You may remember we came back from our recent trip to the Isle of Man laden with shells and driftwood. I can never resist bringing things back from the seaside, but I never know what to do with them once I get home. Something of the beside-the-seaside joy is lost, and they tend to be left in carrier bags to gather dust.
Katie from A Touch of Domesticity suggested a nice idea for the shells: a simple one strand mobile. I loved the idea and on a very rainy Sunday last weekend, I finally made it!
I’ve always thought that drilling holes through shells was nigh on impossible, so I enlisted the help of James and his electric drill. You will need some very, very strong drill bits – we used these Bosch Tungsten carbide tipped bits.
The trick is to think of it as grinding, rather than drilling. Go slowly and use something like a cork mat to stop the shell spinning. These were thick shells and there was a lot of messy dust. Goggles are probably a good idea if you are using thinner, more brittle shells. It took a few minutes per shell – although the more pressure you can put on the drill, the quicker it goes.
Once you’ve dealt with the drilling, you can start the fun bit. Gather your shells, string, beads and anything else you want to use. I found these green wooden beads in Tiger and I also used a few large shell beads from an old broken necklace.
Simply thread the shells and beads onto your strings, spacing them out with some triple knots. I started mine off with a hanging loop and went on from there!
Our string of shells is now happily hanging on our kitchen chalkboard. I can’t wait to get started on more shell crafts soon as I still have masses of tiny shells left! Any ideas?
a touch of domesticity / katie sparrow says
Well I never knew it was possible to do a double-take at a computer screen but that’s what I just did! Thanks so much for remembering my little idea – you really flew with it! Your one-strand mobile is absolutely beautiful, and a lovely keepsake. Ooh I feel a bit skippy now! xxx
marmaladepie says
Thank you for suggesting it!! I love that all the shells are from the beach right outside my parents-in-law’s house – it makes it really special. xx
Lins @Boo & Maddie says
Such a fun idea and it’s turned out really well. I grew up on the seaside and always took it for granted but haven’t been for many years. Look forward to seeing more craft ideas X #HomeEtc
marmaladepie says
Thanks Lins! I’ve never lived by the sea – I think that’s why I find all the finds so irresistible!
Fionnuala says
You made a lovely job it it Lizzie!
#HomeEtc
Fionnuala from http://www.threesonslater.blogspot.com
marmaladepie says
Thanks Fionnuala!
Wave to Mummy says
Very pretty – you could do all sorts of stuff with these, including jewellery. Or maybe mobiles above cots, or a decoration on a mantelpiece. Endless possibilities 🙂 #homeetc
marmaladepie says
Thank you! I quite fancy making a bigger mobile next, maybe using some driftwood too!
mummyofboygirltwins says
Oh that’s so cool 🙂 Very pretty indeed! We have SO many shells collected on various beaches from the last few weeks. I had no idea what to do with them! Simple but very effective! Thanks again for linking up and sharing, much appreciated. Jess x #HomeEtc
marmaladepie says
Thanks Jess! You’ll have to make something lovely for your new house with all your shells. Or use them in the garden somehow? x #HomeEtc
Caro | The Twinkles Mama says
Ooh I LOVE this Lizzie! What a lovely idea! There are SO many beautiful things to do aren’t there — there’s just not enough hours in the day! Thanks so much for linking up with #HomeEtc — hope to see you again next week! x
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
marmaladepie says
Thanks Caro! I really enjoyed making it too, it was very therapeutic. I’d like to make another one soon, perhaps suspended from a piece of driftwood x
Julia @ Rainbeaubelle says
I love this idea it looks so gorgeous. We are always bringing things home from the beach too, and we live at the seaside so have the perfect excuse to make one! x #homeetc
marmaladepie says
Thanks Julia, I’m so glad you liked it!
Jenny Eaves says
I love this! We have tons of shells too, O made a frame with some, but we have loads leftover too. I think we need to make some shell strands too.
Thanks so much for linking up to #Howtosunday 🙂 x
Su {Ethan & Evelyn} says
What a great idea! & It is so beautiful and easy to do too! I’m pinning this! 🙂 #HowtoSundays
marmaladepie says
Thanks Su, so glad you like it! 🙂