A few months ago I was watching the Hallmark Channel and saw these adorable DIY Oyster Shell Ring Holders. I had to try it! Not only did I use this craft for a Wine and Craft night I hosted last fall, I made a few as Christmas gifts for family and friends. These ring holders are so wonderful to have on your nightstand or next to your kitchen or bath sinks to hold your rings or earrings.

Things you will need:

Oyster Shells (Click link.) Mod Podge, white paint, paintbrushes, sand paper, printed napkins or tissue paper, gold leaf paint. (Click link.)

Oyster shells naturally have that dark spot on the inside. Depending on the type of napkin/tissue paper you use, you may need to paint over that spot. I used a white paint and simply painted the spot so it wouldn’t show through the tissue/napkin. I suggest doing this step!

Add Mod Podge to the inside of the oyster shell, give a good coat and make sure you spread to the very sharp edge of the shell. (I call it the sharp edge but it isn’t sharp that it could cut you.)

Next, place the tissue paper or napkin over the shell adhering to the Mod Podge. Make sure to press the paper all over the inside of the shell so it completely attaches and covers the inside of shell. Do not worry if there are creases in the paper, it is not all that noticeable on the finished product.

Note: If using a two or three ply napkin, tear off a napkin corner and separate the plys. Only use the top ply that has the pattern.

Once the napkin or tissue adheres to the shell, carefully use the sharp edge of shell to tear the excess paper off around the shell. As you can see in the picture, I used my thumb and pressed it along the shell edge while using my other hand to carefully tear the paper away. The sharp edge will help you tear along the shape of the shell.

Next, once dried, use sand paper to sand off the edge of the shell so the paper has a clean smooth edge and no paper fibers are sticking out.

I realize that I am using a different shell with each step. That was unintentional but shows various styles of paper.

Mod Podge over the paper and allow it to dry according to the Mod Podge instructions between coats. You will need about five coats of Mod Podge to give shells a really good protective coat.

The final step is adding the golf leaf paint along the edge. The best technique for applying the gold left is to hold the shell in one hand and with the bristles pointed up, brush down the side of the shell. So the motion is touching the edge of the shell and pulling the brush down below the side of shell. Cover along the whole edge around the shell.

These DIY Oyster Shell Ring Holders make great gifts so be sure to make several! As always if you have any questions, just comment below and I will try my best to answer.

Happy Crafting!