Go Beach Blanket "Blingo" with this Dyed Shell Necklace!

It's the height of summer and we're all feeling beachy! We know you've been collecting seashells on vacation. C'mon, who doesn't? Well, now you can pick out a few fave mollusks to create a bold, chunky statement necklace. It'll be a lovely reminder of your fun vacay every time you where it.  

This wearable art was created by the talented Laura Bray. She dyed seashells a balmy Aquamarine and sunny Tangerine for a breezy ocean flavor. Nestled amongst the colorful seashells, she added pearls, crystals and glitter for the perfect accents. We love how each shell took the dye just a bit differently to give it a very natural look. This is an organic process and the beauty of the necklace comes from the fact that the dyed shells are not uniform in color. Laura suggests dyeing a large amount of shells at once so you have a nice supply for other projects!

Laura Bray is a designer, writer and lifestyle expert.  She inspires creative women to live a life of balance and simplicity by sharing her modern twist on traditional home arts.  Visit her blog, Katy Diddys, for great tips and tutorials.

Want to make one too? Well, grab some of these ➴ and let's get started!

SUPPLIES:

• Rit Liquid Dye:  Tangerine & Aquamarine
• ¼ Yd. White 100% Cotton Fabric
• 12” Square White Wool Felt
• 6 + Assorted White Sea Shells 
• Small Bag Pearls
• Acrylic Crystals
• Glitter
• Craft Glue
• Basic Sewing Supplies
• Dyeing Supplies:  Latex gloves,  plastic table cover, glass jars, plastic cups, measuring spoons, measuring cups

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Prewash cotton fabric to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

2.  Cover your work surface with a plastic table cover.

3.  Cut and tear cotton fabric into four 16” x 2” strips.

4.  To dye seashells:  Shake all dye bottles before measuring dye.  Wearing latex gloves, measure and mix 1 Tablespoon Aquamarine dye into a glass jar, add 1 cup of very hot water (140◦F). Stir well.

5.  Immerse several shells into the dye bath.  Allow them to soak for 30 minutes.

6.  Remove shells and rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.   Lay shells on a paper towel to dry. Repeat recipe for Tangerine dye.

7.  To dye fabric strips:  Prepare a second batch of dye baths, following directions above.  Dye two fabric strips in Tangerine and two in Aquamarine.  Allow strips to remain in dye bath for 10-30 minutes, until desired color is achieved.

8.  Remove fabric strips and rinse thoroughly in cool water until water runs clear.  Then wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and hang to dry.

9.  Using the necklace template, cut two pieces of white, wool felt. Set aside.

10.  Twist one Aquamarine fabric strip with one Tangerine strip. Repeat with other two fabric strips. Knot one end and leave one end unknotted.

11.  Pin one of the unknotted ends of twisted fabric pieces to one short side of the felt template. Pin second twisted fabric piece to the other side of the template. 

12.  Using a sewing machine, sew a ¼” seam around the edges of the felt piece.

13.  Glue dyed shells, pearls, and acrylic crystals to the felt. Fill in as much of the felt surface as possible to ensure that you get a jeweled, encrusted look.

14.  After everything is in place, and while the glue is still wet, sprinkle glitter over the piece.

Allow to dry completely for 24 hours.