Oyster Shell Trinket Dish

I was looking for a fun craft to do with Andrew, and I chose decoupage oyster shell trinket dishes. I've seen them in gift shops near The Red Cottage in the Northern Neck of Virginia. I got the shells from a local restaurant after Oyster Night and by asking on our local Facebook group if anyone had any. You can, of course, find them on the beach or buy them online.  

I recommend this easy craft to anyone. It is super inexpensive and as you can see from the photos, it was family fun from age 7 to 80+

Here are the steps:

1. Take clean oyster shells and paint the insides with white acrylic craft paint.

2. Take pretty paper napkins and separate the layers to just have the printed layer. Cut to the shape of your shell. I used ones I already had, and bought a few more patterns here.

3. Brush a little Mod Podge on the inside of the shell and gently place the napkin inside. The Mod Podge will glue the napkin down. Smooth it as needed, and tear or cut off any excess that hangs over the edge. Add another layer of Mod Podge on top and let dry. 

4. Paint the edge of your oyster shell with gold paint for finishing touch. I used this paint. 

While these make super-cute trinket dishes, smaller, flatter

shells would make excellent Christmas ornaments if you want to hot glue a ribbon to the back or drill a small hole for an ornament hook. Enjoy!

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