Easter Shells: Who knew a seashell could look this pretty? 🐚✨

DIY Easter Shell Trinket Dishes: A Touch of Pretty Spring

With Easter just around the corner, I wanted to create something a little different this year, something that feels seasonal but has that timeless, found-object elegance. These Easter Shell Trinket Dishes are the perfect solution. They are small, versatile, and make for the most thoughtful handmade gifts.

Using a combination of Fusion Mineral Paints and Redesign transfers plus our Gilding pen, I’ve turned simple shells into little works of art.

What You’ll Need:

• The Shells: Large scallop or oyster shells (cleaned and dried).
• The Paint: Fusion Mineral Paint in colours Rosewater and Little Whale
• The Detail: Easter themed transfers, I used Garden Whimsy by Redesign with Prima
• The Finish: Artisan Gloss lacquer and a gold gilding pen

The Process

1. Prepping the Canvas or shells in this case

I started by giving the shells a quick base coat. I used Fusion Mineral paint in pink and blue for a fresh, spring look and a good quality small artist brush. The shells painted up super easily and I needed about 2.5 coats to get good coverage

2. Adding the Design transfer

This is where the Easter magic happens! Make sure your paint is about 24 hours old and not just painted.  Cut out the image you want to use from your transfer. Trim it well as it needs to groove into the concave shell shape.  Remove the backing paper from the transfer and tack on with your fingers.  Rub over the carrier sheet gently with a popsicle stick. This smaller stick helped me get the transfer into all the grooves of my oyster shells. Once adhered remove the carrier sheet. Voila!

3. Sealing it all in

I used Artisan Gloss lacquer and did two coats front and back. The gloss gave it a fun shine but you use whatever sheen level you prefer. I edged the shells delicately with a gold gilding marker for that extra special touch

How to Use Them

These aren't just for show! They are perfect for:

• The Nightstand: For your rings and earrings.
• The Entryway: To hold a few spare coins.
• Easter Gifting: Place a single chocolate egg inside, wrap it in cellophane, and you have a stunning, handmade gift.

Check out the full process in my latest video here: 

Happy Painting, and Happy Easter!