"Floating" Seashell Planter
by
Clök Concept
14 Materials
$10
2 Hours
Easy
Hello!
We have shared custody for my husband's 3 sons. Everytime they come back home they ask me : What's new? They know I always have a new projetc on the way!
My 10 years old stepson gave me an amazing seashell the other day. Someone gave it to him and he tought thant I would certainly find something to do with it.
He was right! ;)
This was my canvas. I masked all the pink (the internal part of the seashell) and I spray painted the exterior with metallic bronze.
I then removed the tape and painted the edge (were the tape ended) to create a gradient between pink and bronze. This is a trickier step and I am so sorry because I totally forgot to take a picture! You could practice on a scrap piece of wood before you do it on the real thing.
I sealed it with Krylon triple-thick crystal glaze.
As you can see, there is a hole il the shell... I knew that if I tried to fix it, it would probably show, so I decided to use it to my advantage! I carved a round dowel so it would fit in the hole. I spray painted it with the same bronze paint.
I mixed concrete into an ice cream bucket. I planted the dowel in the middle and made it hold with tape. Let it rest until next morning.
Once dry, I removed the mold and with a screw, I carved the edges for a more natural look.
Spray painting and glazing the base.
I trace a circle on a thin sheet of cork to create a protection under the base. After cutting it, I used Krylon Easy Tack spray adhesive and carefully place my concrete bas on top of the cork.
With Beacon 527 multi-use glue, I glued the dowel to the bas and to the sea shell. I kept the preassure until the dowel was impossible to move.
Time to plant the succulents!!
My new "floating" seashell is done!
It was finished... But I was worried about the sturdiness of dowel... So I decided to add a solid wooden block, in wich I drilled a 3/8" hole for the dowel to be inserted in it.
You might be surprised, but I mixed olive oil and Saman America Walnut stain together to have the most natural finish. I applied it with a Scott Towel, and there it is!
Hope you enjoyed! :)
Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 51 comments
-
This is outstanding!!
-
You are very creative, love the color you chose for the shell. I would have been scared of ruining such a sweet gift!
-
Thank you Maryellen! :)
-
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
I am a little confused. If you put the dowel in the cement, why would you need to glue it. I can understand gluing the shell to the dowel.
I love this!!! What type of plant can you use?
I HAVE SO MANY OF THESE BEAUTIFUL SHELLS. YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME TO DO SOMETHING WITH THEM. THEY ARE DISPLAYED IN MY MASTER BATH NOW. CAN I USE PLASTER OF PARIS INSTEAD? I HAVE ALSO SPRAY PAINTED OYSTER SHELLS WITH GOLD FOR AN ARRANGEMENT IN THE BATHROOM. I KEEP EARRINGS IN THEM.