Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, this blog has everything you need for a day of oyster shell painting. Perfect for a girls' get-together or a crafty day of fun! Imagine a sunny afternoon filled with laughter and creativity, where your besties gather to transform simple oyster shells into stunning works of art.
Here at Dawson’s, we frequently have oyster shells to give to our customers, so feel free to give us a call and we can put some aside for you.
What you’ll need:
Oyster shells, cleaned and dry
Paint or paint pens
Paint brushes, if using paint
Water for paint brushes
Paper towel
Some Inspiration: See our
Pinterest board for some ideas
A Guide to Cleaning Oyster Shells for Crafts
To prepare your oyster shells for decorating and/or painting, firstly remove any excess debris or organic matter from the shells. Oyster shells can often still have part of the oyster muscle attached to the shell, so gently scrubbing the shells with a stiff brush under running water can help to get rid of this muscle and also any grit or debris.
After removing the debris, soak the shells in a bucket of water and bleach solution overnight. This will help loosen any remaining particles stuck to the shells and will also sanitize them.
Alternatively, putting your oyster shells in the dishwasher is also an easy option. Simply put all of your shells in a colander or the cutlery rack, and run a short cycle on your machine.
Place the cleaned shells on a towel or drying rack and let them air dry.
Selecting the Right Paints for Oyster Shell Craft
We’ve tried and tested many options for decorating your oyster shells, and we love these two the best:
Acrylic Paints:
Acrylic paints are a go-to choice for shell painting, thanks to their vibrant colours and versatility. One of our favorites is the
Shuttle Art Metallic Acrylic Paint Set. These metallic paints add a stunning shimmer that perfectly complements the natural sheen of oyster shells. Acrylic paints are easy to work with, and they dry quickly, making them ideal for both detailed artwork and broad strokes of colour.
Tips for Using Acrylic Paints:
Do 2 – 3 coats on the shell if you want the colours to be fully opaque
We love to use pearl or white as a base inside the oyster shell, and then use paint pens (below) to do more intricate lettering or designs over the top.
Seal your finished artwork with a clear varnish to protect it.
Paint Pens:
For those who love precision and detail, paint pens are perfect. We highly recommend the ARTISTRO Paint Pens. These pens allow for drawing intricate designs onto the shells with ease. Whether you’re sketching delicate patterns, writing names, or adding finishing touches to your acrylic paint base, paint pens offer a lot of control and precision. They come in a wide array of colours, and their fine tips make them ideal for detailed work.
Tips for Using Paint Pens:
Ensure the shell surface is completely dry before using the pens.
Practice your design on paper first to get a feel for the pen’s flow.
Use a light touch to avoid excess paint pooling on the shell.
We hope these oyster shell craft ideas have inspired your creativity!
For even more inspiration, check out our
Pinterest board, where we've curated a collection of beautiful oyster shell crafts and creative ideas.
