Thursday, April 25, 2013

Indigo Seashells

I've recently fallen in love with the color indigo, and have been trying to think of a way to bring the color into my house...because I mostly decorate with greens. 
Today, I was rummaging through my seashell box and pulled out some of the pieces that weren't all that pretty.
Instead of throwing them out, I decided to paint them! 
Hey, it couldn't hurt. 


It's the first time I've tried this, so I wasn't sure how the paint would work on the shells.


I first painted the old sand dollars on the top side. The paint sucked into the surface so fast, I couldn't wipe any off. So, I flipped them over and dry brushed the back side. These are really old sand dollars and were an old beige color.

The large shell is rather course textured. I painted it all over...thank goodness it didn't suck up the paint. 
Then, I quickly wiped it with a dry paper towel to show some of the texture.


You can see the "design" on this one the best.


I painted this one all over and quickly rubbed a little of it off. 


I think they turned out ok for a first try. 
What do ya think?

The paint I used was Apple Barrel gloss acrylic craft paint, in Real Navy...you know, the kind in the little bottles that you get at the craft store...just in case you like the color. :)

Hope y'all have a great weekend and think "indigo".
Hugs, 
Babs




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The Tablescaper ~ Seasonal Sunday
Dwellings ~ Amaze Me Monday
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A Stroll Thru Life ~ Inspire Me Tuesday
Coastal Charm ~ Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
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Ivy and Elephants ~ What's It Wednesday
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The Thrifty Groove ~ Thrifty Things Friday
The Dedicated House ~ Anything Blue Friday



28 comments:

Gloria said...

Visiting from Evelyn's blog...your blue shells are a sweet idea, different and pretty. I recently painted some of my older shells gold and silver. Have a great weekend, Gloria.

Lynn said...

I think they look great! That's a fun color especially for summer-enjoy:@)

Ron said...

I too think look great, Babs!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Brilliant idea!

Alycia Nichols said...

Now THIS is a smart idea!!! I have lots of dullard seashells that could use a little face paint! :-)

Unknown said...

What a great idea-very pretty
Have a good weekend

Kelly said...

What a fantastic idea! I love how that looks. I like the vignette you put together with the plant and the basket too. The blue adds interest to the shells. Love those little craft paint bottles!

Kadee Willow said...

What a great idea and one that turned out beautifully! Sometimes it's just those slight changes that make a difference. Thanks for sharing!

Savannah Granny said...

WOW! How clever you are. These are so neat and beautiful. Love how the sand dollars turned out.
Thanks for sharing with us. Have a great weekend. Ginger

On Crooked Creek said...

Babs,
Adding the indigo paint brings out the details of your shells splendidly!!!
This may be the start of something BIG!!!
Love it...the vignette is stunning!!!
Have a marvelous weekend, dear friend!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Nayana said...

These is really neat idea...looks great.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Beautiful vignette, dear Babs! I love shells and in indigo blue they look fabulous! The little girls are going home today, so I'm a little, nif, snif, but now I have a lot to fix around here. Thank you for your sweet visit, you always make my day. sweetie. Enjoy your weekend.
FABBY

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

They turned out beautifully! I really love how the sand dollar turned out.

Myra said...

Being a land-locked beach person I always use shells in my summer dƩcor. I love the addition of color.

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

They are awesome Babs!!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a creative idea. I never thought about painting shells. This looks amazing and your tray looks awesome. Thanks for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

Love it! The painted shells really pop! The color you choose is so perfect!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Really pretty, such a great idea! I really like the sand dollar! Thanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday!!!
Blessings,
Cindy

Diane said...

Wonderful idea with amazing results! I have bags of uninteresting shells and, now, I know what to do with them. Thanks!!

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Oh Babs I love these...I've been a fan of navy my whole life. I also really love navy with green so it's the perfect color for you to add. At least in my opinion. :o) I think blue goes with the seashell idea too. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I was so glad to see your comment there!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Wow! I love, love,love this idea! I think they turned out beautifully. Thank you so much for sharing!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

OH MY! I love this SO much! I have tons of seashells...I live in Florida! And I'm planning a blue bathroom. I'll try this..thanks!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You're going to laugh! I went to Walmart and got the paint and I have 4 painted seashells so far! FUN...oh my! It's addictive! I told my hubby he may look around and all of the seashells are blue! lol I need more practice!

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

Babs, I think the blue shells look fabulous. Especially mixed in with the other neutral ones. Great idea.

Donna said...

So pretty! Love them.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Babs, I love the color of blue. They really turned out unique. Really, they look like they were originally that color. Very clever! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Great idea, Babs! I love the new look.
Hugs,
Sherry

The Charm of Home said...

I LOVE this! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home. I will feature this today.
Sherry