The Easiest Shell Christmas Tree DIY

Ho Ho Ho, Friends and Merry Christmas.

In July!

You didn't think I'd let this month go by without posting at least one Christmas craft did you?

I'm thrilled with any opportunity to share holiday crafts, but I will say, it was a close call.

I really had nothing on tap.



Usually, I collect Christmas items and ideas from January to June and when Christmas in July craft time rolls around, I'm ready to go.

However, this year, I've been so busy getting cleaning out, that I really didn't bring anything in.

Then, this past weekend, I walked into the basement and found this paintable Christmas tree staring at me.

And I knew exactly what I was going to make from it.

You see, when I purchased it last year, I had no intention of painting it.

I wanted to use it as a base for shell tree.

I've made a Christmas shell wreath before, so I'm familiar with all the ins and outs.

The plaster form was strong and stable, so I knew it would support the weight of the shells.

I was also confident that the shells would stick to the surface much better, and for much longer, than they would if my tree base were styrofoam or cardboard.

So on Sunday, I headed to the beach, picked up a bunch of shells and got to work.

First things first, I made sure I had a general idea of how many shells I would need before I even left the house.

I also paid attention to the fact that I would need shells in different sizes to create the graduated look of evergreen branches. 

Once I had enough shells gathered, I brought them home and washed them off really, really well.

First outside with the house, because, well, low tide...

Then I brought them inside and washed them with soap.


Trust me, salt water shells will reek for a long, long time if they're not super clean when you start.

Next up, I grabbed the tree, my glue gun, some paper to protect my table and started to map out my design with something cold to drink and some really good tunes.

I mean, it is summer.

When I was done planning, sure my shells would fit to give me the look I wanted, I started glueing. I used fat glue sticks and put a ton of it on the shells before I stuck them to the tree.


Then I pushed on each shell with my fingers until the glue was hard and the shell was secure. 

I started on the bottom, with the largest shells. I used steamer shells, with the inside facing up, for that first row, since they had the shape and size I needed.


The position also gave the tree a billowy appearance, like a very full Christmas evergreen.

For the second row, I used smaller oyster shells and placed them with the inside facing toward the tree. The natural curve of the shell fit the tree better.

I continued using the same technique and shell position for the third and top rows. For the third row, I went back to steamer shells and for the top row, I used tiny clam shells.

It was a bit like putting a puzzle together, trying to get them all to sit properly next to one another, which was why having so many extra shells to play with was good idea.

In the end, it took four rows of shells, 31 in total, to turn that kids' craft into a seashell tree for my coastal Christmas cottage.

Of course, I could've left it this way...but my shells weren't the pristine and shiny versions you see in the tropics, like the shells I decoupaged last Christmas. These were gray, stained and in need of a little polish.

For that I used whatever spray paint and clear coat spray I had in the garage. I've found that spray paint works best when painting shells. 

And base coating when painting rocks...but that's an entirely different DIY.

It adheres well and it lasts.

Finally, when it was painted, sealed and dried, I thought the star needed a little embellishment.

At first I considered glitter, but then I thought about all of my festive holiday napkins, leftover from my decoupage Christmas spoon ornaments.

And I decided to add a bit of greenery and bow instead.

I mean after all, it is Christmas decor and what's Christmas without a little bit of red.


Even on a seashell tree.

On the beach.

In July.

🎄

Have you ever made a shell tree?


Oh...and while I love this shell tree's simple look, don't be surprised if you see it again in December with a little more embellishment. There are a lot of months between now and then and lots of time to dream!

Merry Christmas, Friends!