I made my coastal seashell wall art with the leftover cane from another project and a handful of seashells I had. One challenge I have in living here on the coast is that my collection of seashells continue to grow. To the extent that I’m running out of reasonable ways to display them. I fear I’m on the verge of becoming absurd and I’ll have to admit I have a shell problem.
But, I can’t help myself…
Even though I know I already have plenty enough shells… displayed in jars, on benches, inside and outside. I’m still compelled to pick up another pretty one as soon as I spot it.
I need a few creative ideas to use my shells. I’d tossed around the idea of mounting them and came up with this idea. What I love about my new DIY seashell wall art is it’s a pretty and tasteful way to display my seashells.
You only need a few items to make coastal seashell wall art like mine.
- Old Cane, mine was left over from a bench makeover
- Flat seashells, starfish, sand dollar or other shell treasures you have handy 🙂
- Hot glue gun
- Painted wall frame
Start with a painted wall frame. I found a few good ones at our local Goodwill. You won’t need the glass for this project.
Use the cardboard backing to trace your frame shape onto the cane. I outlined my edges with a sharpie. Be sure to write on the opposite side you want to face out in your frame 🙂
Hot glue your frame size piece of cane into the back of your frame. It worked best when I started on one end and worked my way around the frame, hot gluing a spot and holding it while the glue cooled.
Next, position your starfish or sand dollar onto the front. Flip over the frame while holding the shell with one hand in place. Hot glue from the backside of your shell. Glue a section at a time. Don’t use too much glue. Gently press the cane backing and the shell together while it cools.
That’s it, done! Hang your new coastal seashell wall art and admire how talented and thrifty you are.
Or arrange a few in a small nautical vignette.
They look great stacked in front of my vintage mirror.
I love my finished coastal seashell wall art! They look great and would make a lovely and easy to make gift too.
I’m thrilled to have a new idea of what to make with the shells I’ve collected. If you’re into shell ideas and want another one check out my conch shell fan pulls I made a few weeks ago. You can see this fun project HERE.
Do you have a stash of seashells that you could make something with?
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Maria says
This is such good use of recycle materials! lovely coastal wall hangings. Maria
Wendi says
Hi Maria and thank you! I’ve used the shell wall hangings in so many ways here. They move from room to room and sometimes end up in vignettes for staging other projects. The caning was too interesting to toss. Thanks so much for your visit & sweet note!
Katy Beacher says
I love your shell art. You said you fear you are over collecting? Your pieces are beautiful. You should be able to sell them easily.
Wendi says
Hi Katy, and thank you for such a sweet compliment on my shell wall art! I use several of these around my house and love them for fillers, especially in stacked vignettes against a wall on the shelf. I wouldn’t say I’m over collecting but it does get difficult finding room for more shells and the flip side is it’s hard not to pick up the pretty ones we see. Thanks so much for your visit!
Angie ~ ambient wares says
The perfect beachy decor, indeed Wendi! Love it 🙂 Pinned!
Wendi says
Hi Angie and thank you! This project is right up your alley since I recycled old caning from a bench. Anything, even old keys and hardware would look awesome mounted. Yes, it’s beachy and with summer quickly approaching I’m feeling the coastal vibes here! LOL…thanks so much for your visit!
olga says
I love these! Anything beachy is wonderful! And I agree about the shells. I have so many, I have to try to come up with some new ideas! Thank for your idea!
Wendi says
Hi Olga & thank you. I agree, anything beachy is a OK in my book too! I love a project that lets me use the shells I’ve collected. Like you, we have a a lot. Thanks so much for your visit:)
sual cevap says
I love these! Anything beachy is wonderful! And I agree about the shells. I have so many, I have to try to come up with some new ideas! Thank for your idea!
Wendi says
Hi And thank you! We love beachy too and I know others have the same challenges of trying to find ways to use their shells collected and sitting in bowls and boxes:)
Pamela Smith says
I love these! Anything beachy is wonderful! And I agree about the shells. I have so many, I have to try to come up with some new ideas! Thank for your idea!
Wendi says
Your welcome! I’m also always on the lookout for good shell crafts. Even though I have buckets of them, I can’t resist picking up more:) So glad you liked this idea.
Lara says
Hi – These are AWESOME! It always surprises me when I see something so simple, yet so creative and I have a slight obsession cane too~
My question is where did you find the cane? I’m not sure I’m brave enough to take apart a chair (or whatever) to cannibalize the cane but might have to – these are so great!
Wendi says
Lara, Thanks so much! I couldn’t bear to throw out all that useable cane. It came from my bench project. The cane on both of my benches was ruined and shredded in places. They were each 5 feet long so I had a lot of cane. If you find a damaged chair the guilt will go away! I’m so glad you liked my project and thank you for leaving a sweet comment!