Difference between revisions of "Make a Shell Necklace"
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| − | + | Seashell necklaces make beautiful pieces of jewelry, and they can serve as lovely reminders of a great time you spent at the beach or on vacation. You can also give them away as heartfelt gifts, or even sell them at a local craft fair or market. Because there are so many different kinds of shells, each necklace will be unique, and will have a personal touch. To avoid having a negative impact on the environment and marine life, never take a shell that still has a living creature inside of it. Only remove empty shells from the beach to use in your collections or jewelry making. | |
| − | [[Category:Necklace and Choker Projects]] | + | [[Category: Necklace and Choker Projects]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Making a Basic Seashell Necklace=== | ===Making a Basic Seashell Necklace=== | ||
| − | # Choose the shells you want to use. You can select shells based on a variety of factors, including type, shape, size, color, or pattern. The shells and necklace style you choose are a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment. Before drilling holes in the shells, arrange them on a flat surface so you can see how they’ll look together as a necklace.<ref>http://emilybirt.com/how-to-make-a-seashell-necklace/</ref> | + | # Choose the shells you want to use. You can select shells based on a variety of factors, including type, shape, size, color, or pattern. The shells and necklace style you choose are a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment. Before drilling holes in the shells, arrange them on a flat surface so you can see how they’ll look together as a necklace.<ref name="rf1">http://emilybirt.com/how-to-make-a-seashell-necklace/</ref> |
| − | #* To make a pendant necklace, choose a medium shell with an interesting shape or color. You can also decorate a pendant necklace with smaller shells, but make sure they match or complement the design, color, and shape of the centerpiece.<ref>http://makezine.com/2010/02/16/how-to_make_a_knotted_seashell/</ref> | + | #* To make a pendant necklace, choose a medium shell with an interesting shape or color. You can also decorate a pendant necklace with smaller shells, but make sure they match or complement the design, color, and shape of the centerpiece.<ref name="rf2">http://makezine.com/2010/02/16/how-to_make_a_knotted_seashell/</ref> |
#* Another option is to create a bold necklace with lots of medium-sized shells, which can either be distributed evenly around a cord or clustered together at the bottom. | #* Another option is to create a bold necklace with lots of medium-sized shells, which can either be distributed evenly around a cord or clustered together at the bottom. | ||
# Choose additional decorations. Just because the focus of your necklace is the seashell doesn’t mean you can't embellish it with other decorations, such as beads, charms, flowers, stones, and other jewels. | # Choose additional decorations. Just because the focus of your necklace is the seashell doesn’t mean you can't embellish it with other decorations, such as beads, charms, flowers, stones, and other jewels. | ||
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#* For a more rustic piece of jewelry, try twine or linen cord. | #* For a more rustic piece of jewelry, try twine or linen cord. | ||
#* For a durable and versatile necklace, try jewelry wire or nylon line. | #* For a durable and versatile necklace, try jewelry wire or nylon line. | ||
| − | # Gather your tools and supplies. To make your necklace, you will need a drill with a one-sixteenth-inch (1.6 mm) drill bit, jewelry findings, and needle nosed pliers.<ref>http://creativesavingsblog.com/diy-projects/diy-seashell-necklace/</ref> | + | # Gather your tools and supplies. To make your necklace, you will need a drill with a one-sixteenth-inch (1.6 mm) drill bit, jewelry findings, and needle nosed pliers.<ref name="rf3">http://creativesavingsblog.com/diy-projects/diy-seashell-necklace/</ref> |
#* In case you don’t have a drill, you can use a nail or screw and a hammer to make holes. | #* In case you don’t have a drill, you can use a nail or screw and a hammer to make holes. | ||
#* Jewelry findings that you may need include jump rings to attach the shells to the cord, and a clasp mechanism to close the necklace. Findings are optional if you're using string or cord, as you can choose to wrap the cord and tie the necklace instead. | #* Jewelry findings that you may need include jump rings to attach the shells to the cord, and a clasp mechanism to close the necklace. Findings are optional if you're using string or cord, as you can choose to wrap the cord and tie the necklace instead. | ||
#* With metal necklace chains, you likely won’t have to worry about a clasp, as this will already be attached. | #* With metal necklace chains, you likely won’t have to worry about a clasp, as this will already be attached. | ||
# Drill a hole in each shell. In order to string your shells onto a cord, you will need to create a hole in each shell. Use a marker or pencil to mark the spot on each shell where you want it to attach to the cord. | # Drill a hole in each shell. In order to string your shells onto a cord, you will need to create a hole in each shell. Use a marker or pencil to mark the spot on each shell where you want it to attach to the cord. | ||
| − | #* Hold the shell against a flat surface and use light pressure to drill a small hole in the shell. Start drilling on the inside and work your way out.<ref | + | #* Hold the shell against a flat surface and use light pressure to drill a small hole in the shell. Start drilling on the inside and work your way out.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #* If you don’t have a drill, make an initial hole by using a hammer to gently tap the head of a screw or nail through the shell. Once you have a small hole, turn the head of the nail or screw back and forth inside the hole until it’s large enough to accommodate the jump ring or your twine.<ref>http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/54824/diy-seashell-necklace</ref> | + | #* If you don’t have a drill, make an initial hole by using a hammer to gently tap the head of a screw or nail through the shell. Once you have a small hole, turn the head of the nail or screw back and forth inside the hole until it’s large enough to accommodate the jump ring or your twine.<ref name="rf4">http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/54824/diy-seashell-necklace</ref> |
| − | # Attach a jump ring to each shell. Using jump rings is optional, but it will help your shells hang properly on the cord. Grab the pliers and a jump ring, and use the pliers to stretch the jump ring open. Loop the ring through the hole in a shell, then close the ring with the pliers.<ref | + | # Attach a jump ring to each shell. Using jump rings is optional, but it will help your shells hang properly on the cord. Grab the pliers and a jump ring, and use the pliers to stretch the jump ring open. Loop the ring through the hole in a shell, then close the ring with the pliers.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#* Repeat this step for every shell you'll be stringing on your necklace. For added interest, you can hang more than one shell, charm, or bead on each jump ring. | #* Repeat this step for every shell you'll be stringing on your necklace. For added interest, you can hang more than one shell, charm, or bead on each jump ring. | ||
# String your necklace. To make a pendant necklace or a necklace with a special accent piece at the center, string this shell first. Then decorate the remaining cord any way you like, using other shells, charms, beads, and jewels. Or if you prefer, you can also leave the remaining cord empty, which will bring more focus to the accent piece. | # String your necklace. To make a pendant necklace or a necklace with a special accent piece at the center, string this shell first. Then decorate the remaining cord any way you like, using other shells, charms, beads, and jewels. Or if you prefer, you can also leave the remaining cord empty, which will bring more focus to the accent piece. | ||
#* While your necklace doesn’t have to be symmetrical, it should be balanced. For instance, instead of matching a large shell on one side with a large shell on the other, consider balancing the large shell with two or three small shells. | #* While your necklace doesn’t have to be symmetrical, it should be balanced. For instance, instead of matching a large shell on one side with a large shell on the other, consider balancing the large shell with two or three small shells. | ||
| − | # Close the necklace. For necklaces made with twine, cord, or nylon line, you can just tie the ends of the necklace together if you wish. Otherwise, you can finish the necklace by adding a clasp:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgurHEfl8Rg</ref> | + | # Close the necklace. For necklaces made with twine, cord, or nylon line, you can just tie the ends of the necklace together if you wish. Otherwise, you can finish the necklace by adding a clasp:<ref name="rf5">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgurHEfl8Rg</ref> |
#* On each end of the necklace, attach a crimp, followed by the clasp end. | #* On each end of the necklace, attach a crimp, followed by the clasp end. | ||
#* Loop the excess cord or wire back through the crimp. Pull it tightly so the clasp and crimp are touching, and are butted up firmly against the final bead or shell. Continue holding the excess cord firmly as you use the pliers to crimp the metal crimp in place. | #* Loop the excess cord or wire back through the crimp. Pull it tightly so the clasp and crimp are touching, and are butted up firmly against the final bead or shell. Continue holding the excess cord firmly as you use the pliers to crimp the metal crimp in place. | ||
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#*Use the pliers to attach a jump ring to each of the 10 smaller shells. Do not close the jump rings yet. | #*Use the pliers to attach a jump ring to each of the 10 smaller shells. Do not close the jump rings yet. | ||
#*With the three medium shells, arrange them all on a single jump ring, but don’t close the ring. | #*With the three medium shells, arrange them all on a single jump ring, but don’t close the ring. | ||
| − | # Wire-wrap the conical shell. To create an added point of interest, wire-wrap the conical shell and attach it to the necklace with wire, rather than a jump ring. To start, cut a piece of 24-gauge wire six times the length of the conical shell.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U4jHoa_CdY</ref> | + | # Wire-wrap the conical shell. To create an added point of interest, wire-wrap the conical shell and attach it to the necklace with wire, rather than a jump ring. To start, cut a piece of 24-gauge wire six times the length of the conical shell.<ref name="rf6">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U4jHoa_CdY</ref> |
#* Hold the wire in the center by pinching it with your index finger and thumb. Wrap the wire around the tip of your index finger and twist the two pieces together three times to form a small loop at the center of the wire. | #* Hold the wire in the center by pinching it with your index finger and thumb. Wrap the wire around the tip of your index finger and twist the two pieces together three times to form a small loop at the center of the wire. | ||
#* Spread the two wire ends out and position the middle of the fat top (not the pointed end) of the conical shell where the twist is. | #* Spread the two wire ends out and position the middle of the fat top (not the pointed end) of the conical shell where the twist is. | ||
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===Obtaining, Cleaning, and Preserving Shells=== | ===Obtaining, Cleaning, and Preserving Shells=== | ||
#Obtain seashells. Seashells can either be gathered from the beach or purchased at a craft store, or you can buy synthetic or artificial shells. While artificial shells may not have the same natural appeal, they are better for the environment. | #Obtain seashells. Seashells can either be gathered from the beach or purchased at a craft store, or you can buy synthetic or artificial shells. While artificial shells may not have the same natural appeal, they are better for the environment. | ||
| − | #* Seashells play an important role in coastal ecosystems, and provide homes to algae, birds, and hermit crabs. Removing shells from the beach can have a detrimental impact on the creatures that rely on them.<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/collecting-seashells-and-grooming-sand-may-damage-beach-ecosystems-a-study-finds/2014/05/12/20e40d08-cbdf-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html</ref> | + | #* Seashells play an important role in coastal ecosystems, and provide homes to algae, birds, and hermit crabs. Removing shells from the beach can have a detrimental impact on the creatures that rely on them.<ref name="rf7">https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/collecting-seashells-and-grooming-sand-may-damage-beach-ecosystems-a-study-finds/2014/05/12/20e40d08-cbdf-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html</ref> |
| − | #* If you really want to collect your own shells, only take a couple from each beach, and never take shells from highly visited beaches where others are often collecting shells. Always inspect each shell to ensure a hermit crab hasn’t claimed it for a home.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b25nEHJDwGw</ref> | + | #* If you really want to collect your own shells, only take a couple from each beach, and never take shells from highly visited beaches where others are often collecting shells. Always inspect each shell to ensure a hermit crab hasn’t claimed it for a home.<ref name="rf8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b25nEHJDwGw</ref> |
#* Shells are also a byproduct of the fishing industry, and there are some shell suppliers that only obtain shells from these producers. Buying shells from these producers could have less of an impact than purchasing ones collected from beaches. | #* Shells are also a byproduct of the fishing industry, and there are some shell suppliers that only obtain shells from these producers. Buying shells from these producers could have less of an impact than purchasing ones collected from beaches. | ||
# Clean the shells. Natural shells that are collected from the beach need to be cleaned to remove dirt, particles, odors, and bacteria. The most common way to clean shells is to soak them in a bleach and water solution: | # Clean the shells. Natural shells that are collected from the beach need to be cleaned to remove dirt, particles, odors, and bacteria. The most common way to clean shells is to soak them in a bleach and water solution: | ||
| − | #* Fill a bowl with one part bleach and three parts water.<ref | + | #* Fill a bowl with one part bleach and three parts water.<ref name="rf8" /> Soak the shells for anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, until the leathery covering—called the periostracum—comes off.<ref name="rf9">http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-seashells/</ref> |
#* When the shells are clean, use a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to give them a gentle scrub, then rinse them well with clean water. | #* When the shells are clean, use a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to give them a gentle scrub, then rinse them well with clean water. | ||
#* Allow the shells to dry. | #* Allow the shells to dry. | ||
| − | # Preserve the shells. You don’t actually have to do anything to preserve the shells, but if you want to enhance and protect their shine and luster, you can polish them with mineral oil.<ref>http://www.seashellshop.com/How-to-Preserve-Starfish-Sanddollars-and-Seahorses/</ref> Use a lint-free cloth to rub a small amount of mineral oil over each shell, and gently polish the inside and outside. | + | # Preserve the shells. You don’t actually have to do anything to preserve the shells, but if you want to enhance and protect their shine and luster, you can polish them with mineral oil.<ref name="rf10">http://www.seashellshop.com/How-to-Preserve-Starfish-Sanddollars-and-Seahorses/</ref> Use a lint-free cloth to rub a small amount of mineral oil over each shell, and gently polish the inside and outside. |
| − | #* Since you'll be using the shells for jewelry, another option is to protect them with a thin coat of satin-finish polyurethane varnish. Apply a light layer of varnish to the inside and outside of the shells using a clean paintbrush. Allow the varnish to dry completely.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VPrGqQEz2M</ref> | + | #* Since you'll be using the shells for jewelry, another option is to protect them with a thin coat of satin-finish polyurethane varnish. Apply a light layer of varnish to the inside and outside of the shells using a clean paintbrush. Allow the varnish to dry completely.<ref name="rf11">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VPrGqQEz2M</ref> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
