Homemade Shell Ornaments

Looking for something quick and easy to make for last minute presents? Need something to keep the kids busy and out of your hair during the holiday season? Look no further!

These shell ornaments are fun, quick, and easy to make. They are also a great way to get the kiddies involved in the gift making and decorating. They also make awesome keepsakes that your children will want to put on their own trees when they get old and have to move out of the house.  

Step 1 Gathering your supplies

I did not have to buy any of the supplies for this project because I had them around my house. So your cost really will depend on what you already have or how much you want to spend. 

Supplies:
*Shells
*Glitter (any color)
*Spray adhesive (regular glue works just fine but I think it tends to be a little messy)
*Ribbons 
*Markers (permanent or paint pens)
*Scissors
*Clear coating 
*Plastic container
*Bleach (to clean the shells if needed)
*Newspaper or other covering for your work surface
*Optional: paint, paint pens, googly eyes

If you live near the beach then the shells will be easy for you to find. If you don't live near the beach but know someone who does, have them collect some and ship them to you.
PLEASE do not take live shells from the beach! Check to make sure any shells you collect do not have living critters inside them. The sand dollars I used for this project were already dead when I collected them from the beach. 
If you do not live near the beach, never fear! Craft stores like Michael's sell bags of shells that would work just the same. 

You might be wondering what kind of shells will work best. Personally, I prefer the sand dollar. They have a built in hole for the ribbon to hang them by. These might be hard to find depending on your location and season. (Please don't kill sand dollars for arts-n-crafts!) If you decide to use "regular" sea shells you can easily attach the ribbon using a glue gun.

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