Transforming Oyster Shell Finds into Beautiful Trinkets

Gold painted Oyster shells, jewellery holder

There’s something magical about strolling along Vancouver's beaches, the cool breeze, the sound of the waves, and the unexpected treasures hiding in the sand. One of my favourite finds has  been oyster shells—each one a little piece of nature’s art. Over time, I've turned this humble beach discovery into something special, a project that combines the beauty of nature with a touch of artistic flair.

After gathering a collection of oyster shells on a recent beach walk, I brought them home to begin the transformation process. The first step was to wash and bleach them, ensuring they were clean and pristine. I left them to dry in the sun for a full week, letting the natural light work its magic.

Once dried, I started painting some of the shells in a beautiful, rich gold. The way the metallic paint caught the light felt luxurious and gave the shells an entirely new life. For some, I decided to add a delicate, floral touch. Using tissue and napkins with soft floral designs, I carefully glued them onto the shells. When it dried I gently filed with mail file all edges to remove access paper. The combination of gold and floral patterns created an eye-catching contrast that felt both elegant and whimsical.

Painted in gold outside of the shell. 

Painted the edges of the Oyster shell

When tissue was dry I painted the edges

To ensure these pieces would last, I applied a coat of acrylic varnish over each shell, sealing in the color and protecting the delicate designs. The result? Stunning little oyster shell boxes with lids, perfect for holding trinkets or simply displaying as unique décor pieces.

Whether sitting on a vanity or given as a thoughtful gift, these oyster shell creations are both beautiful and functional. I’m thrilled with how they turned out—each one feels like a tiny treasure, a nod to the natural beauty of Vancouver's shores and a testament to the transformative power of a little creativity.

Gold painted Oyster shells, jewellery holder

Gold painted Oyster shells, Jewellery Trinket Dish

 

Transforming Oyster Shell Finds into Beautiful Trinkets

Gold painted Oyster shells, jewellery holder

There’s something magical about strolling along Vancouver's beaches, the cool breeze, the sound of the waves, and the unexpected treasures hiding in the sand. One of my favourite finds has  been oyster shells—each one a little piece of nature’s art. Over time, I've turned this humble beach discovery into something special, a project that combines the beauty of nature with a touch of artistic flair.

After gathering a collection of oyster shells on a recent beach walk, I brought them home to begin the transformation process. The first step was to wash and bleach them, ensuring they were clean and pristine. I left them to dry in the sun for a full week, letting the natural light work its magic.

Once dried, I started painting some of the shells in a beautiful, rich gold. The way the metallic paint caught the light felt luxurious and gave the shells an entirely new life. For some, I decided to add a delicate, floral touch. Using tissue and napkins with soft floral designs, I carefully glued them onto the shells. When it dried I gently filed with mail file all edges to remove access paper. The combination of gold and floral patterns created an eye-catching contrast that felt both elegant and whimsical.

Painted in gold outside of the shell. 

Painted the edges of the Oyster shell

When tissue was dry I painted the edges

To ensure these pieces would last, I applied a coat of acrylic varnish over each shell, sealing in the color and protecting the delicate designs. The result? Stunning little oyster shell boxes with lids, perfect for holding trinkets or simply displaying as unique décor pieces.

Whether sitting on a vanity or given as a thoughtful gift, these oyster shell creations are both beautiful and functional. I’m thrilled with how they turned out—each one feels like a tiny treasure, a nod to the natural beauty of Vancouver's shores and a testament to the transformative power of a little creativity.

Gold painted Oyster shells, jewellery holder

Gold painted Oyster shells, Jewellery Trinket Dish