ROSEMARY THYMES | 15
DIY Beach Crafts by Kelly Oden
Seashells, driftwood, seaweed, and feathers are just a few of the eternal wonders of life on the beach. Whether you are here full time or visiting for some much-needed R&R, no doubt your long beach walks will give way to many treasures. Often, these saltwater delights wind up in a box or a jar never to be seen again. Why not get crafty and create some lasting, one-of-akind art and décor with your unique specimens? The following projects are great for families, but kids may need adult supervision. Let’s get crafty!
Beach Specimen Shadow Box MATERIALS • Beach specimens such as shells, driftwood and seaweed from your morning and evening walks • Shadow box frame • Card stock • Embroidery thread and needle • Glue gun and hot glue DIRECTIONS 1. Cut your card stock so that it fits snugly in your shadow box frame. If you’re using embroidery thread, flip the card stock over and add little dots or lines as a guide for where you’d like to place the thread. 2. Use a needle and thread to embroider your card stock in any pattern you’d like. 3. Arrange your specimen on your card stock. Play around with different placements until you find one that feels just right. Glue your arrangement in place using hot glue. Insert the card stock into the shadow box. 4. This clean arrangement looks great on a wall, shelf or mantle next to other natural objects. Courtesy of blog.freepeople. com/2013/06/diy-beachspecimen-shadow-box/
Shell Candles MATERIALS • Medium to large scallop shaped shells • Glass container • Tea Lights • Microwave DIRECTIONS 1. Wash and dry shells thoroughly. 2. Remove metal container and wick from tea light. Be sure to remove the metal wick base, but keep it attached to the wick. 3. Place the tea light in the glass container and microwave for two minutes. 4. Use a drop of melted wax to secure wick base and wick to the inside of the shell. 5. Carefully pour the melted wax into the shells. Place shells in the fridge for two hours. 6. Light and enjoy. Don’t forget to blow them out when finished!
