disclosure: affiliate links may be used in this post.
Today is craft day and I have a DIY seashell basket planter craft that’s easy as pie to make. Who doesn’t have seashells picked up on beach vacations?? You need to display them some way.
This basket can be used for all sorts of things not just as a plant container. It looks great as a catchall for an assortment of my favorite junk treasures.
Have Fun With Seashells
You guys might remember I have a large collection of seashells. Some were picked up on the beaches in Florida and some from Kodiak Island. My Summer mantel decorations this year feature seashells. There are also glass containers filled with seashells gracing the white tables in our den. Looking at all those seashells all the time inspired me to get out my glue gun and get crafty.
I picked up this basket for a $1.50 at the thrift store. Don’t you love a good deal.
I first spray painted it white then decided the white was too blah. I found a can of light blue spray paint in my stash and the color was just perfect.
While the basket was drying I pulled out all my supplies…seashells, sisal rope, and glue gun (aka torture tool).
work in progress
I hate that glue gun. Not just that glue gun…..all glue guns. I burn my fingers and arms…. and other places….every time I use it. I bought a fancy shmancy one with all kinds of tips and 3 heat controls…. but I like my cheapo one better.
I had to share the photo of my glitter nails. My lovely granddaughter Tenley painted them for me. The three of us girls had a manicure/pedicure party Friday night while the granddaughters were over.
Seashell Home Decor
I put the hot glue on the shells and held them in place until the glue dried. I glued them on in a thoughtful random pattern. The secret is to start with the big shells and work in the smaller shells. Don’t try to line them up perfectly because that will look bad, really bad.
The sisal rope was an afterthought. And I’m glad I thought of it. It’s that one element that elevates the project to the next level. I bought the sisal rope ( on Amazon) for a furniture makeover but I can see a bright future for sisal in upcoming projects.
I got a little carried away while filling the basket with various things and knocked off a shell. It may stay that way…not pulling the glue gun out again until my fingers heal.
Have any of you had experience with a glue gun? My daughter-in-law told me that if anything suspicious ever happened to the JTS…I might be a suspect…… but with my fingerprints burnt off……well….
Ha! Thanks for being here, Kathy
hobby crafter says
I wanted to thank you for sharing this cute idea. I too have a stash of shells, and a glue gun….lol
You’ve inspired me to make a shell basket! 🙂 Thanks again!
Natasha in Oz says
G’Day from Oz! That looks so cute! The colour you chose for the basket is gorgeous too.
If you have a minute to spare I’d be thrilled if you could share your post at my weekly Say G’Day Saturday linky party. It has just started and this would be a fabulous addition.
Best wishes for a great weekend.
Natasha in Oz
Babs says
I LOVE LOVE seashells, and that shade of blue is so pretty. Nice craft project.. pretty and practical. Visiting from Wow Us Wednesday.
Andrea says
I love collecting seashells, but don’t know a way to use them that is not cliche. I like the way you did that basket. I would use one like that for a wastebasket in my crafting room, that way it would look so cute when I work sewing or whatever, it would remind me of summer all year!
Thanks, Kathy for good ideas!
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
Love this project! I have buckets of shells and I keep collecting. Adding a knotted rope was brilliant! Pinned & shared! Hugs- Wendi
chabela says
I thought the good expensive ones were better. But apparently NOT!
I’m always looking foward to your posts.. thank you!!
Lesley says
Oh I love this. I’m not usually a huge fan of seashells I guess growing up going to the NC coast every year I feel like they usually belong at the beach house but this I really like. I like the contrast between the shells and the blue color on the basket… it’s simply perfect. This year we collected coral instead and I’m trying to figure out what to do with it. Any suggestions? Can you spray paint coral… I’m thinking white to make it really clean looking.
Jenna says
I LOVE this! I am always looking for beachy crafts, and this is so attractive, I just love the way you used the rope! I will be borrowing this creative idea, thank you!
Kathy Owen says
You welcome!! I think the rope took this one over the top…
Linda says
This was such a fun and funny post! You have so much ambition to do things — you seem to enjoy life very much and have a good time with your family while keeping the projects going. Inspiring, as usual.
Kathy Owen says
aahhh Linda. You always say the nicest things.
julie nichols says
Cute idea!! I also have a large seashell collection and have been using them to decorate for my summer projects.
I burn my fingers every time I use that darn glue gun but it is the best glue to use on craft projects. I have a love hate relationship with mine.
Julie
Kathy Owen says
yep, love/hate
kathleen says
I totally agree with you on the glue gun. It’s torture, I tell you! I also agree that the rope really gave it a more finished look.
xo Kathleen
kathy says
If you wet your finger and sprinkle with salt, It will not blister. I got this from Martha Stweart.
Patty says
I don’t like glue guns, but they are a necessary evil at times. I love your basket and the rope gives it a finished look.
chris aka monkey says
having lived in florida most of my life sea shells were in house all the time…..hot gluing coquina shells has to be the worst… and no matter what you tried to sub for your fingertips nothing worked as well tooth picks stuck.so did butter knives…they would pull the shells off.finger tips work because your skin comes off lol xx
Ronnie Gunn Tucker says
I hoard shells, so needed a good idea to bring them out of the closet. I love how you the knotted rope trim for detail. Glue guns = necessary evil. Bowl of ice water nearby helps some.
Amy Crossley says
I also burn myself with the glue gun. I found the most fabulous product–silicone finger guard things–they look sorta like thimbles but are soft and pliable. I think they are made by Mod Podge. They work great when working with the glue gun.