As the sun begins to grace us more and more with its beautiful light and heat, my mind turns to seaside days. All I want to do is submerge myself in the refreshing salt water, run my hands along the bottom, and collect the most beautiful shells I come across.
I used to think beachy jewelry could be somewhat tacky, but now I feel that when it’s done right, it can be stunningly beautiful – as if you’re a mermaid who’s left the ocean for the very first time.
It’s so simple to make, too. All you need are some shells and a couple other things – depending on what you want to make.
I collected some shells from the beach, but also acquired some pre-strung shells from a craft store as well as a thrift store. I also got some natural-colored thread, jewelry glue, and various jewelry bases – metal earring hooks, thin wires for necklaces, a beautiful metal cuff (with a flat spot perfect for placing a shell on top of), and some metal rings.
I love the idea of cutting the pre-strung shells into different lengths to wear as layered necklaces or a wrapped ankle bracelet.
I strung some of the shells onto a piece of thread, making knots in random places to space them out, then I tied this onto an earring hook. Voila! Instant earring. If you’re using shells that don’t already have holes in them, you can pretty easily drill your own using a very thin drill bit.
How beautiful are these rings and this bracelet base I found at the craft store? They were exactly what I needed for this project.
I attached a tiny hook onto the back of a shell, and two tiny hooks onto the back of an awesome triangular rock my sister found as we were walking the beach. Once these dried, I made them into chokers!
Super simple! Homemade shell jewelry is the perfect way to get us into that hazy, sandy, summer mindset. I’m planning to mix these jewels in with my everyday accessories to give just a hint of beachiness in an overall eclectic look, all summer long.
Follow Brigette on Instagram, and have a look at her blog Hummusbird!
Beautiful! My Mum had a long shell necklace just like the one above back in the 70s, must see if she still has it!
I always end up making shell jewelry in the spring and summer…it has become a ritual of sorts for me welcoming the new seasons. :)
xx
~Taylor
http://awakeningbohemia.blogspot.com/2014/05/in-full-bloom.html
I just got back from a trip to Florida about a week ago, and I found so many seashells with holes naturally in them. It’s almost as if Mother Nature was asking me to make beautiful things with them.
how do you make hole in the shell, without ruin it.
This post is such a perfect reminder that summer is near. I also used to think shell jewelry was a little bit tacky, but seeing the lovely pieces you created really inspired me! xx
a-different-sun.blogspot.com
Love this! Shell jewelry is a great way to stay close to the ocean all year. My best friend makes one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces on Maui. They are Beautiful!! http://www.wingshawaii.com
Such a Beautiful Inspiration….it makes me want to head off for a sunny seaside retreat with clear warm waters and lazy afternoons in a hammock swinging gently in the salty sea breeze… thank you so very much for sharing….
The Weaver Of Words….weaving fibers & fables….
……..give me 15 words and I’ll tell you a tale……
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWeaverOfWords
such a whimsical and beautiful post! if anyone is looking for shells or seaglass set in sterling silver check out our site!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mermaidbyhand
inspiring…I live near the beach for a long time and we made a lot out of it for home décor now we are inspired to do more thanks
I was just in awe at all the beautiful, earthy, simplicity that radiates from this photographs. I have found a new DYI that will last a lifetime…Thank You for the Inspiration!
Where did you find the rings and the bracelet Brigette? I’ve become a little obsessed with this posts, you’re pictures are beautiful! As always :)
SO tender and natural! Truly inspirational post!
Where do you find the metal chokers to make the necklace? I want to make some of my own!! :)
I am not fond of wearing shell jewelry but I find it unique and beautiful only to those who can pull it off. :)
http://www.pandorainternationalplaza.com
Excellent job on your photography – it enhances your creativity with the shells.
Katie has some cute stuff and she is known to sell smaller shells to those interested in trying DIY
http://Sanibelshellshop.etsy.com