DENIM AND BONE
diy
DIY: The Collected Shell Frame
A little seaside treasure hunting turned into our latest D&B DIY...
Inspired by collected objects, summer adventures and those little treasures that are simply too lovely to throw away, we decided to give a simple wooden frame a bit of Denim and Bone magic.
Shells, beads, tiny stars, charms and found treasures all work beautifully. There really are no rules with this one. The more collected and imperfect it feels, the better.
Fill it with a favourite photograph, postcard, little piece of art or something you've picked up on your travels.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
-A simple wooden photo frame
-A collection of shells
-Found treasures, charms and beads
-Small decorative stars or embellishments
-Blue Tac
-A glue gun + glue sticks
STEP 1
PLAY AROUND
Before reaching for the glue gun, use little pieces of Blue Tac to temporarily position your shells and treasures around the frame.
Start with your larger shells first and slowly fill the spaces around them. Move everything around, layer pieces and play with the balance until it feels right.
Don't make it too perfect. We love ours looking a little mismatched and collected over time.
STEP 2
GLUE IT DOWN
Happy with your layout? Time to make it permanent.
Working piece by piece, carefully remove each shell or treasure and use a glue gun to secure it back into position.
Take your time with this bit, especially with smaller or more delicate shells, and allow everything to cool and set as you go.
STEP 3
THE FINAL TOUCHES
Now for our favourite part...
Fill those little gaps with all the tiny details that make it feel special. Think miniature stars, beads, charms, pearls, tiny shells or anything else you've collected along the way.
Layer them between the larger shells and don't be afraid to add something unexpected.
This is where it really becomes yours.
STEP 4
ADD SOMETHING YOU LOVE
Now for the finishing touch. Add a favourite print, photograph, postcard or little piece of artwork to your frame.
We went for a wedding print, but anything goes. A holiday snap, something you've collected on your travels or even a little handwritten note would make it feel completely your own.
Then find it a spot on a shelf, bedside table or gallery wall and admire your handywork ✨
DAISY'S TOP TIPS
Start with more shells and treasures than you think you'll need so you have plenty to play around with.
Mix different shapes, sizes and textures rather than trying to make everything match.
Use Blue Tac first. It's much easier to change your mind before the glue gun comes out!
And most importantly, don't overthink it. The beauty is in it looking collected, handmade and completely unique.
Made one of your own?
We'd LOVE to see it. Tag @denimandbone on socials so we can see your creations ✨
happy creating
SEWN WITH PURPOSE
INSPIRED BY ADVENTURE
GOOD VIBES ONLY
DESIGNED TO BE KEPT