Making an Abalone Shell Sun Catcher
I've always wanted to make an Abalone Shell Sun Catcher with one of the many Abalone Shells I have. A lot of the projects in my mind get pushed to the bottom of the list, but I managed to carve bits of time here and there and finally completed it!
I had an idea of what I wanted it to look like and just kind of winged it.I receive them cleaned, but did give a gentle scrub with toothpaste and toothbrush. They all are so gorgeous! Basically, you need just 3 supplies - an Abalone Shell, fishing line, and beads.
I wanted to hang strings of beads from some of their reproduction and breathing holes. Holes already made for me, a big plus in my book! I used 80 lb nylon fishing line, found beads that were bigger than the holes and started stringing. I secured larger beads to the inside and outside of the shell.
I chose my bead colors and started stringing and stringing.
4 Strings done, 1 left to go. I decide to vary the lengths making the middle string the longest, then shortening each one as I threaded each side.
I decided to add my Grandmother's Aurora Borealis clip on earrings, a brooch, and a couple other pieces from her jewelry that I thought would add a little more sparkle. I also added a string of beads to hang it by.
I love the way it turned out. I hung it in our West window,so when the Sun comes in, the house gets a Rainbow effect! Heart strings were touched when I used Grandma's jewelry. So glad I thought of them. They look much better on my Sun Catcher than in my drawer! If you want to hear more of the story - me too! go here
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Hello Friend,
How lovely! What a wonderful idea to enjoy your keepsake jewelry from your grandmother! I love incorporating precious keepsakes into my projects. What better way to remember happy things! Thank you for sharing this sweet idea. Plus I love wind chimes and sun catchers!! ❤️💜💚
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