How to Make a Seashell Mirror

Give a plain mirror coastal charm by covering the frame in shells gathered on the shore.

By Marian Parsons, Mustard Seed Interiors
Filed under: Mirrors, Handmade, Summer, Nature Crafts, Tropical Theme

Materials Needed:

framed mirror
hot glue gun and glue sticks
seashells
stiff paintbrush

straight razor
window cleaner
cloth or paper towel

Collect and Clean Seashells

If shells were collected from the beach, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. If you aren't planning a trip to the coast, shells can be purchased at craft stores. Make sure to have enough small and medium sized shells to cover the entire mirror frame.

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Attach Shells

Preheat hot glue gun. Working from inside of mirror frame, apply glue in small sections and press shells into hot glue (Image 1). Hold in place until glue cools (Image 2). Shells can be placed at random or in a pattern (Image 3).

Cover Entire Frame

Continue to apply glue in small sections, pressing various sized shells into glue. Use small shells to fill in gaps between larger ones. Save large, decorative shells to apply last, so they will be most visible. Tip: A flat frame provides a smoother gluing surface for shells, but a decorative frame will give a fuller look.