How to Decoupage Oyster Shells with Napkins
Inside: Make decoupage oyster shells with blue and white napkins—an easy DIY that adds coastal charm to your summer home decor.
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When it comes to summer decorating, I love bringing in coastal touches that feel fresh, simple, and a little bit collected. These DIY decoupage oyster shells check every box. With just a few supplies and a pretty napkin, you can turn plain shells into elegant little accents that look like they came from a boutique!
This fun craft project can be easily tailored to any color scheme and can also be used on scallop seashells. I made mine with oyster shells and blue and white napkins to coordinate with my summer decor, and grouped them in a bowl on my coffee table for a little bit of unique coastal charm:
Supplies You’ll Need.
- Clean oyster shells
- Decorative paper napkins
- White craft paint (or even white latex wall paint)
- Mod Podge ( I used gloss finish)
- Small paintbrush
- Scissors
- Gold leaf paint or gold metallic paint for edging
- Artist brush (for gold edge)
Wondering where to find oyster shells? You might be able to score some for free from a restaurant (soak them in a bleach solution, remove any residue, and let them dry thoroughly). Or you can always buy them already clean and ready to go for crafting purposes on Amazon or Etsy.
How to Make Blue and White Decoupage Shells.
1. Paint the Shells.
Protect your work surface (I used wax paper). Brush a light coat of white paint on the inside of the shell. This helps brighten the surface so your napkin design really pops, and covers the dark spots and uneven coloring that might show through.
2. Separate and Cut the Napkin.
Next, separate the top layer of your paper napkins—you’ll only need the thinnest top printed layer.
SH&H Tip: Here’s a trick to tease the layers apart: Tear or cut off a corner. Holding the edges of the cut in each hand, pull the napkin in and out quickly a few times. You should see the layers start to separate.
Cut a piece slightly larger than the area inside your shell. You can trim it down later, so it doesn’t need to be exact. I drew an outline around the shell on the back of the napkin to make it easier.
A single cocktail napkin can have enough pattern to make several shells. I wanted a variety of patterns so I used this hydrangea pattern napkin, this blue and white pattern napkin, this napkin with blue and green, and this sea themed napkin.
3. Apply the Napkin.
Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the inside of the oyster shell, then gently place the napkin on top, printed side up. Then apply second coat of Mod Podge over the napkin. smoothing out the napkin with brush as best you can. Don’t worry about tiny wrinkles—they’ll mostly settle as it dries.
Let that coat dry and add 1-2 more coats, depending on how glossy you want the final product.
SH&H Tip: If you miss any excess paper of the napkin hanging over before the Mod Podge dries, try using a nail file to remove the dried excess napkin.
4. Paint the Gold Trim.
After the Mod Podge has dried, paint the edges of the shell with gold metallic paint. I chose to use this gold leaf paint for a beautiful gold metallic effect. You could even use a gold metallic paint marker.
The finishing gold edge really elevates these and camoflauges all the ugly, unfinished edges of the paper!
Decorating Ideas for Your Finished Shells.
You can use these beautiful oyster shells in so many ways:
- Style them as a pretty accent in a bowl or tray
- Use one as a jewelry dish or ring holder on a nightstand or bathroom vanity
- Turn them into oyster shell ornaments with a bit of hot glue and ribbon
- Add one to a gift bag for a handmade touch
- Use them as place settings or name cards for a coastal-themed dinner party
This little DIY project is the perfect addition to my summer decorating—simple, unique, and a great way to add some coastal chic!
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