Painting on shells - Royal Talens
Painting on shells - Royal Talens

Painting shells

If you enjoy the beach, you’ve probably picked up and brought home seashells before. Are you wondering what to do with them? In this step-by-step plan, we show you how to decorate shells and make them part of your home décor!

What you need View steps

Bring those beach vibes home

Bring those beach vibes home by putting the decorated shells in a picture frame or on a tray to display them. You can use them in other DIYs or, if the shells are large enough, you could even use them as little trays to put change or jewellery in.

What you need

  • Talens Art Creation Metallic
  • Sakura Pigma Micron
  • Amsterdam Relief Paint
  • Talens Art Creation Lacquer
  • Sponge stick
  • Shells
Step 1 - DIY decorated seashells

Step 1

Start with a clean surface

Clean the shell and make sure it’s grease free.

Step 2

Paint the edges

Paint the edges of the shell using a metallic paint. We went for Talens Art Creation Metallic in the colour Light Gold, but any colour works! Use a sponge stick to apply the paint lightly or use a brush for more coverage.

Step 2 - DIY decorated seashells
Step 3 - DIY decorated seashells

Step 3

Add some fun patterns

Use the Pigma Micron fineliner to add embellishments to the inside of the shell. We went for the Pigma Micron 05 (0.45 mm) in Royal Blue for a porcelain look, but you can use any colour or size you like. This pattern was inspired by Zentangle techniques, so they were not only fun, but relaxing to draw as well!

Step 4

Add some details

Add some 3D dots or emphasize lines with Amsterdam Relief Paint in the colour Gold. Fix your work using a clear lacquer to protect it and give it a shiny finish.

Step 4 - DIY decorated seashells
Step 5 - DIY decorated seashells

Step 5

Experiment and have fun!

Try out different patterns and colour combinations to see the effects. If you try something like this, let us know by sharing your results using #RoyalTalens.

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