A Summer Shell Wreath is a good reminder of the fun times at the beach and can be kept year after year. To celebrate the summer months hang the wreath on the outside door or place it indoors on a wall. Wherever you place the wreath it will be sure to bring back fun memories.

Selection of the type of wreath needs to be determined based upon the area it is going to be placed. The wreath’s shape and material are important decisions. If you wish an outdoor wreath, a branch wreath would be best, as it will withstand the elements of bad weather. A circular wreath looks good on a door and a horizontal wreath looks best above an inside doorway. Shells can be gathered at the beach of course, but can also be purchased in craft store. The shells, no matter where you get them, can be dyed to match your decor or your favorite color.

SUPPLIES/MATERIALS:
Straw or Styrofoam Wreath
2 Glass Bowls
Assorted Seashells
Food Coloring
Tacky Glue or Glue Gun
Rubber Gloves
Ribbon
Vinegar
Cutting Board Covered with Foil
Scissors
Water
Measuring cup/ spoon
Wooden Spoon
Small wire to hang

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Review the entire lesson plan before beginning. Make a list of the items you need to purchase to complete the project. You need to decide which color you wish to make the seashells, so you may purchase a coordinating ribbon for the wreath. Your local craft store will have all the items you need to complete the project. The entire project costs less than twenty dollars. Always check around the house for needed items first, you may have many of the items already available to you. After you gathered all the necessary items it is time to start your project.

Step 2: Use a glass bowl and gloves for dying the shells, since the dye will stain your hands and plastic containers. Wearing your gloves, measure 4 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 8 drops of food coloring dye into a bowl. Stir the ingredients together with a wooden spoon. You may choose any colors you wish to dye the shells. We choose to use two colors, blue and green. Add additional drops of food coloring if needed. The shells will dye lighter than the color, so it is best to make the color very dark. Carefully place the shells you wish to dye into the bowl. Only place as many shells into the bowl that the water covers. If you are dying a large amount of shells, you will need to do them in batches. Let the shells soak for 1 hour, stirring them gently every 15 minutes.

Repeat the steps above if you are using a second color.

After wrapping a cutting board with aluminin foil, remove the dyed shells and place them upside down on the foil. This will allow them to dry evenly. The shells will appear very light and then darken as they dry out. Leave the shells until they are completely dry. You may wish to let them dry overnight and complete the wreath the next day.

Step 3: It is time to assemble your wreath. If you plan to hang your wreath indoors, strong tacky glue will hold the shells nicely. If you are making an outdoor wreath, use a hot glue gun to attach the shells. Place newspaper on your table to keep the surface free from glue. Put the wreath on the table then place the shells on the wreath to get an idea of how you want to arrange them. Place the larger shells first then fill in the spaces with smaller shells. When you have the shells in an arrangement that you like begin gluing them to the wreath. When you finish gluing the shells allow the wreath to dry for 2 hours before moving it. Loop a small wire through the top of the wreath for hanging hang. Then place a ribbon around the wire and tie a bow. We reinforced the bow onto the wreath with glue.

This wreath is a wonderful keepsake from a fun vacation, a trip to the beach with friends, or just a piece of artwork to decorate your home. It can also be used as a gift for someone special or as a nice housewarming or hostess gift during the summer months.