A small decoration for a mirror made of shells. Mirror with shells or a mirror in a marine style (40 photos)! Basic rules, principles of decorating mirrors

Record dated: 9-21-2016

This year, I finally realized my old dream - I made decor from sea shells. I have been collecting shells for a long time - from each trip to the sea I brought with me a certain number of rapanchiks. Everyone was going to start making crafts from shells for the interior, but, as they say, “the fees were short-lived” 🙂 The only thing is that the shells were used to decorate miniature gardens in bowls, the creation of which I am fond of.

This year I was lucky to visit the sea near Anapa, in Art. Blagoveshchenskaya, where we camped on a sandy spit. There were absolutely extraordinary shells - the likes of which I had never seen in my life. They were large, bright, some even covered with some kind of calcareous coating, reminiscent of coral formations.

Of course, all the time of my vacation I was enthusiastically collecting this beauty, with the aim of subsequently making decor from shells. Other shells are smaller, I collected on the Sea of ​​Azov when we went to the port of Kavkaz near Taman to meet a friend from the ferry.

When we were returning from the sea, we stopped at Ikea near Krasnodar and there I bought two wooden mirrors, hoping to decorate them with shells. I started decorating the mirror with my own hands while on a trip - it's nice to do something creative on vacation when there is a lot of free time. For this, I only needed pva glue, shells and the mirror itself.

How to stick seashells to glass

Many people are interested in me - how and with what kind of glue shells can be glued to glass - I will say with all responsibility that it is better not to come up with pva glue.

You need to glue the shells like this: squeeze the pva glue onto the surface (it should be thick and create a layer of 3 millimeters on the surface. Exactly, and not like many people do - just smear the surface with a brush. In the latter case, the shells will fall off almost immediately.

But if you squeeze out the glue in a thick layer, then carefully place the shells in the glue (do not be afraid, this will not hurt the beauty), then they will stick very well. When the glue dries, its layer will become thinner and it will become transparent and invisible. This is how I glued the shells on the mirror. Large orange ones are collected on the Black Sea, and small ones - on the Sea of ​​Azov.

See the shells yourself in macro photography - the glue is not visible at all!

This is the original mirror.

Well, this is how it became after decorating with shells.

The next idea for execution is to make from shells. Fortunately, after the last trip I have a lot of them.

Seashells are the most budgetary and atmospheric souvenirs that you can collect on the beach and bring home. These little things will remind you of warm water, bright sun and colorful summer for a long time to come. In addition, they will become an unusual addition to the interior and create an atmosphere of lightness and carelessness in your home.

In creating an original interior, any decorations made by you with your own hands will come in handy.

Shell decor is an element of eco-style in the interior.

Homemade decorations allow you to create a unique design for your home. You will not find a similar interior in any of your friends, because you put a piece of yourself into each such handmade thing.

An important detail in the decoration of shells - such a thing will cost much cheaper than bought in a store.

Seashells brought from the sea are the ideal material for such creativity. Sea shells are quite easy to use and do not require special skills and talents. At the same time, there are a lot of ideas for decorating various objects with shells. They can decorate:

  • Photo frame;
  • Mirror;
  • vase;
  • casket;
  • picture.

Sand, shells, starfish, pebbles - these are the natural materials with which you can create a unique style.

Large and small shells are also used as independent interior decorations. For example, a large voluminous shell can be an excellent pencil holder or even a flower pot.

Treat yourself to the atmosphere of the sea breeze - decorate the interior of your home in a marine style.

Shells can be used almost everywhere. The most logical place for them in the house is the bathroom, but they also fit well in the living room and bedroom. Even the most ordinary shell on a shelf or bedside table will look extraordinary.

It is also difficult to imagine an aquarium without them, where they are often simply necessary.

Seashells in the interior - these are always clean and shiny shells, as if descended from the pictures. However, nature creates them not quite like that.

In order for them to become ideal decorations and suitable for use in decor, you will have to work a little on them.

Pre-freezing will help prolong the life of the shells. Put all your sea treasures in the freezer. When they are frozen, take them out and use a knife to clean them from the insides.For an absolute result, boil the clams for about 15 minutes, clean and rinse again in water.

Shell decor is back in fashion!

At the last stage, the shells are bleached. Any bleaching agent can be used. Pour the shells and leave for several hours, then rinse, dry, grease with vegetable oil and varnish.

Decorate the mirror

The bathroom will be transformed beyond recognition if you decorate the mirror with seashells. Use gold or turquoise acrylic paint to create the background of a nautical-inspired composition.

Seashells, pebbles, small beautifully shaped beads will be a wonderful decor for mirrors.

When gluing shells, you need to take care of the strength of such an attachment. The glue should be suitable for wet rooms, because water and fumes will constantly get on the mirror.

Everyone can make such an original decor on their own.

Seashells in the interior bedrooms will look just as impressive, but here it is better to stick to a pastel color palette.

The decor of the mirror should be more restrained and match the style of the room.

Shell decor - this is beauty, which is very simple to create. For the design of the mirror will come in handy:

  • Shells of different shapes and sizes;
  • Thermal gun for needlework;
  • Double sided tape;
  • Imitation pearl;
  • Pebble;
  • Colorless varnish.

Decorate the frame with shells of different sizes and colors.

Rinse and dry the shells before starting work. Protect the mirror surface from damage by covering it with a cloth or paper.

  1. Choose the smallest shells. I wish they were the same size. Glue them along the inner rim of the mirror with a glue gun or double-sided tape.
  2. Proceed to the design of the second row with larger shells. The distance between them should be approximately the same. For better adhesion, apply glue to both the mirror frame and the shell itself.
  3. Fill in the spaces between the shells with pebbles and pearls.
  4. Let the glue dry, then cover the resulting composition with a colorless varnish.

Enjoy the resort atmosphere from the comfort of your own apartment.

Decorating photo frames

Even the simplest photo frame can become a stylish and original accessory. Shell decor will help you achieve this effect. In addition to sea shells, the same acrylic paint, as well as pebbles, sand, beads and sparkles will become your assistants. Details from a rope thread or starfish will also look interesting.

A frame made of shells will remind you of warm sunny days.

Arrange them on the shelves, hang them on the wall or place them above the fireplace. Such frames are simply created in order to place photographs from the seashore in them and remember the happy moments of your vacation on cold winter evenings.

You will not see such a frame with your neighbors - it exists only in one copy and is a manifestation of your individuality.

Vase with shells

Even a simple glass vessel filled with seafood will look interesting. Pour some sand into a vase, aquarium or wide glass, add sea pebbles and shells. Suchused for table setting for the holiday or simply placed on shelves, cabinets and bedside tables.

This vase will brighten up any setting.

Flower pots decorated with seashells inside or outside look original. Shells of an unusual shape can be placed inside the pot next to the flowers. And if you have a lot of identical shells of the correct shape, then it is better to stick them on the outer walls or rim.

A vase decorated with colorful shells will bring originality to the interior.

Unusual seashell decor ideas

Above we have described the most popular ways to use shells in the interior . In fact, there are many more of them, and among them there are quite unusual options.

  • Shell topiary - a round tree with a foam base, which is pasted over with shells, pearls and other decorative elements.

Today, topiary is a fashionable decoration for any interior, which is becoming increasingly popular.

  • Panel - wood, plywood, cardboard, mesh or burlap are used as a background. Sometimes it is sprinkled with sand or laid out with pebbles. Shells are arranged in a chaotic manner or lined up in a certain shape.

Such a product can decorate any room.

  • Decorative letters - stencils are cut out, which can add up to a word or indicate the first letters of the names of the owners. Finished letters are decorated with sea shells in the same way as ordinary photo frames.

If there are a lot of shells and they are very large, then you can make individual letters by gluing them together.

  • Candles - take one or more voluminous shells. Fasten the wick inside, fill it with wax. A stylish accessory for the bathroom or bedroom is ready.

Shells are almost finished miniature candlesticks that are just waiting to be supplemented with paraffin wax and a wick.

  • Garlands - shells are hung on a rope in one or more rows or attached to a Christmas tree garland in place of light bulbs. The second option looks more festive and is useful for decorating parties.

They will not only decorate the interior, but also allow you not to turn sea gifts into a pile of garbage.

  • The dream catcher is a popular Native American amulet to ward off bad dreams that can be crafted with a nautical theme. Somewhat difficult to perform, but the result looks very impressive.

Decorations in the form of beads, feathers and shells make the Dream Catcher bright and elegant.

No matter how many shells you bring back from vacation, they will always find a use in the interior. Working with such material is easy and interesting.

Exclusive handmade shell decor will remind you of the best moments of your seaside vacation all year round.

VIDEO: Wonderful shell decor for the home.

The number of mirrors in each house is different, but it is impossible to imagine a situation without them at all. The functionality of this piece of furniture is beyond doubt. But in terms of aesthetics, not all mirrors look as good as possible. Therefore, if the house has a mirror in the old frame or without it, it is worth trying to fix it. We share simple but effective ideas for transforming a mirror.

1. In a ceramic environment


If the bathroom is planned to be renovated, then the mirror can be mounted directly into the ceramic tile. Fix it to the wall with a suitable adhesive, and then proceed with the laying of tiles or mosaics.

2. With memories of summer


To decorate the mirror, use small river or sea pebbles. It can be glued directly to the mirror with silicone adhesive. If this option is not suitable, cut out the base on which the mirror is glued from thick cardboard, and the upper part with a hole for it. Glue the top part with stones, and then glue both parts together.

3. Original plastic frame


Ordinary disposable plastic spoons become an excellent material for decorating a mirror with your own hands. To make the frame look even more spectacular, we recommend covering them with acrylic paints.

4. For the most economic


The frame for the mirror, which can be made in just a matter of minutes, is made from ordinary wooden clothespins. They can be pre-painted. Just attach the clothespins to the mirror.

5. In stained glass style


Such a mirror, reminiscent of stained glass techniques, is easy to make on your own. To apply dark lines on its surface, use special paint for glass or black tape.

6. Futuristic mirrors from the future


To fix several mirrors, you can use a single base. For example, wooden. Just glue the mirrors with silicone glue.

7. Return to nature


Short branches will be an excellent material for decorating a mirror, especially if they are painted in a bright color. They can be glued directly around the perimeter of the mirror or on the frame.

8. Nautical


The frame for the mirror, made of thick rope, will perfectly fit into the interior in a marine style. Additionally, it can be decorated with shells or pebbles.

9. Spring is coming


Artificial flowers will help create a delicate frame for the mirror. Also, the composition can be supplemented with green leaves and fruits. Everything you need for such a mirror decor with your own hands can be purchased at a florist shop.

10. Beads and shells


The combination of beads and shells in the decor of the mirror creates an unforgettable effect. Such an interior detail will harmoniously look in the room of a beautiful lady of any age.


11. A new look at a familiar tree


To make such a wooden frame, you need a thick branch. It will need to be cut into thin slices, which are then used as decoration.

12. Affordable paper decor


The most affordable and affordable option for decorating a mirror with your own hands is the use of paper strips. Glue paper strips to the cardboard base, and a mirror on top of them.

13. Decor for the kitchen


Cutlery that has not been used for a long time will become an unusual material for decorating a mirror. An ordinary plate can be used as the basis for this composition. Both a mirror and cutlery are glued to it.

14. Mirror for needlewomen


Those who are fond of sewing or embroidery will definitely like a mirror decorated with spools of thread. Just glue multi-colored coils around the perimeter of the mirror.

15. Bright frame from old magazines


Reading magazines can be useful when decorating a mirror. Cut the page into two or three parts, twist each of which into a tube. It remains only to glue the paper tubes to the mirror or frame.

16. New life for an old T-shirt


Cut the knitted T-shirt into several fairly wide strips and weave a pigtail out of them. Then glue it around the perimeter of the mirror, leaving the edges free, and hang it on the wall.

17. Edible decor


Legumes, cereals, pasta can be made into an unusual material for decorating a mirror with your own hands. Apply a generous layer of glue to a flat frame and sprinkle edible decor over it. After drying, we recommend covering the decorative composition with acrylic varnish.

18. Useful buttons


Buttons that could not be used for their intended purpose can become a material for decorating a mirror. Just stick them on the mirror or on its frame.

19. For lovers of an active lifestyle


Old rackets can also act as a frame for a mirror. Finding a ready-made, suitable mirror can be problematic. But you can cut the right size and shape in a workshop that specializes in working with glass.

20. More shine


Decorative glass pebbles are used to decorate a regular frame. You can buy them in stores specializing in the sale of goods for animals. Most often they are used to decorate aquariums.

When the issue of decorating the living space is resolved, it's time to take care of its little inhabitants. For example,

Hello dear readers! How do you want to extend your summer vacation at sea, right? But work and other obligations are urgent, it’s good at least the memories of a wonderful sea holiday are glimmering in the soul! But such memories can be extended, and not by viewing colorful vacation photos, but by a self-made mirror frame decorated in a marine style. Just imagine how wonderful it will look in the interior of a bathroom or hallway, constantly feeding you with pleasant memories of the warm sea!

Mirror with shells photo

Mirror with shells photo

If you brought shells from the sea, then in just a few days you may notice that they have darkened, and a terribly unpleasant smell has appeared, below you will learn how to bring the shells into proper form.

How to clean shells at home.

  1. Freeze shells. Some people recommend freezing shells in a bag filled with water, I know from experience that no water is needed, put the shells in a bag, tie it up and put it in the freezer. After a while, when you can take care of the shells, take out the bag, wait until the shells are defrosted (do not untie the bag during defrosting - otherwise you will feel a pungent smell). After defrosting, tie a cotton-gauze bandage on your face, put gloves on your hands, arm yourself with tweezers, a knife, and a sharp wooden skewer and remove the insides of the shells.
  2. Boil the shells. There is another way to clean the shells, pour water into the pan, into which the shells are carefully immersed, boil the shells in boiling water for about 15 minutes. Then drain the water, let the shells cool, arm yourself with tweezers and remove all the insides from them. At the final stage, thoroughly rinse all sinks with running water.
  3. How to bleach seashells. Take a glass container, dip the shells into it and fill it with laundry bleach. After 1.5 hours, you can get the shells, if necessary, you can hold longer. Rinse the shells under running water, dry, grease with vegetable oil and after a while, cover with a colorless varnish. When drying in the sun, try not to overexpose the shells, otherwise they will crumble.


How to decorate a mirror with shells.

✓ Required materials:

✓ Mirror in a frame;

✓ Hot glue gun with glue sticks (you can use transparent glue moment);

✓ Shells, pearl beads and river pebbles;

✓ Colorless varnish;

✓ Tweezers.

Where to get seashells?

  • Collect on the seashore;
  • Buy in coastal shops (usually in such departments shells of various shapes and sizes are sold at affordable prices);
  • Buy in souvenir shops in your city;
  • Order in the online store;
  • Purchase at "All for Creativity" stores;
  • Ask friends and relatives.


Well, let's start decorating the mirror with shells.

We put the mirror on the table, heat up the thermal gun or simply arm ourselves with a bottle of transparent glue of the moment. We cover the mirror canvas with a cloth or paper so as not to drip with glue and not to scratch.

We glue the mirrors along the inner contour - small shells, it is better to apply glue on the shell itself, of course, when applying glue to the frame, things will go faster, but since the moment tends to harden quickly, you may simply not have time to glue seafood. Make sure that they are arranged symmetrically and do not jump out of the intended row.

After creating the shell outline, you can start gluing large shells, but before gluing, just attach the shell to the frame and evaluate whether it looks appropriate here.

After gluing the large shells, start filling in the gaps between them using pearl beads, river pebbles and small shells. If you plan to stick starfish, then remember that they are very fragile and need to be glued on first, and then lay out other decorations around them. Gaps can also be filled with clean sea sand or light beads can be used.


When the marine-style mirror is fully decorated with all kinds of marine gifts, leave the product to dry completely, 24 hours will be enough. Then we cover the frame with a glossy, colorless varnish, and after another drying - we admire the result!

Mirror with shells photo

Mirror in marine style photo.

I suggest you look at a selection of photos of square mirrors, complemented by shells.

Such mirrors will emphasize the interior design of the bathroom, hallway and bedroom. And how perfectly they will fit into a themed marine interior!

Mirror in a marine style photo

Round mirrors decorated with different-sized shells.

Such mirrors look very neat and quite compact, so they can be hung in any room of the house, in addition, such a mirror is perfect as a gift!

Oval mirrors decorated with shells and other marine gifts.

Such mirrors look really cozy, they will help to instantly revive the overall interior atmosphere. Just one mirror can dramatically change the entire home environment, thanks to its bright decor, it will become the main accessory in the house and will constantly catch the eye.

Rectangular mirrors decorated with large and small shells.

This form of mirror is perhaps the most traditional and popular. A large mirror, decorated with shells of various shapes, can be hung in a central place in the living room or dining room.

Mirror in a marine style photo

We use shells in decorating.

The original use of shells in the decor.

The shells themselves look very beautiful, so they are often used as a finishing material for all kinds of decor items. This page is dedicated to this, in which you will consider the ideas of using seashells for home decoration,

See how beautifully you can decorate the boxes with shells.

If you are fed up with a vase, change it by gluing shells with strong glue.

How chic a candlestick decorated with seashells looks!

Shells are also used to decorate topiary.

And another version of a chic candlestick trimmed with craquelure and shells.

Shell panel will decorate any interior! :)

Wow, they even make crowns! :)

To decorate a vase, it is quite possible to use shells to imitate craters.

A pendant is assembled from shells by gluing the shells with hot glue to the substrate.

I want to warn you that before using this decorative finishing material, it must be processed in a quality manner in order to get rid of an unpleasant odor and living microorganisms, and then the shells are polished and varnished.

we study the process of processing seashells collected at sea or purchased in a store:

We soak the finishing material for a day in warm water, after soaking it for 20 seconds in hydrochloric acid, due to which the shells will acquire a bright color. It is important to rinse thoroughly afterwards. Glossy shells do not soak in this saline solution! If you hold the shells in a hydrochloric acid solution for longer, they will become aged and limestone decomposition. I think you understand how important it is to observe all safety measures when working with this solution!

After daily soaking in water, wash the shells, dry and cover with Johnson's baby oil or acrylic varnish on top.

This finishing material can be supplemented with tiny pieces of natural stones, starfish, corals or even coarse sea sand and polished sticks aged by time and the sea.

Before gluing the shells to the surface, place them all on the surface and make sure they are in a beautiful compositional arrangement. Shells look beautiful on a background substrate, which uses river sand, pebbles or small shells.

Many masters prefer to use Elmer's multi-purpose glue for gluing shells to the surface. It is necessary to work with the glue very carefully so that it does not come out with its gloss and does not get on the surface of the adjacent shell.

This adhesive dries within 24 hours. After the glue has completely dried, the craftsmen cover the top with a finishing varnish.

Let's continue our tour of the original decor, trimmed with shells.

All kinds of frames on mirrors and photo frames are often trimmed with shells.

A beautiful brooch in the form of a flower is created from flat shells.


Applications are made from shells on the walls.

And how do you like this idea of ​​decorating a mirror with starfish? :) Beauty!

But you shouldn’t apply a mosaic on a shell, since it in itself is a work of art of nature, but it’s quite appropriate to make a plaster cast, then it can be decorated using any technique and even with small shells themselves.

Shells go well with pearls.

Surely, after a summer vacation at the sea, you have accumulated a lot of this marine material, which you now use in an original way to design decor by viewing this page :)

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