- 1). Collect a wide variety of seashells from the beach. Look for the line on the shore where the waves break, it will be littered with shells and pieces of shells. Collect a variety of shapes, colors and textures. Search out flat pieces for mosaics on table tops or other useable surfaces. Keep an eye out for iridescent oyster and abalone shells. Pick up small, perfect shells for mosaics on picture frames and keep-sake or jewelry boxes.
- 2). Take one of several approaches to creating a shell mosaic. Make mosaics as a fun crafts project with small children. Mix up some plaster of Paris in a bucket. Combine two parts cement powder with one part water and stir thoroughly. Pour the plaster into aluminum pie pans. Spread out the shells and let the kids pick their favorites. Have them press the shells into the plaster as it starts to harden. Remove the mosaics from the pans when dry and sand off the sharp edges.
- 3). Occupy older children for several hours with crafting decorative mosaics. Buy some inexpensive wooden frames and covered boxes made from plastic or wood. Have the children pick shells to arrange in patterns on the frames and boxes. Use a strong adhesive or glue to fasten the shells to the surface. Start with the largest shells first and fill in the space with the medium and smaller shells. Cover the entire surface with shells. Let the kids pick other items to decorate with shell mosaics.
- 4). Use the direct method to make shell mosaics for older kids and adults. Cut some wooden panels into various shapes, including hearts, circles, squares and rectangles. Use a pencil or marker to draw a design on the panel. Choose a selection of shells and arrange them on the drawing. Glue the shells down. Mix some sanded grout in a bucket according to the label directions. Slather the grout over the shells with a drywall knife until they're covered. Wipe off the excess grout with a sponge to expose the shells.
- 5). Get some bonding mortar from a building supply store. Mix it in a bucket using a drill and a mixer. Spread the mortar onto the wood with a drywall knife in a 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick layer, or thicker, depending on the size of the shells. Press the shells firmly into the mortar. Arrange them in patterns and compositions. Place dark and light shells next to each other for contrast and to outline forms. When dry, grout the mosaic and wipe off the excess, leaving the spaces between the shells filled.
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