How to Decoupage Seashells for Beautiful Coastal Decor

Learn how to decoupage seashells and turn your beach finds into stunning coastal decor for your home. Transform your shell finds into art.

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When I think of seashells, I think of Summer, my favorite season. I’m a bit sad that summer will be over soon, but I want to savor it as much as I can. I figured one way to do that is by doing a few seashell projects.

One of my favorite summer pastimes is walking along the beach and finding beautiful seashells. I feel so blessed to live by the ocean, so hunting for shells is easy. I love collecting oyster shells, whelk shells, and sea glass during my walks.

Different beaches have different shells unique to that area.  So whenever I vacation near a beach, I always bring a few shells home as a little keepsake.

One place that has been on my bucket list for years is Sanibel Island, especially because it is known for its beautiful seashells. 

If you love collecting seashells as much as I do, I have an easy way to turn some of them into beautiful decoupage seashells for coastal decor you can display in your home.

This easy diy project is all about creating decoupage seashells.

What Is Decoupage?

Decoupage is simply the process of using pretty napkins or tissue paper and Mod Podge to create a beautiful painted look on objects.

So, let’s get started! I’ll show you how to decoupage seashells and turn them into beautiful trinkets for you to display in your home. 

Before we get started, one of my favorite seashell projects was creating this large seashell-encrusted mirror. You can also check out some of my other coastal Christmas projects using seashells, including ornaments and seashell Christmas trees.

Although I have to admit I didn’t scour the beach for all the shells I used on that mirror, I bought most of them and filled in the rest with shells I found on the beach.

How to Decoupage Seashells: Transform your shells into art

I love how a simple shell can be transformed with just a pretty paper napkin, a little Mod Podge, and metallic paint.

For these shells, I chose a classic blue-and-white pattern and finished the edges with gold for an elegant look.

Paper napkins with beautiful designs work well for decoupage seashells because they’re thin and easy to work with.

Once you apply and seal the napkin, the pattern follows the shell’s natural ridges and curves instead of looking like paper glued on top.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Seashells
• Decorative paper napkins
• Mod Podge
• Small soft paintbrush
• White acrylic or craft paint
• Gold metallic paint or paint pen
• Scissors
• Small container of water
• Clear sealer, optional

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Tip: Look for napkins with smaller patterns or individual motifs for your decoupage seashells. Floral, Chinoiserie-inspired prints, coastal patterns– any pattern that appeals to you and would go with your style of home.

Step 1: Clean Your Seashells

Before you begin, make sure your shells are completely clean and dry.

Wash away any sand or debris with warm water and a little dish soap. If necessary, gently scrub the shell with an old toothbrush.

Allow the shells to dry completely before painting.

I soaked the shell I used in a vinegar and water mixture for about an hour, then scrubbed it well with a toothbrush.

This step is probably not necessary, and scrubbing your shell with soap and water should work just fine.

I used a whelk shell that I found on the beach, and since it has so many curves and crevices, I wanted to make sure it was nice and clean before getting started,

Step 2: Paint the Shell White

Paint the shell with one or two coats of acrylic paint. ( I skipped this part for this particular shell because I like the color of the shell and didn’t mind it peeking through the paper)

But normally, I apply one or two thin coats of white acrylic paint to the shell. This gives the napkins a nice bright base and helps the design stand out.

Let the paint dry completely before you begin.

Step 3: Prepare Your Decorative Napkin

Most decorative napkins have two or three plies.

Carefully separate the layers and keep only the top printed layer. This is the piece you’ll use for decoupage.

You can cut around the design with the scissors or just gently tear around the individual motifs. The feathered edge tends to disappear into the shell more naturally.

Step 4: Apply a Thin Layer of Mod Podge

Now, with a soft paintbrush, apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge to a small section of the shell.

Avoid putting a heavy layer on, it can oversaturate the napkin and make it more likely to tear or wrinkle.

Step 5: Add the Napkin Design

Gently lay the printed napkin over the Mod Podge.

Starting at the center, smooth the paper over the shell’s curves and ridges. Lightly work out any bubbles or clumped-up paper with your fingers to smooth it out evenly.

If you’re using a curved shell, using smaller napkin pieces instead of one large piece can make this step much easier.

Step 6: Finish adhering the napkin

When you’re happy with the napkin’s layout and smoothness, let it set for a few minutes. Then gently brush another thin layer of Mod Podge over the top.

Be extra careful during this step because the wet napkin can easily tear. Use light strokes, and try not to go over the same area too many times.

Let the shell dry completely.

Step 7: Add Gold Edging to your decoupage seashell

This little detail is what makes these seashells pop.

Using metallic gold craft paint and a small brush or a gold paint pen, trace along the edges of the seashell and around the spiral at the top of the shell.

My shell had an uneven edge, showing it had maybe been tumbled through the waves and had a piece broken off. This imperfection added to the shell’s character.

Adding the gold paint around it accentuated the unevenness, which I love.

Step 8: Seal Your Decoupaged Seashell

Once everything is completely dry, add another thin coat of Mod Podge or a clear sealer for extra protection.

I absolutely love the way it turned out! Such a simple DIY project, yet so rewarding!

Ways to Decorate With Decoupaged Seashells

You can use these beautiful shells in so many ways throughout your home.

Place them on the coffee table when you’re styling it.

Put a few in a decorative bowl and place it on your console table. Kate from Southern Home and Hospitality made the perfect jute bowl for her decoupage seashells.

Lay one on top of a book or stack of books to bring interest.

Add them to a summer tablescape to bring the ocean vibes into your home. Shelley from Calypso in the Country created beautiful decoupage shells to add to her 4th of July table setting.

I love projects that take something simple and turn it into something completely unique, and these decoupaged seashells definitely do that.

It’s also the perfect excuse to finally do something with all of those pretty shells you’ve collected over the years.

Thank you for stopping by!