How to Decoupage Shells with Napkins (An Easy Craft)
If you’re looking for an easy summer craft that doubles as beautiful home decor, today I’ll show you how to decoupage shells with napkins! It’s a simple way to transform ordinary seashells into charming decorative access using just a few inexpensive supplies. Whether you display them on a coffee table, use them as jewelry dishes or feature them on a table setting, these decoupaged shells are a creative way to bring a touch of coastal style into your home.
*For your convenience, please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my links below, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).
How to Decoupage Shells with Napkins:
Supplies you’ll need…
With just a few simple supplies, you can create your own coastal inspired decor.
Shell Decoupage Shopping Sources:
First, cover the shell with Mod Podge…
Position your paper napkin on the shell…
Gently apply the napkin to the shell so the image is centered the way you want. For my project, I used one-ply cocktail napkins so I didn’t need to separate the napkin layers first. If your napkin is two-ply, peel the layers apart for better adhesion to the shell. 
Cover the napkin with Mod Podge…
While applying, be gentle so you don’t rip the napkin. Smooth as you go along.
Peel off the excess napkin around the edges…
Don’t worry too much if some of the shell shows on the edges. Once dry, you’ll be adding a trim with a Sharpie or paint.
Dry the shells overnight…
Yes, you can see I experimented with a lemon print as well. Basically, I used what I could find in my drawer. Either way, both versions are nice for summer decorating.
The next day, apply optional finishing touches…
For my shells, I trimmed the edges with a gold Sharpie. You could also use paint or even gold leaf if you prefer.
Now the shells are ready for display!
Be sure to scroll down to see the ways I’ve decorated with them!
Decoupage Tips for Best Results:
Choosing napkin designs…
For my first attempt, I chose the flag napkin but had to be very careful while positioning it. I wanted to get the full print centered without cutting off any of the design. Then I tried the lemon print. I found that one easier to use because the design repeats across the napkin. Rather than trying to center one large image, I could arrange the lemons naturally on each shell for a pretty, effortless look.
Avoiding wrinkles and tears…
When applying the Mod Podge, slowly smooth as you go along. Also, the small, repeating patterns seem to be easier to decoupage because they’re more forgiving. Any tiny wrinkles tend to blend into the design, giving the finished shell a polished look.
Satin or gloss…
As I mentioned, I used the satin version of Mod Podge but gloss would work too. It all depends on the look you want.
Trust the process…
After I finished applying the Mod Podge, I was sure I did something wrong because it looked wet and lumpy. The next day, I was pleasantly surprised with how the decoupage hardened and flattened out.
Creative Ways to Use Decoupaged Shells:
Decorative touch for your coffee table…
Add a little character to a stack of books.
Festive addition to a place setting…
For the 4th of July, the flag shell was the perfect patriotic accent for the table.
Unique name tag for a table setting…
Personalize the shells for each place setting…and let your guests take them home.
Trinket or jewelry dishes…
Create a pretty place to hold earrings or even spare change.
Other ways to use decoupaged shells:
- Display them on a small easel.
- Make a bunch and display them in a decorative bowl.
- Give them as a homemade gift.
- Use them as a gift tag.
- Add a ribbon with hot glue and hang them on your Christmas tree.
*To view my quick video tutorial on Instagram, see here! If I can do this easy craft, anyone can!
While you’re in the crafting mood, here are some other easy crafts to try…
Have you tried any crafts this summer?
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