How to Mod Podge Napkins on Seashells (Ornaments DIY)

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How to Mod Podge Napkins on Seashells (Ornaments DIY)

Learn how to make seashell ornaments with Crystal Clear Mod Podge and paper napkins!

This fun craft brings the whimsy of the beach life to the Winterscape of the Christmas tree.

Let's get started!

There’s something wonderfully charming about turning simple seashells into handmade holiday décor, especially when the results become gorgeous Christmas ornaments you’ll treasure for years.

This season, I created three floral seashell ornaments using two scallop shells and one clam shell, transforming them into white ornaments with bright botanical interiors and soft velvet bows.

What began as a little diy project has officially become one of my favorite craft projects, and today I’m sharing the full tutorial so you can make your own.

If you love oyster shell crafts, decoupage, or anything that adds a personal touch to your home during the holiday season, this is the perfect weekend project.

These decorative shells are easy, relaxing, and absolutely lovely—ideal for gift-giving, an office tree, or for a side hustle if you enjoy selling handmade items.

Ready to create some new decoupage treasures?

Supplies Needed for Mod Podge Shell Ornaments:

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Scallop or oyster shells
Floral or botanical paper napkins
Crystal Clear Mod Podge
Paint brush
Sharp scissors
Drill with a tiny bit (for the small hole)
Wire ornament hanger
Velvet ribbon (or already made bows)
Hot glue gun
Optional: white paint
Optional: metallic gold paint pen for a touch of gold

Before beginning, protect your work surface with parchment paper or an old cutting mat.

Supplies Needed for Mod Podge Shell Ornaments: affiliate links Scallop or oyster shells Floral or botanical paper napkins Crystal Clear Mod Podge Paint brush Sharp scissors Drill with a tiny bit (for the small hole) Wire ornament hanger Velvet ribbon (or already made bows) Hot glue gun Optional: white paint Optional: metallic gold paint pen for a touch of gold

Step 1: Prep the Shells

Start by cleaning your shells thoroughly.

Once they’re fully dry, examine both the outside of the shell and the interior.

If your shells are naturally dark or have strong patterns, painting the inside of the seashell with a thin layer of white paint helps brighten your final design.

Let everything dry completely before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare Your Napkin Layers

Select the floral area you want to feature from your colorful napkins.

Remove the printed ply from the napkin, carefully separating it from the backing layers.

You only need the thinnest top piece for decoupage.

Cut a section slightly larger than the inside of the shell. Don’t worry if there’s excess paper—we’ll trim and smooth it later.

Step 3: Apply Your First Layer of Mod Podge

Using a foam or craft paintbrush, paint a thin layer of mod podge onto the interior surface.

While it’s still tacky, gently place your napkin piece down.

Press lightly with a piece of tissue paper, smoothing out wrinkles without tearing the delicate print.

Work from center to the edge of the shell for the cleanest result.

If a bit folds over the edges of the shells, that’s okay—just use some sharp scissors to trim it.

Step 3: Apply Your First Layer of Mod Podge Using a foam or craft paintbrush, paint a thin layer of mod podge onto the interior surface. While it’s still tacky, gently place your napkin piece down. Press lightly with a piece of tissue paper, smoothing out wrinkles without tearing the delicate print. Work from center to the edge of the shell for the cleanest result. If a bit folds over the edges of the shells, that’s okay—we’ll trim it.

Why This Project Works So Well

It’s an easy craft accessible even to beginners.
The simple steps make it fast but satisfying.
It’s a creative way to give beach finds a new life.
Every ornament becomes one-of-a-kind thanks to the shell shape and napkin pattern.
They make amazing gifts during the holiday season, especially for coastal décor lovers.

Whether you're crafting with friends, decorating your office tree, or making items for a small commission, these floral coastal ornaments are sure to stand out.

Why This Project Works So Well It’s an easy craft accessible even to beginners. The simple steps make it fast but satisfying. It’s a creative way to give beach finds a new life. Every ornament becomes one-of-a-kind thanks to the shell shape and napkin pattern. They make amazing gifts during the holiday season, especially for coastal décor lovers. Whether you're crafting with friends, decorating your office tree, or making items for a small commission, these floral coastal ornaments are sure to stand out.

Step 4: Seal the Design

Once the napkin layer is fully dry, apply another coat of Mod Podge on top to seal it.

Light brush strokes work best.

This creates that beautiful, glossy look that people love in mod podge sea shells.

If you enjoy a mix of hand-painted details, you can touch up the rim with a thin touch of gold paint to frame the floral interior and highlight the shell’s shape.

Step 4: Seal the Design Once the napkin layer is fully dry, apply another coat of Mod Podge on top to seal it. Light brush strokes work best. This creates that beautiful, glossy look that people love in mod podge sea shells. If you enjoy a mix of hand-painted details, you can touch up the rim with a thin touch of gold paint to frame the floral interior and highlight the shell’s shape.

Step 5: Drill the Hanging Hole

Carefully drill your small hole at the top point of the shell. Because shells can be brittle, go slowly and support the shell with your hand.

Feed your wire ornament hanger through the hole.

Step 5: Drill the Hanging Hole Carefully drill your small hole at the top point of the shell. Because shells can be brittle, go slowly and support the shell with your hand. Feed your wire ornament hanger through the hole.

Step 6: Add the Velvet Bow

Hot glue a velvet bow at the top, covering the hanger’s base.

This soft texture contrasts beautifully with the shell and floral design, giving everything an elegant, polished look.

This is also the last step where your ornament suddenly transforms from a craft project into a beautiful, finished keepsake.

Step 6: Add the Velvet Bow Hot glue a velvet bow at the top, covering the hanger’s base. This soft texture contrasts beautifully with the shell and floral design, giving everything an elegant, polished look. This is also the last step where your ornament suddenly transforms from a craft project into a beautiful, finished keepsake.

Optional Extras

If you want your ornaments to feel like pink iridescent beauties, you can lightly brush pearl or iridescent glaze inside the shell once everything is sealed and dry. This adds a magical shimmer that catches tree lights wonderfully.

You can add more Mod Podge and sprinkle a little glitter on them as well!