Comments on: Question About Embellishing Shells https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/ free jewelry tutorials, plus a friendly community sharing creative ideas for making and selling jewelry. Tue, 25 Sep 2018 22:38:37 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.15 By: Michele Rappoport https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-602458 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 22:38:37 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-602458 In reply to Kathi Ader.

I have used Swellegant for many projects, including seashells. I love the product but it didn’t work as well on the shells as on metal. Could have just been me. Why don’t you give it a try? If you google “swellegant” and “christi friesen,” you’ll find all kinds of ideas for using the product.

]]> By: Judy Pagnusat https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-602434 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:17:20 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-602434 Try liquid polymire clay as your final coat it gives the shells strength and protects any color you apply to them. I have a friend who uses it and it even strengthens very fragile shells.

]]> By: cecilia davis-taylor https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-602384 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 13:45:56 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-602384 Hi Pat, I live on an island and also enjoy collecting the “imperfect” seashells. You mentioned yours already have holes in them. For the rest of you who need to drill holes, please drill under water to avoid inhaling toxic silica dust. I use a small tin can with a sponge covered with water. Another option is to attach a jump ring or bell cap with jewelers epoxy clay. I like to embellish my seashells with acrylic paint, with which you can do the paint and wipe technique ,mica powder and sharp markers. Hope this helps to keep your creativity flowing!

]]> By: Becky Buchanan https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-597425 Fri, 06 Jul 2018 02:48:31 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-597425 Clear nail polish works well. I’ve also use a very light shimmer nail polish on shells that had a natural pink or brown stripe. Funny enough, the customer thought it was fake shells cause they were so shiny. Just wait a day or so for the smell to dissipate. Already had drilled the holes, just took a bit of wire to hang them up to dry.

]]> By: Barbara Darrington https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-31630 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 16:25:24 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-31630 In experimenting with different mediums I tried Aleene’s Tacky Glue. I spread it all over the clamshell that I was wanting to decorate. When it was almost dry I held the shell over a burning candle. I wanted the glue to turn black from the smoke of the candle. When the glue was done crackling and sizzling (It does not burn), I let the shell cool, gently wiped the soot off with a paper towel, and then rubbed Pearlex into it. The finished shell had a nice metallic look, and was ready to wrap with colored wire. The idea was adapted from youtube.com/watch?v=COOjdgpyAWc‎. Good luck and have fun.

]]> By: patQ https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-11898 Sat, 16 Feb 2013 20:56:12 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-11898 Thanks to everyone! These are some great tips from some great folks. Can’t wait to experiment.

sincerly,
patQ

]]> By: Bev Ferri https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-11822 Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:24:23 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-11822 Hi, I have had great success with a 1mm diamond drill (usually used for glass)….you have to be very careful as mentioned re dust but also re the fragility…I was asked to make a set of earrings out of mussel shells and they looked lovely…..you can get metallic powder paints that mix well, just make sure you seal with something, so much fun trying out new ideas.
Bev

]]> By: Jo Roseborough https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-11777 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:43:14 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-11777 I would try Rub n Buff. It is a wax product with metallic coloring. You just rub it on and buff it to a shine. I use it on heart shaped rocks that I find on the beach and decorate with wire, beads and feathers. You can find Rub n Buff at craft stores and a little goes a long way. It comes in different shades of silver, gold and copper. Good luck with your project.

]]> By: Marianne Broome https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-11776 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:21:28 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-11776 This look is not metallic, but I have used gilder’s paste on shells. It looks really pretty if you apply it, then rub some off, leaving the colour mainly in any ridges. Once it is dry (24 hours) the shell can be varnished.

]]> By: Jennifer https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-11770 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:31:15 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-11770 You can also look into electroforming. I’ve not tried it yet, but once you purchase the chemicals the set up looks pretty simple. Also look into Guilder’s paste, I just saw that Firemountain is carrying all the colors.

]]> By: Tamara https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-11749 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:59:42 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-11749 You could also brush on a bit of metallic-coloured nail polish, and paint or wipe it however you want. Then add a bit of sealer over it.

]]> By: Kathi Ader https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-11745 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:42:14 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-11745 Try the new swellegant metallic paint. There is actually metal in the paint. Then you can use the swellegant patina on it and it will react like metal. I admit I haven’t tried it but just watched a video on it the other day and put at the top of my wish list!

]]> By: marlene strait https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/embellishing-shells/#comment-11741 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:10:24 +0000 http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/?p=20912#comment-11741 Be careful if you are going to drill shell. The dust is toxic!!!!!! Be sure you have the proper safety precautions in place.

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