How do you prepare oyster shells for crafts?
To get your oyster shells ready for crafting, start by sanitizing them to kill bacteria and loosen any surface grim or residue. Then, you can scrub off the stuck-on particles and dry them in the sun so they'll be clean and smooth.
Sea Shell/Oyster Shell Processor Grinder Hammer Mill Machine
You can use Matte or glossy, your preference. Cut out a rough shape of your oyster shell on the tissue paper/napkin. If you use napkins, be sure and remove the white outer layer and just use the colored part. Press down with your paintbrush and mold it to the shell.
Place the oyster shells inside the bucket and use a stick to push them down into the water until fully submerged. Let the shells soak, stirring them every 30 minutes to an hour, until the particles from the outside of the shells dislodge.
Step 1: prepare oyster shells and designs for trinket dish
If your shells have darker spots on the interior surface, it is helpful to give them a coat of white acrylic paint, especially if you are using napkins or tissue paper later.
Oyster shells can be used in compost, as a soil additive, or as mulch. Just make sure you boil your oyster shells prior to using them in your garden to sterilize the shell. Crushing up your oyster shells can also help improve their effectiveness as a soil additive and in compost.
How to Crush Oyster Shells - YouTube
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To make your seashells shine for a polished look, rub them with mineral oil or baby oil and allow that to dry for 24 hours.
Using vinegar is easy, it's simple and it's cheap. Use a small amount of vinegar into a bowl or cup and use a toothbrush to gently scrub the shell. You might have to do this a few times to get the desired effect. Once you're done, simply wash the shell with soap and water.
How do you seal a decoupage shell?
How To Decoupage a Seashell Mod Podge - YouTube
Gluing the oyster shells to wood.
You can use a glue stick or any epoxy glue. My favorite is the Gorilla glue bond.
How to Decoupage Seashells - DIY Beach Nautical Decor - YouTube
If extra cleaning is needed, fill a bowl with water and add a small amount of bleach. Soak the shells for a few minutes. Remove them and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry with a soft cloth and allow them to air dry completely.
- Soak the shells in room temperature water in a large pot overnight.
- Swap out for fresh water and slowly bring the shells to a boil.
- Remove the shells from the boiling water using tongs.
- Use tweezers to remove dirt and debris.
- Wipe the shells clean with a microfiber cloth.
To remove the periostracum, the woven jacket on some shells, put the shell in a 50% solution of strong bleach and water for a couple of days. Watch out for your clothes when you pick it out as the bleach will spurt out of the canal.