How to Make a Sea Glass Shadowbox

Coastal Cool Colors at Home

Making a sea glass shadow box is a captivating yet simple DIY project to bring home a little bit of the color and charm of the beach.

Measure and Cut

For your frame, measure out the 1x3 board and cut it into four pieces to your desired size. 

It’s Hammer Time

Align one of the pieces of wood on top of the other and hammer in two nails in the corners. Do this again to form a perfect rectangle. Make sure all four corners are nailed in securely.

Tip: You can paint your frame at this point if you like. I chose to leave the wood bare on this shadowbox to compliment the tones of the sea glass. 

Choose Columns and String Together

Lay out your sea glass within the frame to see how many pieces and how many columns you want in the shadowbox. You’ll also be able to see how the different shades of sea glass will look when they are strung up. Once you’ve decided where each piece will go, string the clear thread through each piece of sea glass accordingly. 

The Eyes Have It

The eyehooks are going on the inside top and the inside bottom of the frame. To ensure your columns are straight and even, measure then lightly mark where you want each eyehook to be inserted. Twist the eyehooks into place. 

Tie Up Loose Ends

Tie the ends of the sea glass strings to the eyehooks at the top and the bottom of the frame to form your columns. When you are using fishing line, it helps to double or triple knot your strings to keep them secure. Once all of the strands are tightly secured, cut any left over thread off. 

Decisions, Decisions

One of the best aspects of shadowboxes is they can be placed anywhere. Hang your shadowbox on the wall, place it on the counter or a shelf or even on the window sill, where it can catch the light.

The Seashore on a String

A sea glass shadowbox is a colorful and creative summer DIY project that can be made in under an hour but will bring you lasting coastal bliss.