Shelling Tips
After years of shelling, here are some of my favorite tips.
Shelling Tools
* Many of these tools can be found at the Dollar Store*
Storage Containers
Large & Small
Bubble Wrap
Shelf Liners - To dry the shells after cleaning and to pack them safe to get home.
Toothbrushes - Helps with cleaning
Strainers - For collection shells and shark teeth and also helps with cleaning.
Garden Tools - Used for digging up shells that might be hiding underneath the sand.
Head Lamp - For night time shelling, of course. Get a red light one as well for Turtle Season.
Net - For catching the shells that are rolling in the surf. If you get one with a long stick< it will save your back.
Bucket - To carry shells and later to help clean them.
Kneeling Pad - To protect your knees from the sharp shells.
Trash Bags - To collect beach trash along the way. #ShellKarma
Water shoes - FitKicks - To protect your feet from sharp shells and especial get these for those in your group that aren’t shelling addicts.
Bug Spray - No Seeums down in Florida can ruin your trip! Spray up especially at sunset.
Backpack - Great for caring tools, cell phone, sun screen, water and snacks.
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, UV Apparel and Hat - Don’t let a sunburn ruin your trip.
Hand Sanitizer - Never know what germs are on the trash you are picking up.
Baby Powder - Helps get the sand off your feet.
Cleaning Shells
If you want to clean shells that you collected on the beach, there are a few steps you can follow to ensure that they are properly cleaned and preserved. Here is the best way to clean shells that you collected on the beach:
Rinse the shells thoroughly with fresh water to remove any sand or debris.
Soak the shells in a mixture of water and bleach for several hours or overnight. This will help to kill any bacteria and loosen any dirt or debris that is stuck to the shells.
Use a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently scrub the shells to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the shells.
Rinse the shells again with fresh water to remove the vinegar and any remaining dirt.
Allow the shells to air dry completely. This can take several hours or even a few days, depending on the size and thickness of the shells.
Once the shells are completely dry, you can display them or use them in crafts or other projects.
By following these steps, you can clean your shells and preserve them for future use. It is important to handle the shells carefully and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods, as these can damage the shells and reduce their natural beauty.
My personal preference is to start with one cup of Bleach to 1 gallon of water and leave then soaking over night. The bleach amount can be increased based on the shells needs.
Another more aggressive method is to dip shells for three seconds in Muratic acid and immediately in water.
In all the above methods of cleaning, it should be done with proper precautions. Soak and clean in a well vented area using gloves and protective eyewear.
Shell Shine
Rub with Baby Oil / Mineral Oil or spray with clear acrylic spray.
Shell Art Ideas
There are many creative and fun craft ideas that you can do with shells that you collect from the beach. Here are a few examples:
Create a seashell mosaic. Arrange different types and sizes of shells into a pattern or design on a piece of foam board or plywood. Glue the shells in place and add details, such as small stones or beads, to create a unique and beautiful piece of art.
Make a seashell wind chime. Drill holes in the top of several shells, and thread string or ribbon through the holes. Tie the shells to a wooden or metal frame, and add beads or other decorative elements to create a colorful and musical decoration.
Create a seashell candle holder. Glue small shells around the rim of a glass jar or votive candle holder, and fill the jar with sand and a small candle. This creates a beautiful and calming beach-themed decoration for your home.
Make a seashell picture frame. Glue small shells around the edge of a wooden or plastic picture frame, and add a picture of your favorite beach scene or memory. This is a fun and personal way to display your photos and memories.
Create a seashell mirror. Glue small shells around the edge of a mirror, and add a shell-covered frame or border to create a unique and beachy accessory for your home.
These are just a few examples of craft ideas that you can do with shells. There are many other creative and fun ideas that you can explore, so let your imagination run wild and see what you can create.
Mini Shadow boxes using the spice boxes from Ikea
Spray Paint the shells silver
Make butterflies out of the diggers on a greeting card
Place shells in a Christmas Ornament
Framed Shadow box near the bed
Make into candles
Paint a picture on the clams "Seas the Day"
Paint the inside with a food safe paint and use as a S&P holder
Spray inside with High Glass Blue and Outside with Krylon Chrome
TIPS
Use Sea Shell Glue by Beacon
