Hi everyone! We’re joining Funky Junk Interiors again today, helping Donna celebrate her 2000 followers with a clay pot project. Her challenge was to do something unique with an ordinary, garden center clay pot. For my design, I’m going with a classic, sea shells. I started by giving the pot an aged finish with craft paint. To see how I painted the pot, go here. I then assembled a variety of craft store and dollar store shells, all unearthed from my stash, and fired up the glue gun.
The largest shells were glued on first, giving me a base pattern to work from. Next I glued the tiny shells on in rows surrounding the large shells. It helped that I had a pair of long-handled craft tweezers to get into the tight spots around the center shells. I did have to pry up and re-glue a few of the shells, and although some of the paint peeled up, it was hidden by the shells that were being added.
Here’s the finished pot
It was so fun to experiment with the different sizes of shells, and create this pretty pattern. I just used neutral shells for today, because that’s what I had on hand. Michael’s, however, has bags and bags of beautifully-colored shells, and I was tempted to come home with a basket full of those! They will definitely be on my project list for the future. Think of the possibilities – lamp shades, gift boxes, chandeliers and more. Buttons, coral, starfish and even freshwater pearls could be added to really glam up any project. Check out this gorgeous frame from Horchow, a mere $775. Let’s all make one ourselves and save, say, $750!!
Since I used craft paint and hot glue, this pot will be for indoor use only. Your local craft store could probably advise you on which paint and glue to use if you wanted this to be durable enough for outdoor use. I also didn’t go all the way around the pot, as these will be sitting on my mantel (when I finish the second one!), and the back will never be seen.
I can’t wait to see what everyone else has done with their simple, basic clay pots. Go here to visit Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for the creative inspiration!
Happy crafting,
Andrea
OK...that is awesome!! I love it.
Posted by: Stacey | May 11, 2010 at 08:55 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! They will be so pretty on your mantle.Thanks for the how-to's.:)
Posted by: Lisa | May 11, 2010 at 09:49 AM
That turned out really pretty! I love the design you made with the shells.
Posted by: Anita | May 11, 2010 at 10:18 AM
I love it! I've been wanting to do some shell projects...can't wait to get started.
Posted by: Sue | May 11, 2010 at 04:06 PM
Very nice! I love the way you arranged the shells. That would look good anywhere!
Posted by: Coleen | May 11, 2010 at 07:30 PM
The paint job alone was gorgeous but how you managed to fit all those shells in there in the pefect places, is beyond me. They look made to measure. I really love it!
Come on over for a Blogiversay S/S necklace giveaway! Would love to see you!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | May 12, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Andrea, thanks for your visit and the nice comment. So I discovered your site. That's a nice idea and a stunning result. Sometimes I saw on ebay huge mirrors with such decorations. Shells are great naturell decoration objects. Love their colors and shine as much as the shapes.
Greetings, Johanna
Posted by: Johanna | May 12, 2010 at 09:33 PM
How cute, clever and very beachy! I love it!
-c
Posted by: Cindy | May 14, 2010 at 04:15 PM
Your pot is so cute! I have done quite a bit of shell crafting, but never thought to cover a pot! I will have to check out how you painted yours. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Donna | May 15, 2010 at 04:27 PM
Was inspired by your pot that i got started doing some for my enjoyment, CAN'T STOP NOW. Limitless possibilities. Thanks!
Posted by: charles | January 17, 2011 at 04:36 AM
I am so doing this! Actually, I really am doing this...for my son's rehearsal dinner. The pots will hold citronella candles and be used outdoors on the lanai. I love working with shells....
Jane (artfully graced)
Posted by: Jane | March 01, 2011 at 04:31 PM
Thanks so much for posting this great information! I have been trying to find more unique outdoor flower pots lately... I love them! Especially for the summer!
Posted by: Hilary | May 17, 2013 at 05:03 PM
I love your seashell flower pot and was wondering if you can recommend a brand of glue that can be substituted, in place of a glue gun? I am off grid and a glue gun takes too much power. Thank you so much.
Posted by: Margie | March 19, 2019 at 05:09 PM