Making Shell Jewelry

[coral_sybil]

13170

So I have a good deal of shells (in my opinion) and I'm not sure what I can make out of them, most of them are clam shells. Anyone have any good tips on making shell jewelry?

[deepblue]

I'd recommend you check out a couple threads on how to drill through them:

Crafting Drill (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5708-Crafting-Drill)
and
Best Bits for Drilling Sea Shells (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5519-Which-bits-are-best-for-drilling-sea-shells)

And look into tutorials about how to use hot glue to adhere them to various things. And go from there.

[coral_sybil]

Thanks, I was looking at some things online and there was one in which they recommended a Dremel

[deepblue]

When people say that, they're talking about a rotary tool. Dremel is one brand, and one which many people love. I got a Black and Decker (I linked to it in the drill thread) and it's been fabulous, and a heck of a better price.

[coral_sybil]

I figured I'd check around with my family see if someone has something. It's good to know what they mean.

I have to admit, I'm not all that knowledgeable about the tools needed or used.

[Miyu]

Clam shells are great for sticking other shells/pearls/gems on and in! But here's a few ideas from Etsy I like to get you started:

shell pearl necklace (http://www.etsy.com/listing/152113156/shell-necklace-pearl-necklace-hawaii?ref=sr_gallery_34&ga_search_query=pearl+shell+mermaid+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all)
another (http://www.etsy.com/listing/152203918/double-tahitian-pearl-and-sunrise-shell?ref=sr_gallery_41&ga_search_query=pearl+shell+mermaid+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all)
lots of shells (http://www.etsy.com/listing/117447938/beach-bride-pearls-mermaids-treasure?ref=sr_gallery_44&ga_search_query=pearl+shell+mermaid+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all)
clam shell (http://www.etsy.com/listing/125204179/mermaid-cove-necklace-on-sale?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=sr_0376309940809a512287ebc04da613825ecc72f19a 4692cc6bc390416d32096b_1375497037_14685001_mermaid&ga_search_query=pearl+shell+mermaid+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all)
boho mermaid (http://www.etsy.com/listing/156974701/boho-mermaid-necklace-shell-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=pearl+shell+mermaid+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all)
delicate (http://www.etsy.com/listing/153849604/mermaid-jewelry-beautiful-orange?ref=sr_gallery_21&ga_search_query=pearl+shell+mermaid+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all)
cool (http://www.etsy.com/listing/125325861/mermaid-necklace-real-shell-pendant?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_query=pearl+shell+mermaid+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all)
song of the siren (http://www.etsy.com/listing/116034376/song-of-the-siren-necklace-mermaid-sea?ref=sr_gallery_34&ga_search_query=pearl+shell+mermaid+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all)

So there's some ideas to start you off! I love shell necklaces, because no matter what you do with them, they always turn out so unique! I particularly love sea glass and shell together :)

[Gem Stone]

I make tons of stuff out of my shells, some of which I don't even need to drill. I've made headbands, necklaces, ear rings, rings, bracelets, working on a belt, thinking about making a net and shell curtain for a window, an arm cuff, I used smaller shells to decorate a larger one, I use larger shells to hold paint when i'm painting stuff, I paint other shells and give them out to my friends. there's just soo much to do with shells

[coral_sybil]

How did you make them without drilling?

[Gem Stone]

nail and a hammer, or just e6000 glue

[Mermaid~Summer]

I was looking online at the e6000 glue and there are 3 different viscosity levels. Which one is recommended for Mer Crafting?

[Gem Stone]

I use waterproof clear E6000 that I find at my walmart

[Mermaid~Summer]

I use waterproof clear E6000 that I find at my walmart

Thanks Gem Stone! I'm new when it comes to crafting Mer related things :)

[Miyu]

I also just picked up some waterproof Loctite glue at Wal-mart for my mer-crafting needs :)