Painted Seashells

Painting on natural elements like leaves, and rocks, is blowing up the internet lately. Isn't this type of art so fun? Painting on a natural surface was high on the to-do list, but the trees here in Kentucky need about one more week before they are really changing colors and ready to paint. Also smooth rocks are a little hard to come by without traipsing through the creek! But, we have a TON of shells from our vacation this past summer. The bits and pieces of shells is what I pick up on the beach because I love their shapes. I never feel like a shell is ugly or not worth picking up because it's broken. If you're ready to get some paint out and have fun with a quick project, dig through the seashell basket and give seashell painting a try!

Shell Painting Tips

• Choose Neutrals or Metallics, With a Pop of Color. I found it really difficult to paint over the natural beauty of a seashell. Then I reminded myself that these pieces of shells had been hidden in a basket since June. I did find it easier to complement the natural colors of the seashells with neutrals and metallics, but didn't want to go without any pop of color, so I chose a minty mermaid green that I thought would be pretty with the other colors. 
• Keep Your Shapes Simple. I started out trying to draw actual pictures on the shells like I've seen on rocks..That did not work very well at all for me. The natural textures and shapes of the shells lend well to simple patterns. Think lines, waves, zig-zags, and dots. 
• Use These Shells in Other Projects. Think about all the ways you could use these painted shells! A shell garland, shell ornaments, painted shell jewelry, in place of a bow on a present, fill up a shadow box with them, and on and on...

Are you obsessed with art that includes nature found objects? Connect with me on Instagram this week and let me know if you give shell painting a try!