by Roni Johnson

 

It’s fun to walk along the beach and pick up the shells that have washed ashore. It’s even more fun to take those shells and create a lovely piece of jewelry to hold those fond summer memories for months and years to come.

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 3 hours + dry time

Directions

Step 1

Wash and dry shells to prepare them for the project.

Step 2

Dip a Fantastix into the ink and “paint” it onto the shell.

Step 3

Continue painting the shell with the desired color of All Purpose Inks. Let the ink dry naturally or speed drying using a heat tool.

Step 4

Print desired images on copy or lightweight paper using an ink jet printer. I choose ocean themes to match the shells. Tear away the excess paper so the image fits into the center of the shell.

Step 5

Use your finger to spread a thin layer of Clear, Shimmer or Iridescent Creative Medium on the interior of the shell. Immediately press the image into the shell. Apply a layer of Creative Medium over the image pressing the image down into the grooves of the shell as you go.

Step 6

Apply a second layer of Creative Medium over the image to ensure that it has been sealed and set aside to dry.

Step 7

Use a Fantastix to apply All Purpose Ink in Vegas Gold around the edge of the shell and image. Let it dry naturally. This could take several hours depending on temps/humidity.

Step 8

Use a 5/64th drill bit in a Dremel set on the lowest speed to drill a hole in the top of the shell. Use jewelry pliers to add a jump ring and chain. Add any additional embellishments to make it your own design!

Enjoy!

Supplies

Imagine

• All-Purpose Ink – Vegas Gold, Tropical Lagoon, Cerulean Blue, Green Apple
• Fantastix
• Creative Medium
• Craft Mat

Other

• Printed Images (with an ocean theme)
• Shell
• Heat Tool
• Dremel
• 5/64th Drill Bit
• Jewelry Pliers
• Jump Ring & Chain