got it from The Home
goods store. Do you have something like that? I would really like to find this item
by patty [...] — 8/18/07 at 1:18 pm #
11. Dear Patty,
We understand that you have been trying to locate a wall mask. As an off-price retailer, we make every effort to keep our prices low, and our costs down, so that we can pass these savings on to our customers. For this reason, we do not provide a service of tracking merchandise. In addition, we do not have the privilege of ordering specific merchandise from our vendors. To locate the mask, we suggest that you continue to check with the stores in your area directly. We would be happy to provide you with store locations in your area. If you would like a store list, please call our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-888-0776.
Thank you,
Jessica
HomeGoods Customer Service
by HomeGoods Customer Service — 8/18/07 at 4:40 pm #
12. Back to #2
Good idea Susan,
Yeh, I’m not too sure how they got these shells on the wall. I bet you could use that rubbery,stretchy stuff that holds up Christmas decorations. A product made by Scotch I think. (I’m drawing a blank on the product name…….??) Your idea sounds great …leave off the glass of the regular frames and mount them on the painted cardboard. Too many good ideas out there…glad we can file them away and don’t have to just file them in the “grey matter”.
Thanks Susan for your idea,
by Cathy — 8/28/07 at 12:37 pm #
13. I would not want to put the shells directly on the wall, but looking quick, why not take a frame with glass, paint the back of the glass, and put the shell directly on the front that way to color shows thru and then you can hang like a picture.
by Pat — 4/5/08 at 6:36 am #
14. What a great idea Pat!
Just use the glass that comes with the frames, like you said, glue the shells to the front of the glass, paint the back of the glass or leave it clear to see the wall. Slip it in the frame and hang. You guys have the BEST ideas out there. That one’s got my vote!
Thanks for thinking that through…a great solution.
by Cathy — 4/7/08 at 5:55 pm #