Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar
Web: http://uep.edu.ph; Email: [email protected]

___________________________________________________________________________

INDIGENOUS CREATIVE CRAFTS

(SEASHELL CRAFT)

Prepared by:

(Group 3)

Balading, Luzel C.

Cabales, Georlyn D.

Caguerhab, Johna Sophia A.

Cantong, Marayaeh E.

Lucban, Jennifer G.

Maramara, Shakira C.

Submitted to:
MARK STEVEN MENDOZA
Subject Instructor
 SEASHELL CRAFT

Seashells, the hard outer coverings of various marine creatures, are a testament to the
beauty and diversity of the ocean. These fascinating structures serve as exoskeletons, providing
protection and support for the soft-bodied animals within.

Formation and Composition

Seashells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, a mineral readily available in

seawater. Mollusks, the most common producers of seashells, extract this mineral and secrete
it through a specialized tissue called the mantle. This process results in the formation of layered
shells, each layer contributing to the shell's overall structure and appearance.

The outermost layer is the hardest and often displays the distinctive colors characteristic
of the species. The middle layer provides structural support, while the innermost layer, known
as nacre or mother-of-pearl, is smooth and iridescent. This smooth surface allows the mollusk
to move freely within the shell.

Other Animals with Shells

While mollusks are the most prominent shell-producing organisms, other marine animals
also possess hard outer coverings. These include:

 Arthropods: Crabs, lobsters, and shrimp possess exoskeletons composed of chitin and
calcium carbonate.

 Echinoderms: Sea urchins have a hard shell called a "test" made of calcium carbonate.
 Brachiopods: These resemble clams and have two shells called "valves" that protect
their body.

 Annelids: Some marine worms construct tube-like shells made of calcium carbonate.

Significance of Seashells

Seashells hold immense scientific value, offering insights into the evolution, ecology,
and biodiversity of marine life. They provide valuable information about past environments
and climate changes. Moreover, seashells are a source of inspiration for art and culture,
influencing designs, patterns, and even music. Their beauty and intricate details continue to
captivate humans, reminding us of the wonders of the natural world.
Conclusion

Seashells are a remarkable example of nature's ingenuity. Their intricate structure,

diverse composition, and vital role in marine ecosystems highlight the importance of
understanding and protecting our oceans. By studying these fascinating objects, we gain a
deeper appreciation for the complex and interconnected nature of life on Earth.

Varieties of shells include the following:

a. Giant clams- are often used as children's bathtubs or baptismal fonts. Natives of Palawan
and Sulu call it terebras. This variety of shell comes in different colors, hence they are good
materials for belts and buckles.

Scientific Family

The Giant Clams belong to the genus Tridacna (Bruguière 1797), of which Tridacna gigas is
the largest living immobile bivalve mollusk in the world. The Giant Clam is known as
“Taklobo” in the Philippines. They live in the shallow coral reefs of the South China Sea, West
Philippine Sea, Sulo Sea, Red Sea, but mainly in the Indian and South Pacific oceans. The word
Tridacna came from the Latin word ‘Tri’ meaning three, and ‘dacn’ from the Greek meaning
bite, or “Three Bites,” perhaps after the wavy shape of the clamshells. They have been around
for over 38 million years. Antonio Pigafetta, the Italian navigator who joined Ferdinand
Magellan in his sea travels around the world, documented these Giant Clams as early as 1521
in his journal. Eight (8) of the twelve (12) known existing Giant Clam species in the world are
found in the coral reefs of the Philippines. They have a lifespan between 100-200 years. Giant
Clams have hundreds of eyes along the edges of its mantle. The eyes are used to detect shadows
to warn them of potential predators. The eyes are sensitive to green, blue, and ultraviolet light.
This helps the clam position itself toward the sun to expose as much algae for photosynthesis.
The eyes also detect excessive amounts of potentially harmful UV rays.

Habitat

The Giant Clams live in flat coral sand or broken corals and can be found in shallow warm
waters and depths up to 66 ft (20 m). Its populations are diminishing quickly, and the Giant
Clams have become extinct in areas where they were once abundant. When a larval Giant Clam
settles, it remains there for the rest of its life. In the Philippines, various species of Giant Clams
live in Palawan, Eastern Samar, Maricaban Island, Silaqui Island (Bolinao, Pangasinan),
Anilao Batangas, Samal Island (Davao), Negros, and Tawi-Tawi. With the help of NGOs,
Giant Clams have been restocked at the sites of Anda, Pangasinan; Masinloc, Zambales;
Calape, Bohol; Camotes Island, Cebu; Ilocos Norte: Tawi-Tawi; and Hundred Islands National
Park.
Types of Giant Clams

The 8 types found in the Philippines are:

• Tridacna Gigas • Tridacna Deresa • Tridacna Squamosa

• Tridacna Crocea • Tridacna Maxima • Tridacna Hippopus Hippopus

• Tridacna Hippopus Porcellanus • Tridacna Noae Ningaloo

The 4 types not found in the Philippines are:

• Tridacna costata squamosina of the Red Sea

• Tridacna rosewateri of Mauritius

• Tridacna tevoroa mbalavuana of Fiji

• Tridacna lorenzi of Mauritius.

The 8 types of Giant Clams found in the Philippines:

• Tridacna Gigas (True Giant Clam): is the largest Giant Clam with a length of 47 inches (120
cm); thickness of shell up to 4 inches (10 cm); weighs 440 lbs (200 kg), with soft parts of 22
lbs (10 kg); shell has 4-5 vertical folded rips with triangular inward projections at the upper
margins of the shell; mantle is mostly golden brown, blue, green, or yellow; anchors on
overgrown sponges, corals and algae; unable to close their shells in full.

• Tridacna Derasa (Smooth Giant Clam): second largest clam; grows up to 24 inches (60 cm)
in length and weighs 220 lbs (100 kg); smooth shell; has 6-7 vertical folds in its shell; hinge is
relatively broad; mantle shows wavy bright green, blue lines with orange, yellow, black, or
white spots; shell closes completely.

• Tridacna Hippopus Hippopus (Strawberry Clam; Bear Claw Clam): grows up to 16 inches
(40 cm) in length, and weighs 22 lbs (10 kg); thick, heavy shells with triangular, horse-hoof
like valves at the broad base, when the clam is closed; mantle is brown or green; red bands at
the outer side of the shell gives it the name Strawberry Clam; mantle does not extend past the
edge of the shell; and lacks small pinhole eyes in the mantle.

• Tridacna Squamosa (Fluted Giant Clam): grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length and weigh
20 lbs (9.2 kg); thick-walled shell; rounded radial-ribs that look like ruffles; fluted scaled shell;
mantle often yellow-brown mottled with blue or green wavy lines; has a widespread
distribution.

• Tridacna Maxima (Elongated Giant Clam): largest geographical distribution; grows up to

16 inches (40 cm) in length, and weighs 18 lbs (8.1 kg); can make little movements;
asymmetrical oblong stretched shells; bright blue mantle with green or brown and black spots
at mantle’s edge; an aquarium-favorite; eyes are on top of raised tubercles scattered over the
mantle; bores in high or low elevation islands, lagoons, and reefs; has rapid growth rate due to
ability to cultivate algae inside its body.

• Tridacna Crocea (Boring Clam): smallest clam; grows up to 9 inches (23 cm) in length and
weighs 10 lbs (4.7 kg); bores into the coral reefs; relatively smooth, roundish-symmetrical shell
with thick scutes; its colorful mantle can extend to cover the shell; eyes are on top of raised
tubercles all over the mantle.

• Tridacna Hippopus Porcellanus (China clam): Rarest species of the Giant Clam and exists
in Sulu and Palawan; it grows to 16 inches (40 cm) in length and weighs 4 lbs (8 kg); they have
whitish, less ribbed shells. The mantle is mostly dark, with varying degrees of fine bluish-gray
and white lines with gold spots; some specimens are psychedelic. The shape and color of the
China Clam is incredibly distinct from its cousin, T. hippopus. The overall shape of the shell
is much more rounded, with fewer but wider folds but much less jagged.
• Tridacna Noae Ningaloo (Noah’s giant clam; Teardrop clam), grows to 16 inches (40 cm)
in length, and weighs 20 lbs (9 kg). This species was described and named T. noae (Röding,
1798). Rosewater (1965), however, assessed it as a variant of T. maxima based purely on shell
structure, and T. noae lost its status as a unique species. Recently, several researchers looking
at shell morphology, mantle patterns, and genetic evidence said that it is truly a unique species,
thus T. noae is no longer a variant of T. maxima (Su et al 2014). It lives in Negros. Those called
“Teardrop maxima” due to numerous oval spots on their mantle bordered by a thin ring of gold
to white are now T. noae. It has eyes in the middle of the mantle that look like dimples.

Reproduction

The Giant Clams are hermaphrodites –producing both eggs and sperm– but self-
fertilization is not possible. This allows clams to reproduce with any other member of the
species, and reduces the burden of finding a compatible mate, while doubling the number of
offspring produced.

Since Giant Clams are immobile, they adopt “broadcast spawning,” releasing sperm
and eggs into the water. A transmitter substance called “spawning induced substance” (SIS)
helps synchronize the release of sperm and eggs to ensure fertilization. Clam spawning
coincides with incoming tides near the second, third, and fourth quarter of the moon’s phase.
Spawning contractions occur every 2-3 minutes, with intense spawning ranging from 30
minutes to 2.5 hours. However, not all clams respond to the spawning season of neighboring
clams, indicating that they may be reproductively inactive at that time. Giant Clams release
eggs and sperm into the water, and the eggs are fertilized by sperm from another Giant Clam.
They release more than 500 million eggs at a time (Knop 1996).

Development

The larva has 3 stages of development: (1) Trocophore; (2) Veliger; (3) Pediveliger.
The Trocophore is a free-swimming larva that hatched from a fertilized egg. The larva swims
in search for plankton and Habitat. At roughly one week of age, the clam settles on the ground.
The larva does not yet have symbiotic algae, so it depends completely on plankton. Many small
clams die at this stage. At the Veliger stage, the larva develops the first shell and an organ
called “velum” that has a ring of cilia for swimming and Feeding. Lastly, during the Pediveliger
stage, the larva develops a “foot” to probe the ground and find a suitable place to settle. Once
the larva sets, the clam will no longer move to another location, and is referred to as a “spat”
(Learn.weatherstem.com). The clam is considered a juvenile when it reaches 8 inches (20 cm)
in length.

Legend

The Giant Clam has been historically misunderstood to be a “killer clam” or “man-
eating clam,” and reputable scientific and technical manuals once claimed that the great
mollusk had caused deaths. The U.S. Navy Diving Manual even gave detailed instructions for
releasing oneself from its grasp by severing the adductor muscles used to close its shell. Today,
the Giant Clam is considered neither aggressive nor dangerous. While it is capable of gripping
a person’s limb, the shell’s closing reaction is defensive, not aggressive, and the shell valves
close much too slowly to pose a serious threat to humans. Moreover, the largest clams, T. gigas,
are unable to completely close their shells.

Human Interest

The Giant Clam is considered a delicacy in Japan, where it is known as “Himejako;”

same in France, South East Asia and Pacific Islands. Some Asian foods include the meat from
the muscles of clams. In the black market, the enormous Giant Clam shells are sold as decors.
Large amounts of money are offered for the adductor muscle, which the Chinese people
consider to be an aphrodisiac. American and Italian researchers teamed up to analyze the
bivalves, and found the clams rich in amino acids that trigger an increase in sex hormone levels
(Knop 1996). Also, the Giant Clam’s high zinc content can aid in the production of testosterone
(Kurlanski 2006).

In the 1980’s, the local extinction and decimation of Giant Clams led to legal sanctions.
Now, all species of Giant Clams are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on the International
Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). There are special legal
regulations in the Philippines (FAO 158 and 168; RA 550; Philippine Fisheries Code) that
prohibit the collecting, theft, eating, sale and export of Giant Clams with the risk of paying
fines or facing prison. Although these regulations exist, the enforcement of the law is
ineffective. More local commitment working together with maritime police control-efforts is
needed. The high price for clam-meat still provokes continuance of illegal fishing and trade.

b. Mother of pearl shells- consist of two kinds: black lip pearl oyster and gold lip pearl oyster.
Pearl shells are used in the manufacture of buttons.

The Mother of pearl, also known Nacre, is a smooth crystalline substance produced by
some mollusks as an inner shell layer that creates the iridescent visual effect. It also makes up
the outer coating of pearls. Nacre is made of the same material that forms the inside of the shell.

This combination of calcium carbonate and protein is both lighter and stronger than
concrete. This resilient material is lightweight and transparent, allowing light to pass through
its surface, creating a subtle glow on the surface. Not all mollusk shells have a nacre coating.
The primary distinction between a shell that has a mother of pearl coating and a shell that does
not is the iridescent quality. Mother of pearl has a very distinct multi-colored effect and a faint
glow similar to other optically impressive moon-like gemstones.
• Pinctada Margaritifera, commonly known as the black-lip pearl oyster, is a species of pearl
oyster, a saltwater mollusk, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family Pteriidae. This species is
common in the Indo-Pacific within tropical coral reefs.

Blacklip Tahiti Mother of Pearl

The quality of pearls coming from the Blacklip Mother of Pearl or the Pinctada
margaritifera is the highest quality out of all the pearl oysters. The oysters produce gray, black
or dark lustrous pearls with shells growing for about 200-250 mm. It's important to note that
Tahitian pearls are the only naturally "black" pearls. Black Akoya and black freshwater pearls
are dyed.

White Mother of Pearl

The White Mother of Pearl or the Pinctada maxima is the largest oyster species that
grows up to 20-30cm in diameter. Its shells can grow up to 300 mm. Most of our shells are
harvested from pearl farms in Palawan, Sulu Mindanao and in the Bicol Region of the
Philippines.

• Pinctada maxima is a species of pearl oyster, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family
Pteriidae, the pearl oysters. There are two different color varieties: the Gold-lipped oyster and
the Silver-lipped oyster. These bivalves are the largest pearl oysters in the world. They have a
very strong inner shell layer composed of nacre, also known as "mother of pearl" and are
important to the cultured pearl industry as they are cultivated to produce South Sea pearls.

Brownlip Mother of Pearl

The Brownlip Mother of Pearl is another variation of the Pinctada maxima oyster
species that grows up to 20-30cm in diameter. Its shells can grow up to 300 mm. The oyster
produces irridescent pink to light/medium brown pearls.

Goldlip Mother of Pearl

The Goldlip Mother of Pearl is another variation of the Pinctada maxima oyster species
that grows up to 20-30cm in diameter. Its shells can grow up to 300 mm. The oyster produces
irridescent champagne and gold pearls.

How is Mother of Pearl Different from Pearls?

Both mother of pearl and pearl gemstones are made of nacre, but mother of pearl refers
specifically to the nacre-coated inner-shell of the mollusk. Pearls, on the other hand, are made
completely out of nacre. When an irritant gets trapped inside a mollusk, the mollusk, in order
to protect itself, coats this irritant with layers upon layers of nacre until it develops into a pearl
three to four years later.
The Difference in Supply and Availability

In addition to the difference in composition, mother of pearl and pearls also differ in
their supply and availability. Especially compared to mother of pearl, pearls (like Akoya, South
Sea, or Tahitian pearls) are much rarer. While most mollusks produce mother of pearl, the same
cannot be said for pearl gemstones. In fact, only a very low percentage of mollusks produce
pearls. Even with advances in pearl cultivation that create ideal conditions for pearl
development, an oyster or mussel developing a pearl is never guaranteed. Lastly, more species
of mollusks are able to produce mother of pearl, while only a few types have the ability to
create gem-quality pearls.

Mother of pearl in the Philippines

On October 15, 1996, the Pinctada maxima, a species of pearl oysters and source of our
Philippine South Sea pearls, was declared our national gem by then President Fidel V. Ramos
through Proclamation No. 905, s. 1996. Though pearls are significantly more precious today,
mother of pearl remains timeless and retains its charm.

Aside from jewelry, mother of pearl has a variety of uses in our daily lives. Because of
its unique iridescence and shine, it has become a popular material to use in home decor such
as table sets, coasters, trays and jewelry boxes. Since metal spoons often affect the taste of
certain dishes, mother of pearl is also used in fine dining, specifically for caviar spoons in order
to retain the delicate flavor of this gourmet favorite.

c. Capiz Shells- come from clams that grow 2.5 cm a year. They are year. They are round and
flat. The convex capiz is female while the flat shell capiz is the male species. Capiz shells are
made into windowpanes chandeliers, lampshades, trays, and many more.

Capiz Shells (Placuna placenta)

Capiz are shells found in a province in the Philippines called Capiz. These flat, semi-
transparent shells with a pearlescent appearance are edible but valued more for the shells. Capiz
shells have been used for thousands of years as a glass substitute because of their durability
and translucence. More recently Capiz shells are being used for decorative items like
chandeliers and lampshades and other shell inlays.

Highly asymmetrical bivalve with a characteristically thin, semi-translucent shell. The

Capiz or window pane oyster, with its scientific name, Placuna placenta, can grow up to 70-
150mm.
Description and Characteristics

Capiz is an aquatic mollusk that has a compressed body enclosed within a hinged shell.
It has different names such as capiz shell, hatchet-footed shells, and windowpane shell. The
name “capiz shell” was generated because these shells were harvested near and found in
abundance in a small town called Capiz in the Philippines. It has two main parts: the shell and
the meat enclosed within the shell. The shell reveals a translucent silvery color when cleaned
and measures up 70 to 100 millimeters in length. Capiz shells are usually more flattened
compared to other mollusk species and with a V-shaped ligament ridge showing near its hinge.
The shells serve as its protection from the outside environment. The “meat” of Capiz which is
sheltered inside the shells is white, soft, and is composed of different organs including its
kidney, digestive gland, ventricle, rectum, and foot. Sexes are differentiated by the color of the
gonad. When the gonad is well developed, the females have orange yellow appearance while
males have cream white color. Capiz shells also produce pearls that normally are ivory or white
in color and relatively small in size that’s why it’s pearls are less of economic value compared
to other pearl-producing mollusks. Capiz is commonly branded by its glass-looking shells
which made it famous around the world for the different products that can be produced out of
these shells.

Location and Sources

Capiz shells are commonly found on muddy or sandy bedrocks from shallow water to
depths of up to 100 meters. They naturally exist in bays, coves and estuaries. Capiz shells can
also be grown in areas with water temperature 24.5-30 degrees Celsius, salinity 18-38 ppt, pH
6.4-7.7 and dissolved oxygen 2.5-5 ppm. Ideally in transplanted areas, density should be
limited to at most 200 shells per square meter that is to allow normal growth and prevent
overcrowding. This species is abundant in Capiz, Philippines but are also distributed in some
of its neighboring provinces. One large supplier/manufacturer of products made from capiz
shells is Jumbo Pacific Inc. which is located in Cebu. Furthermore, capiz shells are also present
in the Mindanao region. Capiz can actually be grown anywhere as long as it meets its needed
environment conditions.

Application and Product Output

Capiz shells were first used in the Philippines during the Spanish occupation in making
slide windows for churches. From then on, people discovered the infinite use of its shells. There
are several ideas about using the Capiz shells as a resource in the Philippines including window
panes, jewelry, ornaments, kitchen utensils, and for fashion.

Capiz shells are initially muddy and jagged before they are processed. The production
starts by cleaning the shells after harvesting, they are then soaked in tubs of water and mild
acid to further clean and soften them. After soaking, they are laid out under the sun to dry.
Dried shells can now be cut, varnished, and formed into different shapes and sizes and can also
be colored by applying bleaches and dyes. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating
different products out of the capiz shells. It can be made into different home products and
decorations such as curtains, chandeliers, lamp shades, lanterns, wall-mounted decors, candle
holders, tiles, wall panels, plates, bowls, trays, picture frames, etc. It can also be made into
fashion jewelries, accessories, and gift items. Capiz shell is known to be a very versatile
material that you can do a lot of possible things with.

On the other hand, the meat of capiz shells can be used as food if it’s still fresh. The
meat can be eaten raw complemented with a dipping sauce such as vinegar, or it can be sautéed.
Capiz is usually dried under the sun to allow it to open naturally. Thus, reducing the damage
to the shell as the meat is being detached from the inside. The removed meat is often used as a
component for poultry and shrimp feeds.

Production and Sustainable Consumption

Through time, capiz shells have helped people both as food and as a way of living. In
the Philippines, there are already small and big scale production of capiz shells for which the
locals have depended on their income by working in farms and factories of capiz shells. Its
capacity to be transformed into diverse products resulted in a very high demand and the
different sources/producers are increasing their supply in order to conform. Capiz shells used
to be easily found in the Philippines as they naturally reproduce in their desired environment,
and harvesting is not yet severe and in-demand compared to today’s circumstances. Currently,
capiz shells in the Philippines are starting to become limited and the decline started as early as
the 1970s. Overexploitation and the destructive methods of fishing and gathering such as
trawling, using mechanical rakes and dredges, dynamite fishing, and compressor diving are the
main reasons as to why this species is declining in numbers. Water pollution specifically
chemicals disposed of in the sea and flushed water laced with antibiotics from prawn hatcheries
contaminates used-to-be-homes of capiz shells resulting in its degeneration. The government
already initiated actions to sustain the industry for capiz shells by establishing fisheries
regulations to control harvesting and aquaculture. It includes issuing licenses and permits
before harvesting, setting minimum and maximum landing sizes (shells with sizes less than 80
millimeter and more than 100 millimeter are prohibited to be harvested), establishing restricted
areas, and devising fines and imprisonment for those who are doing dangerous things that can
put the capiz in danger.

USES OF PHILIPPINE SEA SHELLS

The most commercial use of big sea shells is in the making of buttons. The button factories in
manila consume a large portion of the sea shells which are brought from different parts of the
country. Another important use of sea shells is in the manufacture of window sashes. The shell
use for this purpose is locally called kapis. Some Visayans called this shell pi-us, while the
Ilocanos call it culintipay. Big windows sash factories in manila and other urban centers use
quite a big quantity of this kind of sea shell. Aside from these industrial uses of sea shells, craft
articles are also made out of them. Lamp shades, table lamp vases, lapel pins, name pins,
bracelets, buckles, belts, wall pockets, and flower vases are also made up of sea shells. Some
handicraft stores in manila and other urban center sell some of the best kinds of these handicraft
articles. Recently, the making of picture frames out of a certain variety of sea shell was
introduced in the local craft centers.

Characteristics of Seashells

1. Sea shells are hard but brittle. Sea shells derive their hardness from calcium
carbonate, which forms the bulk of their structure. The crystalline form of calcium
carbonate is robust and can withstand pressure, but this same rigidity makes them
brittle. This means that while the shell is resistant to deformation, it is prone to
shattering or cracking when force is applied in certain ways, such as a sharp blow.
2. They are easily broken, especially when dropped on a hard surface or hit by a
hard object. Due to their brittleness, sea shells are highly vulnerable to impact. When
dropped on a hard surface like concrete or struck by a hard object, they cannot absorb
the shock well. Instead of bending or deforming, they are likely to fracture or break
into smaller pieces. The internal structure of the shell, made of densely packed
crystals, lacks the flexibility to withstand sudden impacts.
3. When polished, sea shells have a shiny pearl-like surface. The smooth, lustrous
appearance of polished sea shells is due to the alignment and layering of calcium
carbonate crystals, which reflect light in a manner similar to pearls. Polishing removes
rough surface imperfections and reveals the natural, inner shine of the shell,
enhancing its iridescence. This pearlescent quality is often compared to nacre (mother
of pearl), found in certain mollusks.

Working on Seashells
1. Cleaning the seashells. Stains, mud, algae, and other dirts on seashells are removed
by washing in water diluted with either muriatic acid or detergents. Brushing will
remove the inner dirts. Care should be taken not to leave scratches made by a steel
brush. Washed shells are dried under the sun.

2. Molding Seashells. The female kapis shell is concave while the male is flat. It was
the male shell that was used in window panes. Today, concave shells can be flattened
 and flat shells can be curved as used for lining receptacles or for lamination with the
use of heat or chemical treatment. Heated shell turn to be weak and soft

3. Cutting Seashells. Shell is hard and brittle. Striking it with a hard object or with a
careless use of an edge-cutting tool causes cracks or breakage. Straight cut on
seashells is done with a hacksaw. A coping saw is used to cut out curves or on frit
work as in pins, or in other intricate work on mother of pearl. Different cuts of pattern
for lampshades and other project made up of pieces of different parts are cut by
punchers shaped to that of the pattern. Mass production has been attained due to the
metallic puncher designed for the purpose. Pile may also be used to shape.

4. Assembling Parts of Shells. Shells are put together with the use of glue duco cement,
tying with nylon cord and lately with metal edging. Some projects like vase may be
attached with stove bolts or screws. Fine wires may be used for tyers but easily takes
rust, hence not durable.

5. Finishing Seashells. Natural finish is used on seashells. This is done to display its
natural beauty and special luster. Clear gloss lacquer or varnish is recommended for
this purpose. Other varnish may do it properly under-taken. Opaque finish and paints
should not be used with seashells, these finishes conceal the beauty of the seashells,
and hence these must not be used. As a guide in finishing seashells, only clear gloss
finishes are recommended for finishing seashells.
Tools Used in Seashell Craft

 Hand Drill – it is used for drilling holes in shells

 Coping Saw – it is used to carve complex patterns and forms out of shells.
 Small Round and Triangular Files – used to form shells, smooth down sharp edges,
and enhance details.
 Pocket Knife – used for cleaning, shaping, and trimming shells
 Pliers – used to shape metal materials for seashell crafts, bend and work with wire, and
create loops to hang or secure attachments.
 Small Hammer - is useful for putting nails or tacks, securing shells to surfaces, and
splitting larger shells into smaller ones.

Material Used in Making Project

1. Seashells - Natural seashells such as clamshells, cone shaped shells, small snail shells etc.,
are used to decorations.
2. Small Screws with Nuts - Used for fixing components or shells.
3. Glue - It is used to glue the seashells and other materials.
4. Paint - To give shells or other craft components some color and detail.
5. Varnish - to achieve a protective coating that enhances shine and durability.
6. Shellac - Another finishing choice for enhanced protection and a glossy appearance.
7. Cardboard - To give a support and provides a smooth surface to glue the shells.
8. Wire - Used to make decorative elements, hangers, and frameworks.

Some of the Project to be Constructed

Some of the projects which you be interested in constructing are the following;

Picture frame: A seashell frame can be used in decorating a photograph; it gives a unique way
in a certain photo.
Initial pin: A seashell pin; it used a memory involving technique to remember a certain pin.

Buckle: A seashell buckle can be used in creating jewelry like a necklace, bracelet, and
earrings. It is also used in decorating clothing.

Lampshade: A seashell lampshade can create an ambience in a room.

Flower Vase: A seashell flower vase will give a natural way to display flowers.

Seashell wind chime: It creates ambiance in a home or garden. It is also used for decoration
on a door.

Seashell ornament: It's used as a decoration during the holiday season or Christmas; it
symbolizes love and hope.

Seashell dreamcatchers: According to the native Americans, the dreamcatchers used to

protect from sleep, and the seashell symbolizes strength, protection, and fertility.

Cutting Out Articles

- A special type of blade is used for cutting seashells.

- A steel wire, nicked at regular intervals and attached to a copping saw frame, is also
a good blade for cutting out a buckle, pin, initial or button.
Boring Holes

A hand drill is used for boring holes on seashells. These holes may be enlarged by using
a knife or a big drill.

HOW PROJECTS ARE FINISHED

Seashell crafts are a beautiful and unique way to create art, home decor, and even
jewelry. While the techniques and specific steps may vary depending on the project, here's a
general overview of how seashell craft projects are typically finished:

1. Gathering and Preparing Seashells:

- Collection: Seashells are often gathered from beaches, but you can also purchase them from
craft stores or online.

- Cleaning: Seashells may need to be cleaned to remove sand, debris, or any lingering marine
life. This can be done with a toothbrush, soapy water, and a gentle scrub.

- Sorting and Selection: You'll need to sort your seashells based on size, shape, and color to
determine how they will be used in your project.

2. Project Planning and Design:

- Inspiration: Find inspiration for your project from books, magazines, online resources, or
your own imagination.

- Sketching: Sketch out your design to visualize how the seashells will be arranged and how
they will be attached.

- Materials: Gather the necessary materials, including glue, string, wire, paint, or other
embellishments.
3. Assembling and Attaching Seashells:

- Gluing: Use a strong adhesive like craft glue or epoxy to securely attach the seashells to
your base material.

- Wiring: For projects like mobiles or hanging ornaments, wire can be used to create intricate
designs and secure the seashells.

- Drilling: For some projects, you may need to drill holes in the seashells to facilitate attaching
them to other materials.

4. Finishing Touches:

- Painting: Seashells can be painted with acrylics or other paints to enhance their appearance
or create a specific color scheme.

- Varnishing: Applying a sealant like varnish or acrylic glaze can protect the seashells from
water damage and enhance their shine.

- Embellishments: Add decorative elements like beads, gems, ribbons, or other embellishments
to personalize your project.

5. Displaying and Preserving:

- Framing: Framed seashell art can add elegance and coastal charm to your home.

- Hanging: Create mobile displays for your seashells or use string or wire to hang them as
ornaments.

- Storage: Store your finished seashell crafts in a dry place away from direct sunlight to
minimize fading.

DECORATING PROJECTS:

Seashell crafts offer a unique and charming way to add a touch of the beach to your
home décor. They're perfect for creating a coastal vibe, whether you live near the ocean or
simply love the seaside aesthetic. Here's an example of decorating project using seashells:

DIY seashell frame art is a unique and beautiful piece of art that is easy to make. You
can use any shell you like to create a one-of-a-kind look. To do this project, you will require
a wooden frame, white paint, shells, and a hot glue gun. This project is an easy way to add
beachy charm to your home decor. Or you can give it as a unique and thoughtful gift.
References:

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