DIY SHELL RING DISH: EASY NAPKIN DECOUPAGE TUTORIAL
Learn how to make a DIY shell ring dish with easy napkin decoupage. This fun girls' night craft is perfect for creating a beautiful jewelry holder in minutes.
Pin Recipe
Yield: 1 shell
Equipment
- paint brush
- gold paint pen
Materials
- 4-5" scallop shell
- mod podge
- decorative napkin
- UV resin optional
- disposable gloves
Instructions
- Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge over the inside of the shell.
- Gently smooth the napkin from the center of the shell toward the edges to remove air bubbles and minimize wrinkles.Note: If using 2 or 3-ply napkins, separate the decorative layer to use for this craft.
- Use scissors to trim the napkin close to the edge of the shell.
- Apply a thin top coat of Mod Podge. Let the shell dry.Note: You can add a gold detail around the edge using a paint pen or gold leaf paint now or after you add the resin. I added mine after applying resin, but it really doesn't matter.
- Optional UV resin layer. Use disposable gloves and drizzle a small amount of resin inside the shell.
- Use your gloved finger to spread the resin evenly.
- Allow the resin to cure in direct sunlight or under a UV lamp.
- Use a gold paint pen to add a decorative touch around the edge of each shell.
Video
Notes
TIPS AND TRICKS
- Scallop shells. Oyster shells are a popular choice, but I prefer scallop shells. Their natural curve creates the perfect shape for holding rings and small jewelry items. Look for shells with smooth interiors and minimal chips or cracks. I bought mine on Amazon.
- Clean shells thoroughly before crafting. If using fresh shells, wash the shells with warm, soapy water and allow them to dry completely. If your shells have dark spots on the interior, adding a coat of white paint before decoupaging them is a good idea. I didn't find that necessary with the napkins that we used, but if using white napkins, the staining might show through without a coat of acrylic paint.
- Use only the top printed layer of the napkin. The napkins I used were 1-ply, but if using 2 or 3-ply decorative napkins, separate the printed layer from the backing layers before applying them to the shell.
- Apply Mod Podge in thin coats. A light coat underneath the napkin and another on top helps prevent wrinkles, tears, and excess buildup. Thin coats also dry faster and create a cleaner finish.
- Work from the center outward. Gently smooth the napkin from the center of the shell toward the edges to remove air bubbles and minimize wrinkles.
- Seal with multiple coats for durability. Two to three thin coats of Mod Podge will help protect the design and extend the life of your ring dish.
