Embellish a plain dollar store picture frame with pebbles and shells to make an adorable seashell picture frame craft to display a favorite beach vacation photo.
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Why I love this seashell craft
I have so many fond beach vacation memories, and a TON of pictures to go along with it. If you’re into nautical decor, this DIY seashell picture frame is a fantastic way to display those beach vacation pictures.
Where can I get seashells for crafting?
If you have collected some sea shells over time or plan to do so on your next vacation, that’s a great free option. Unfortunately, just picking up and taking off for a beach vacation isn’t always in the cards…sigh!
The seashells used for this craft came from the dollar store. Dollar stores and craft supply stores often sell small bags of clean seashells ready to craft with. You can also order seashells online. Just be sure to carefully read the product description and reviews so you know exactly what you’re getting.
How do you glue seashells to a picture frame?
For this craft, I used two types of glue: Gorilla/E6000 super glue and hot glue. The Gorilla/E6ooo super glue is best for attaching pebbles and shells to the frame itself. The hot glue was just used to quickly add the shells.
If you just want to use one type of glue, skip the hot glue and just use Gorilla/E6000 super glue.
Supplies needed for this craft:
- Plain white picture frame, size 5×7
- Small pebbles – turquoise and white
- Seashells – these came from the dollar store, but you can also order online
- Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
- Gorilla glue or E6000 super glue
How to make a nautical seashell picture frame craft:
- Remove the back and the glass from the picture frame, and set them aside while you are working.
- Apply a layer of Gorilla glue to the front bottom corner of the frame.
- Working quickly, sprinkle some blue pebbles onto the glued area. Then sprinkle some white pebbles onto the same glued area. Lightly press down on the pebbles with your fingers.
- Continue this process of gluing pebbles until you have covered the bottom portion of the frame. Feel free to cover as much or little of the frame as you like.
- Apply a small amount of hot glue to the bottom edges of a seashell. Then glue to the right bottom corner of the frame. Continue this process with more shells. You can get creative with the design here if you’d prefer to add more shells, or different shapes and sizes.
- Place a favorite beach vacation photo into your frame, along with the glass and the original backer. Display.
How cute is my little picture frame?
I displayed this frame with a little beach printable as an example, but feel free to add a favorite beach vacation photo to your craft.
DIY Seashell Picture Frame Craft
Embellish a plain dollar store picture frame with pebbles and shells to make an adorable seashell picture frame craft to display a favorite beach vacation photo.
Materials
- Plain white picture frame, size 5×7
- Small pebbles – turquoise and white
- Seashells – these came from the dollar store, but you can also order online
- Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
- Gorilla glue or E6000 super glue
Instructions
- Remove the back and the glass from the picture frame, and set them aside while you are working.
- Apply a layer of Gorilla glue to the front bottom corner of the frame. Working quickly, sprinkle some blue pebbles onto the glued area. Then sprinkle some white pebbles onto the same glued area. Lightly press down on the pebbles with your fingers.
- Continue this process of gluing pebbles until you have covered the bottom portion of the frame. Feel free to cover as much or little of the frame as you like.
- Apply a small amount of hot glue to the bottom edges of a seashell. Then glue to the right bottom corner of the frame. Continue this process with more shells. You can get creative with the design here if you’d prefer to add more shells, or different shapes and sizes.
- Place a favorite beach vacation photo into your frame, along with the glass and the original backer. Display.
Notes
I displayed this frame with a little beach printable as an example,
but feel free to add a favorite beach vacation photo to your craft.
More Picture Frame Crafts:
- Mod Podge Craft: Decoupage Picture Frame using Family Vacation Photos
- DIY Mother’s Day Button Picture Frame Craft
- Make a DIY Rustic Chalkboard Frame with Wood Shims
- DIY Wood Slat Picture Frame – Made from Paint Sticks
- Distressed Painted Picture Frames – a perfect thrift store craft
More Nautical Seashell Crafts:
- Create Sea Urchin Specimen Art by upcycling a small wooden box
- Beach Vibes Only! Check out these Creative Seashell Crafts + DIY Decor Projects