American ’s Handmade Store

Anyone that has ever been to the beach has spent a little time checking out all the different sea shells and treasures that have washed ashore. Most of us have even picked up a few “pretty ones” with the thought of doing something creative with them later. Of course, just like so many other things in our life, we put them away only to forget about our “treasures” until spring cleaning some year. Again we think of all the possibilities we could use the sea shells for, only to repeat the previous cycle. Fortunately, all it takes to break the cycle is a little excitement and motivation.

The potential of sea shells is limited only by your imagination. One common problem of working with shells is how fragile and brittle they can be. The easiest way to alleviate this problem is to attach the shells to a hard surface such as wood. Great examples of this method are frames, jewelry boxes, and mirrors. All it takes is glue that bonds well with wood and organic material, some unfinished wood products, your shells, and some creativity. To finish your design off, a non-yellowing clear gloss will keep the shells shiny and provide some protection and durability. Most of the products you need for these projects can be purchased at your local craft store.

Another use for your beautiful sea shells is handmade jewelry. I know beading has become a very popular hobby and business venture; sea shells can be used in the same way. You may have to take a jewelry making class or spend some time practicing techniques and designs, but the end results can be amazing and very satisfying. Again, what type of jewelry you make and how you use the sea shells is nearly limitless. So it’s time to find that old shoe box of sea shells and start making you own works of art.

Tags: beading, craft ideas, handmade jewelry, sea shell jewelry, sea shellsbeading, craft ideas, handmade jewelry, sea shell jewelry, sea shells

Share This

A true crafter does not look for shortcuts in making a product if it means that product will decrease in quality. But a true crafter can surely appreciate good crafting tips that may lessen the working time while still providing excellent quality.

Below are seven crafting tips that one may find useful to have:

1. A thin layer of plaster may be used with stencils to create a raised effect. Be sure to clean the stencils immediately.

2. To spread plaster when using stencils anything stiff will work. I use an old insurance card!

3. If you need to measure an item but can’t find your ruler then pull out a $1 bill. A $1 bill is six inches long, so obviously when folded in half is three inches long.

4. When working with polymer clay, if you need to create a small dome shape, then slightly press the polymer clay into a paint pallet.

5. Paint brushes when cleaned with hand soap and rinsed well will become very soft.

6. If you have several containers full of ribbon, cut a small strip from each roll of ribbon and tape the strips on the front of the container. This way you don’t need to open every container to find the ribbon you are searching for.

7. Place a plastic sack over a freshly painted area, and press down on the sack to cover the area. Then lift the sack off the painted area to reveal an unusual design.

These seven tips will not decrease the quality of your craft item and may make your crafting more creative!

Join the FREE Newsletter, Crafty Corner, by visiting http://www.craftycorner.makes.it and participate in the current Crafty Corner Contest being held through February 17, 2006.

Brandi Clark is the owner of Floral Creations. At Floral Creations we offer baby gifts, home decor and more! Visit http://www.craftycorner.makes.it

Tags: arts and crafts, craft ideas, craft tips, crafting, crafts, gifts, handmade, homemade, ideas, tip, tipsarts and crafts, craft ideas, craft tips, crafting, crafts, gifts, handmade, homemade, ideas, tip, tips

Share This