Spring is well underway although you’d never know it here in Colorado! So much snow this year! But today it is 76 degrees and the nice weather has me skipping spring and heading straight into summer. Which automatically has me thinking of the beach. That led me to pull out the box of seashells I keep downstairs and that in turn is what started today’s post: 5 easy ways to use seashells in your summer decor!
I remember when I was a little girl and family vacations were the highlight of our year. They always involved a beach somewhere. Living in Ohio back then, we usually headed to Virginia, South Carolina, or Florida. It really didn’t matter to me as long as there was an ocean there.
Since I was quite small, I couldn’t just go to the beach alone. My go to for those outings was usually my dad. He never complained about an early start. I needed to get to the beach before the others! I’d grab my pail, pull my Dad along with me, and head for the beach. I was in search of what I thought were the greatest gifts the earth had to offer… seashells!
We would pick up the prettiest shells for my pail and listen to the sound of the ocean in each one. They always spoke to him in words that only he only he could hear. Usually they told him he had the best little girl in the world. He was so convincing that soon I thought I heard it too! So… my love of seashells seemed to grow and grow and grow. The best memories really are made at the beach!
All in the Family
I have never lost my love for seashells or the ocean they came from. I’ve passed it on to my daughter who moved to the coast the first chance she had. She swears she was a mermaid in another life and she might be right! I’m pretty sure she comes from a long line of them.
We still go to the beach for every vacation. California or Hawaii these days but still it doesn’t matter. As long as I can listen to the waves lull me to sleep and see the ocean bathed in sunlight when I wake, I am as happy as a… clam! Although I’ve retired my pail, I always end up with a shell in my pocket with every stroll on the beach. The question when I return home is always what am I going to do with all these shells? However, it’s never a problem this time of year.
The summer months allow me to bring my love of all things coastal to every corner of the house. It’s because of this that I put together this post of 5 easy ways to use seashells in your summer decor. I’ve included links to several products great for crafters and several others for those who prefer a finished option,
Seashells for a Summer Vignette
Perhaps the simplest thing to do with all those shells is to create a summer vignette or two. Adding shells to a few coastal pieces makes such a pretty decoration for the season.
Seashells and Florals
Another easy way to use seashells is to add them to any summer floral display. After a long winter, we spend most of our time outdoors for the summer and fall months. Because of that, I tend to use a lot of dried flower arrangements in my decor. I move my houseplants outside so I use things that need little attention inside. But a pretty seashell or two is perfect to bring in that coastal feel. It’s amazing what we can do with a glue gun! A pretty sand dollar or starfish glued to a craft stick adds so much to the simplest arrangement.
You can use the same process to add a few pretty seashells to a summer swag or wreath. Tuck them in here and there and instantly you’ve accomplished a coastal look.
Add a sand dollar or starfish to any floral arrangement and it will become a new seasonal favorite. Dried seagrass or pampas would be perfect if you favor neutral decor.
Coastal Candles
Candles are a big part of my decor all year long. Giving them a beachy look for the summer months is such an easy thing to do. Using a thin natural jute that I had on hand, I put a dot of glue on the back and attached it to the candle. Next, I wound the rope around the candle a few times and then glued the other end to the rope itself. To finish it off, I glued a pretty shell on the front.
I did the same with the glass container. Inside I added sand, sea glass, and a candle as well. I never worry about using my glue gun on projects that I know will not be permanent. A little bit of hot water will melt it away and I can use the same piece for another season. Glueing a shell to the top of a jar candle makes it pretty even when it’s not in use.
Seashell Jewels
Another simple but pretty way to display your shells is to give them a bit of an upgrade! I consider any shell to be a jewel in and of itself but you can easily make them even more so.
Seashell Printable Art
Perhaps the easiest way to add seashells to your summer decor is in the form of a printable. Even if you don’t have a physical shell, you can still enjoy the beauty of them. I’ve created a few to use in my own decor and I’m sharing them today.
As always, the printables you see above are free to all subscribers. Simply click here to go to the Printable Library, enter your password where prompted, then download and print. If you haven’t joined us yet, I sincerely hope you will! Your subscription gives you immediate access to everything you see in the library. In addition, the weekly/ bi-weekly newsletter keeps you up to date with all things new in home decor. Add your email to the blue form below an you’re all set!
Summer will be here in no time so I’m hoping you are leaving with some great projects in mind! In case you missed my last post… How to Put Together a Tropical Terrarium with Fairy Flair... it is a fun summer project as well. Thanks so much for stopping by today. See you soon!
Denise,
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comment!! Love all your ideas on how to display shells. I do an :Under the Sea” theme after the Patriotic Holidays in the Summer so I will definitely be borrowing some of your idea and love the “Jewels of the Sand” printable art.Thanks for sharing!!
Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Oh I can’t wait to see your “Under the Sea” theme! I haven’t even started thinking about the fourth yet but I’ll get there. Thanks for the visit. Have a great week!
Gorgeous~
Thank you Lydia! I just absolutely love them. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week!
I love seashells, everything looks so nice!! I especially like the swag and the printable art pieces!! Thanks so much for linking up with me at the Unlimited Link Party 25. Pinned!
Thanks Dee! You are just like me I think… anything that reminds me of the beach or the ocean and I love it! You are a lot closer to one then I am though! Have a great weekend!
You have some very creative ideas with shells, I love the gems on the sea shells, very pretty! I have a few under the sea additions in my garden for interest.
Thank you for sharing on #omhgww and hope you will join us each week to continue to share.
Have a great weekend!
Thanks so much Karen for stopping by and thanks for hosting each week! I need to visit and see your garden! I love anything that has to do with the sea. Have a great weekend.
I’m using a ton of shells this summer! I have been working on some DIY beach decor for the entire month of April. Strangely I live a mile from the beach (probably less), and I’ve never done a beach theme in summer. How crazy is that?! Love your inspiration! Thank you for sharing with us on Traffic Jam Weekend at LifeasaLEOWife.com!
Thanks Niki! I have seen your pretty coastal creations at several link parties… gorgeous! I think if I was a mile from the beach I would never decorate a thing. I would become a bonafide beach bum for sure! Have a great weekend.
These are such great ways to preserve memories of some great vacations with family. I have a stash of seashells too for the same reason so thanks for some ideas on how to use them. #HomeMattersParty
Thanks so much for stopping by Donna! It is a little early to be bringing out summer decor but I am more than ready! Have a great weekend ahead.
I miss walking on the beach of OC and the fresh smell of the mist and ocean waves. Your memories of childhood and your dad, are so sweet!
You’ve got a good collection of ideas for using shells, and rocks etc. I like the way you just tucked them here and there, each one different.
Thanks for sharing all of this at the FWF party 🙂
Enjoyed this piece immensely. Coastal decor can be so beautiful when handled in a subtle way… not souvenir shop style, but with simple touches that evoke the palettes, textures, and ambience of nature. I loved the texture in your arrangements. Also, your choice to add some little sea-colored gems to the shells in the silver basket was artful and just right. You have a true mermaid’s heart.
I do love the sea and shore. I’ve collected shells and rocks for years, love interesting driftwood, coral, sea glass, pearls, geodes, and colored gems. So, I’m most comfortable surrounded with colors I associate with the ocean and the sands: the lovely greens and blues… the bleached whites, matte creams, oyster grays, and sunkissed tans… the weathered boards to the beach… the soft greens of seagrass and bayberry by the dunes… the golds in the glow over the water at dawn.. the pinks and corals and purples in the clouds (often reprised in shells found at the water’s edge)… the silver of moonlight sparkling on the waves…. the crystal of clear tide pools displaying living treasures, the luster of mother-of-pearl in upturned, wave-washed shells, and the jewelled iridesence of polished abalone. They make me the happiest and most content. Thank you for your ideas!
Thank you so much. You are such an amazing writer! I think you should be the one blogging! You have captured everything I love about the ocean with your words. That is such a gift! I am not the least bit embarrassed to admit that every now and then I love a good beach read. I always turn to a Barbara Delinsky book for that. It’s because she is such a descriptive writer and I am completely transported to wherever her story takes place. You have a very similar style.
It won’t be long until we visit the coast again and I am so excited. I am most at home when I can see the ocean and breathe the salt air. I think it is exactly what I need to finally put 2020 in the rearview mirror! Thank you again and I’m so glad to have you as part of the Home of All Seasons family. Have a wonderful weekend!
CONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at my Unlimited Link Party 26!
Thanks so much Dee! Love the party and thrilled to be featured. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!
These are wonderful ideas! What fun ways to bring in a “beachy” touch without being too over-the-top.
Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
Thank you Richella. I’m so happy you were able to spend some time with your precious family! Glad your back and I wish you a great day!