Well hello again! Didn’t I just see you yesterday? Yes I am posting again y’all and guess what? I broke out the shells again too! My friend Kathy from Petticoat Junktion had a great idea for us all to come up with a fun project using shells. Now I just posted the perfect project for this challenge yesterday! I shared this fun shell wreath inspired by Pottery Barn that just screams SUMMER!
Pottery Barn Inspired Shell Wreath
So for today’s project I had to think what I could possibly come up with to share with you today and I think I did okay…
How about a shell garland to Summerify your mantel?
Oh yeah!
This is so fun on my mantel and adds an instant touch of Summer. I swapped out a few items from my Spring mantel, but decided to keep the boxwood wreath and the other greenery. I like it mixed with the coastal elements. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I used.
I started with this garland that I purchased at a craft market years ago:
I loved it at the time, but it never looked right no matter where I hung it. You can find one similar HERE or at Michaels.
So I gathered a few more things…
- Scallop shells (left over from my shell wreath)
- White flat primer (I didn’t use the white spray paint behind it.)
- Twigs from my neighbor’s yard
- Starfish Garland
- Ex husband’s fine fishing line
- Scisssors
- Drill with tiny drill bit
- My son’s shell collection or large scallop shells
I started by drilling holes in the larger shells. These were shells my oldest son had collected, but we just had them on display in a bowl on our table outside. Now we can see them all the time!
Then I tied them on with fishing line:
Next I found these branches and cut them into about 4″ pieces. Then I drilled holes in the center of each. Be sure to use a piece of scrap wood underneath:
I white washed them next by spraying them with the primer and quickly wiping them with a dry rag.
Then I tied them on also using the fishing line:
And finally I drilled holes in the scallop shells…
And added them here and there too. I added everything while the garland was laying on the table. It might be a better idea to add all the elements while it is hanging to better see what you’re doing as you go.
Since I have slate tile on my fireplace, I used command hooks to hang the garland, by laying them flat on top of the mantel:
I am loving my new ceiling too!
The little sail boat came from HomeGoods.
I would have preferred driftwood instead of my neighbor’s sticks, but we don’t get much of that here on the east coast.
I also shared this beachy basket makeover not too long ago:
Want to see more fun ideas to spruce up your décor using shells?
Check out what my friends are sharing below!
Monday
Tuesday
Confessions Of A Serial D0-it-Yourselfer
Wednesday
I think I’ll lay off the shell projects for a while…maybe. 🙂
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Malia says
Oh my gosh, I am in love with your mantle! The garland, the sign… it’s gorgeous!
Christy K. James says
Thanks for the super sweet comment, Malia! XO
Maggie M says
Love your shell banner, but isn’t is heavy? I’d be afraid it would fall off the mantle. Very beachy, especially with the shell wreath you made 🙂
Christy K. James says
It is a bit on the heavy side, but the command hook is doing it’s job so far. 🙂
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Love it Christy, you always have the greatest ideas! I’m going to share this and your coastal wreath with my sister who is currently decorating a guest room in a coastal theme.
Christy K. James says
Awesome! I love adding touches of coastal décor to my house when the warm weather hits! 😉
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
What a super fun summery mantle Christy!! Love it…and how smart to use the command hooks!! Love those things! 😉
xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy! I always have command hooks on hand. 🙂
Anne says
WOW….so beautiful! Great step by step tutorial too!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Anne! XO
Kathy @petticoatjunktion says
Thanks for the tutorial Christy. I was trying to figure out how to make a garland with my shells and never came up with a good plan. Now I know what to do. I have to get some starfish though. Thanks for sharing!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Kathy! And thanks for including me in this fun tour! XO
Kim Six says
I am IN LOVE with this so much. The entire thing is beautiful and the garland is only the icing on the cake!
Christy K. James says
I’m so glad you like it, Kim! Thanks! XO
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
Oh Christy that is SO cute! I love your mantel… you’re definitely ready for summer!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Maryann! I think so 🙂
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Christy, I am in love with your entire summer mantel! The garland looks fantastic against the slate, and I think it was very clever to whitewash the sticks! Pinning and sharing on FB!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Jane! Now I just need one of your gorgeous oyster shell candle rings for my coffee table. 🙂
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
This is too cute! I had a garland like that too and pulled it apart. Hmmnn Now I think I’ll start putting it back together! LOL.. As always..you created a super project!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Wendi! I loved that little garland when I bought it, but it never did look right no matter where I put it. I’m glad I was finally able to use it!
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
Oh, Christy! I love the garland and your wreath is prettier than Pottery Barn! Fun touring with you. XXOO Christy
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Christy! Shhh…don’t tell PB. 🙂
Mina says
This shows real exiterpse. Thanks for the answer.