DIY Octopus Shell Art
This DIY Octopus Shell Art was a fun project I put together for our monthly thrift store makeovers. I found a bag of small shells at my local thrift store, and I don’t pass up on bargain shells. I’ve been wanting to add some decor to our downstairs bathroom that I’m creating with a coastal Octopus theme, so I though some seashell art would be a great addition.
Here’s what I found at the thrift store, a half-used bag of shells. I already had the canvas, so it made for a cheap and thrifty piece of art.
Octopus Shell Art Supplies
(affiliate links provided for your convenience)
- Tiny Seashells
- Canvas
- Printed Image
- Pencil
- Glue ( I love this and this)
Time needed: 30 minutes
How to Make Octopus Shell Art
- Find a image
First step is finding an image that you want to create for your shell art. I went with an Octopus for this project.
- Attach image
Use some painter’s tape to help hold down your image.
- Trace your image
Using a sharp pencil, firmly trace around the edges of the image.
- Glue on the Shells
I started planning what shells I would put in one area. I started with the head. Once I knew which shells I wanted to use I applied the glue over the head area and pressed the shells onto the canvas. The superglue I used dries within a minute. I would wait a minute and then move to the next area.
- Eyes
The final step was using a Sharpie to add the black center of the eye onto two shells.
I love how it looks in our downstairs bathroom!
Other Thrift Store Projects
Make sure to check out what the rest of the team made over this month!
Burlap Gift Bags T.V. Tray Table Makeove Badminton Racket Repurpose Upcycling a Clam Hod as a Pumpkin Basket Carved Tray Makeover Mirror Makeover Using Chalky Paint Octopus Shell Art
Other Shell Art
What a great idea! I just picked up some new (to me) seashells on our beach trip this month. Have to give this a try. Thanks for the inspiration.
Quick and easy upcycle for coastal themed home decor! I’d love for you to share over at our Creative Crafts Linky Party https://creativelybeth.com/creative-crafts-linky-party-2-join-in-the-fun/
Have a great weekend!
Creatively, Beth
It’s super cute I would love to make one I have a bunch of shells and I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with them. However I cannot link to the glue that you used. Can you please tell me which glue do you like to use?
What the heck! When I originally saw the “pre” photo I had no idea it would come out looking so darn cute! Great project!
This is adorbale Maryann!!! Perfect summer display 🙂