Oyster Shell Mirror diy
- By Joan
- November 30, 2014
- 4 Comments
DIY Oyster Shell Mirror
Today we’re creating our own DIY Oyster Shell Mirror. You can tell just by looking at this mirror that this project is perfect for me. It’s Scavenger Chic at it’s finest in the form of beach combing.
This project actually began a few years ago when I spied a beautiful oyster shell mirror in a gift shop in Annapolis, Maryland. The shells immediately caught my eye as well as the price tag of over $300. That wasn’t gonna happen. But as long as I could find shells I saw no reason why this couldn’t be a do it yourself project.
Gather Your Shells and Mirror
So starting out with this large, builder grade, bath mirror which was being replaced, I had the start of my project. The mirror measured in at 24″ x 36″. Considering the 19 inch square mirror above was $288, I can’t even begin to guess what this one would cost.
The shells took much longer to collect than expected. Each time I went to the beach I collected 2 or 3. That was 2 or 3 shells, not 2 or 3 dozen. This was going to take a long time.
Once after a big storm, I was able to find a couple of bags full. It may have been easier to just visit an oyster house and get their discards, but I didn’t ,and eventually I had enough to start my mirror. In total there are about 160 shells on the mirror ranging from as big as 5 inches to as small as 2 inches.
Started out by cutting a piece of 1/2 inch plywood 2 inches wider on all sides than my mirror. (28″ x 40″). Centered the mirror on the plywood and attached with liquid nails building adhesive.
Glue Shells on Your Mirror
The largest shells were glued in place first, again with the builders adhesive. These shells overlapped the inside mirror edge as well as the outside plywood edge.
Smaller shells were used to fill in any gaps and holes.
After about a dozen more trips to the beach, and a “be on the lookout cry” to family, I was eventually able to finish my mirror. I didn’t even have to “shell” out the big bucks. Sorry I couldn’t resist.
By using such a wide assortment of sizes and colors of oyster shells no shell seems to be out of place. I’ll probably keep beach combing and sticking more shells on as I find them.
Are you ready to start your own oyster shell mirror? Stay inspired.
Shared at Show and Share , Wow us Wednesdays , Thrifty Decor Chick ,
Create it Thursday , Treasure Hunt Thursday , Handmade Hangout Party
Catch as Catch Can , Link Party Palooza , Funky Junk Party Junk. The Inspiration Board,
Show Stopper Saturday , DIY Sunday Showcase , Worthwhile Wednesdays,
Copyright © 2024
This is beautiful. It would look great with jingle shells as well.
AMAZING you found these in your own backyard…more amazing the cost. Looks FABulous! What type of “builders glue” you used?
Hi Cyndy, I used a whole lot of Liquid Nails. If I just have one or two shells to stick on, I’ll get out my glue gun. Hope you get a chance to make one…it comes together really quickly.
Fantastic project, it looks great!