Easy Oyster Shell Decoupage DIY
Six decorative oyster shells are arranged on a wood surface. Each shell features a colorful, intricate floral and paisley design on the inside and is edged with gold paint. Paint splatters are visible on the table.- A tabletop covered with a book displaying interior photos, topped with a decorative blue plate, floral-patterned porcelain dishes, and a small teacup, all on a blue and white spotted fabric. A patterned rug is visible below.
- A hand holds a decorated oyster shell featuring a colorful, intricate floral and leaf pattern with vibrant reds, greens, blues, and gold accents. The background is a wooden floor.
Once I started decoupaging, there was truly no turning back. Ha! I fell in love with making pumpkins and Christmas ornaments, and before long, I thought- what can I do that’s just as fun for spring and summer—oyster shells it is! This easy oyster shell decoupage DIY is such a fun craft! They’re simple, inexpensive, and add such a lovely touch to a table, coffee table, or to give as a gift. They would make a fun craft for a girl’s night or mahjong night, but are also great to do with kids.
Whether you use them to hold jewelry, display a place card for a dinner party, or simply scatter them around your home, they feel thoughtful and just a little bit special… which is always my goal when it comes to decorating and hosting.
What You’ll Need to Make Oyster Shell Decoupage Dishes
One of the reasons I love this project so much is that you only need a handful of supplies—and you may already have some of them on hand. I ordered all of them from Amazon, but you can find most of them at your local Hobby Lobby or Michaels.
• Optional: Gold paint for the edges
That’s it! Simple and easy!
How to Decoupage Oyster Shells
- Craft supplies on a painted table, including green scissors, white acrylic paint, Mod Podge, a floral napkin, two paintbrushes, and four oyster shells with white paint inside them.
- A hand holds an empty oyster shell with a small crystal inside it, next to a colorful floral-patterned napkin, against a blurred brown background.
- A hand uses a foam brush to apply Mod Podge sealer to the inside of a large white seashell. The Mod Podge container is open and sits on a messy, paint-splattered table with other seashells nearby.
- A hand lifts the corner of a thin, white, patterned napkin or tissue, revealing its layers. A colorful rug with geometric patterns is visible in the background.
- A hand holds a colorful, crumpled napkin with a vibrant floral and paisley pattern. The wooden floor beneath is visible, and light shines on both the hand and the floor.
- A hand holds a decorated oyster shell featuring a colorful, intricate floral and leaf pattern with vibrant reds, greens, blues, and gold accents. The background is a wooden floor.
Start by making sure your oyster shells are clean and completely dry. This step makes all the difference and helps everything adhere beautifully.
Next, paint the inside of each shell with white paint. This creates a clean, bright base so your napkin design really pops. Let that dry completely.
Once dry, gently separate the top layer of your decorative napkin (you’ll only use the printed layer). Tear or cut a piece to fit your shell—it doesn’t have to be perfect, which is part of the charm.
Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the inside of the shell, then carefully place your napkin on top. Smooth it gently with your fingers or a brush, working out any wrinkles as best you can.
Once it’s in place, add another light layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal it. Let everything dry completely.
For a finishing touch, I like to add a little gold paint around the edges. It gives them that extra polished, collected feel that makes them look truly special.
Ways to Use Decoupage Oyster Shells
These little shells are as versatile as they are pretty.
I love using them as a catch-all for rings or earrings on a nightstand or bathroom counter. They also make the sweetest place card holders for a dinner party and a great teacher gift- just add a gift card!
You can also scatter a few on a coffee table, style them on a bookshelf, or even gift them to a friend. They feel like something you might find in a charming boutique, but they are homemade—which makes them even better.
If you love easy crafts and decoupage projects, be sure to check out my decoupage pumpkins and Christmas ornaments as well. They’re just as simple, so much fun to make, and perfect for adding a little seasonal charm to your home.
Grateful for you,
Julie
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