Saturday, September 12, 2009

Shhhh....the shells are talking.....

......at least that is what my mom always told to me as I held a shell to my ear.
She said that if you listen close enough, you can hear the sound of the ocean.

......and I always believed everything my momma told me.
Thank you for your interest in the how to make a shell wreath post.
There were many questions left in the form of comments as well as in emails.
For the directions on how to make a shell wreath, you can visit Cindy, at Romantic Home blog, and she has a step-by-step tutorial on how to make one.
The form I used was a dense styrofoam ring. I bought it, as well as the shells, from the Dollar Tree - "where everything is just a dollar." If only they sold gas there.....yeh, right!

I found that there were two types of forms there - one was the round form that you can stick fresh flowers in and add water to. The other was the more dense, almost like a hard plastic,
form. I actually used both. The form that can be moistened was softer and I could round out the edges by just running my finger along the edge. However, this was quite messy. The green fuzz stuck to the ribbon, but could easily be blown off - just take it outside to do so. The hard and dense form was pretty clean to use. It is a little narrower than the other and doesn't require as many sea shells. Plan on using two and a half rolls of ribbon per wreath. I prefer the wider satin feel ribbon that comes in 9 foot rolls. The width I used is about an inch and a half wide. You can find these at Joann's or any fabric or hobby store. Some people prefer the wired edges, however it just doesn't lay down flat like I like it to.
Some of you have asked where I hung my wreaths. The one above is on the door of my hutch (it was made with the skinnier form) and the first photo shows one that I just
draped over the top of an old mirror (it is the chunkier version).

I have made three so far and have enough shells left to probably make five more. They are a bit addicting to make, but hey - for the price (about 9.00 each) you just cannot beat that! These would be fabulous to use as a centerpiece on a table. Just put a hurricaine globe in the middle and a candle inside. Gorgeous and very natural looking!

Have a sweet day!

35 comments:

Pat said...

I always heard that about listening to the ocean in shells, too....and I've told it to my kids and grandkids! (The grandkids are a lot more skeptical about that, it seems. LOL)

Pat said...

I always heard that about listening to the ocean in shells, too....and I've told it to my kids and grandkids! (The grandkids are a lot more skeptical about that, it seems. LOL)

icandy... said...

Wow!!!! This is gorgeous... and who knew it was so inexpensive to make?! It sure does LOOK like a million bucks!
Happy weekend!
Christina

Miss Jean said...

My favorite is the one with the green ribbon, of course. I think I'll go own with my Michael's coupon and give it a try. Dory-doodles would like one, I'm sure.

Cindy said...

It's absolutely adorable! I love it!

-c
yapping cat

Patina said...

Very pretty Becky! I'll have to show my son this. He has been gluing shells over everything in his room. I'll have to show hime this project and maybe I'll get a pretty wreath for myself.

cathleen said...

Your seashell wreaths are quite exquisite, Becky.

Esther Sunday said...

Love it! Love, Esther

Kathleen Grace said...

These really are beautiful Becky. The soft shades of cream and pink and brown are so soothing and the texture and shapes are endlessly appealing to look at. Now, can we use them for Christmas?

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Just Beautiful my friend...But will tell you what made my old heart skip a beat was seeing your white Ironstone...OMG girl did you ever do a post on that and I missed it...Please if yo did tel me where its at I would love to see it all...I just started collecting this year white Ironstone and love it...PLEASE...May you have a great day and I love the Dollar Tree was just there today seeing my Daughter who is the manager of ours..Oh and di you know you can order online from there and they have a 60 piece lighted Christmas villiage right now with the trees, people etc for only $36.00 I just ordered 2 for gifts ..Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Mimi Sue said...

Since we moved to Utah from California I miss the ocean. I think I should make one so I won't be so homesick. They're gorgeous. Mimi

The Pleasures Of Homemaking said...

I saw Cindy's when she posted it and I love yours! I made a note to myself to try it next year. Thanks for explaing the difference in the forms, I was wondering about that!

Manuela

The Pleasures Of Homemaking said...

I saw Cindy's when she posted it and I love yours! I made a note to myself to try it next year. Thanks for explaing the difference in the forms, I was wondering about that!

Manuela

Julie said...

Oh I love how it is hanging on the mirror. They just looks so cute!

Pondside said...

Thanks for that link - I have an enormous shell collection (well, we live near a beach) and have often thought of doing something with it. Perhaps this will kick-start me!

the wild raspberry said...

my momma always told me this too and i still believe it!
have a blessed sunday~
chasity

Nancy said...

You make it look easy! Some people just have natural talent which I lack but so appreciate in others. Beautiful work!

June said...

Becky this is gorgeous! The tones
in them just calm me.
I cannot wait to try the salsa recipe. Cucumbers and tomatoes are coming out of my ears. I think I'll do this today. Yum!
Hugs,
June

ScrapsofMe said...

That's just gorgeous, I think I'll give it a try for Christmas. I hope our Dollar store has those shells. I think I'll use a gold paint pen and edge them with some gilt too. Thanks for sharing!
Pam

Unknown said...

So pretty! I can see how you would get addicted.... :) They are cute.

~Liz

Alison Gibbs said...

Becky I used to listen to the shells talking when I was a little girl too!!!
Your wreath creations are beautiful
Alison

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Becky,
Your sea shell wreath looks perfect on your hutch and mirror, I really like how full you made yours. I really must try to make one. I was at Michale's on Friday night and saw a very large bag of shell, but a bit costly so your tip of the dollar store was very helpful.
Enjoy your day, I hope it doesn't rain all day it was raining this morning when we left for work.
Elizabeth

Lallee said...

Becky, your momma was telling the truth. Shells do talk! They have little miniature oceans in them and you can hear the waves in them when you hold them to your ear. Honest.

Thank you for the extra details for making the wreaths. I have an old one that needs some replacement and updating. I'm going to try real hard not to run to the Dollar Tree. I do not need more shells, but......they might have some I don't own yet.

Happy Monday and love,
Lallee

Tanya said...

Hmm. I'm going to have to think about who would like one of these for Christmas. Besides myself of course!!! They're beautiful.

♥Mimi♥ said...

Whenever I pop over to see your blog and what you are up to, I always see your Madonna and your words that the greatest gift is to be a mom. Well, hold onto your hat, because one day you will be a grandma and if you ever thought you loved your kids to the max, you will find new mountains to climb and new horizons that are unbelievable.

So, take good care of yourself and don't forget your vitamins because one day a little someone will be placed in your arms and you will know a love that is unlike anything you've ever dreamed about. It is such an intense feeling...just can't be put into words. I have a feeling that you will be a wonderful grandma...someday...when the time is right.

Thimbleanna said...

Holy Cow! That's a LOT of shells if you can still make several more. They're beautiful!

Amber said...

I think I will have to make one of these now :D

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

That is just too cute! I can't believe that you didn't pay a fortune for that.
Good Job!!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

You SO smart!! :) Just SO smart. Now I am going back and print out your directions. Then next year when I am in Maine on our Island...I will collect only the most lovely and do one of these. Thanks! :):)
Mona

But of course the shells are whispering...of course they are! Shhhh...yes..I hear them..

Sinta Renee said...

Love your project Backy! A home just needs a few of those... great presents too. I'm going to have to give it a try. I use to do floral work. Made wreaths. No shell wreaths though. I've been missing out!

The Tattered Cottage said...

Hi Becky -
Love your shell wreath! I have one that my niece-in-law made for me that I absolutely adore.
Stop by my blog, I'm having a GIVEAWAY.
Toni

Jean said...

Becky, how beautiful your shell wreaths are. I love something that you can make and not spend a fortune on. I also want to try your salsa recipe from your last post. Have a wonderful day,
Jean in virginia

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Ouuu that is soooo cute!
Michaels and the Dollar tree I am on my way!
:-)

Thanks for shareing!
Hugz,
Dolly

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Your wreaths are so pretty, and I'm loving that mirror! My daddy used to hold the shell to my ear and ask if I could hear the ocean. It's such a wonderful memory of him. laurie

Susie Q said...

These are so pretty! I love my shells and this might be the perfect thing for Grace and I to do together!
Love,
Sue