I love the beach, especially during the summer.  I happen to live relatively near the beach and am lucky enough to be able to take tips their quite regularly.  When there, I love to wade in the water, lay out in the sun and gather sea shells. I know it may sound childish, but some of them are so beautiful!  I just never know what to do with them once I bring them home.  So, I did some searching for crafts that include sea shells.  I wanted something a little more adult as well as using them as a part of my summer decor.  Of course the queen of everything home, Martha Stewart, had what I was looking for.  Just thought I’d pass her creativity onto you so that you can bring a little beach into your home.  If you have plants in terra cotta or clay pots, try sprucing them up with a little shell action!

1. First, Martha gives the pots an aged look to give the shells a more welcoming palette.  To weather a pot, combine 1 part powdered milk paint (available at crafts stores) with 1 part water. Apply to pot with a paintbrush. Let dry 1 hour.
2. Then to finish the look, she combines 1 part lime powder (find it at garden centers) with 2 parts water; brush on over paint. Let dry 1 hour.
3. Once it’s all dry, grab some medium-grit sandpaper and sand the pot down until you’ve achieved the look you want.  Be sure you are working in a well-ventilated area because the paint flying off the pot can fill a room quick and you will have trouble breathing.
4. Now it’s time for the shells!  So, gather your shells together in uniform sizes as well as in appearance (if you don’t live near a sea shell area, purchase them at crafts stores or online). Affix shells to rim of pot with tacky glue.  If you will be using smaller shells, Martha recommends using tweezers to adhere them.