Silver Shells, for a Few Clams

Every now and then, I get a little bit obsessed about some thing. Maybe I saw it on Pinterest.

Kaboodle

Or in a catalog.

Pottery Barn

Or in a shop, or even in someone’s house.

                                                  Completely Coastal

And so I begin to see if can find the object of my obsession. In this case,  it was silver shells for the dining room. 

Of course, with just a few quick clicks,  I can find what I was looking for and with a few more clicks, it can be mine. Or not. Because somewhere in the midst of those  mouse clicks, my brain begins to click. The first click usually sounds like That’s it! Where’s my credit card? The second click says You do not need more stuff to dust and store. The third click, which comes quickly behind the second says, How much? Wait, that’s like a great dinner out or a cut and highlights or—lacrosse cleats. Then, sometimes, the fourth (and cutest) click pipes up and says, I bet you could make something similar. It might be kind of fun. And that’s how I came to find myself in Hobby Lobby looking for sterling silver spray paint.
Enjoying my collection of shells throughout the house, I decided some sterling silver shells would be perfect for the dining room. I didn’t want to paint any of my collected shells (sentimental, I guess), so I bought a bag of mixed shells from T.J. Maxx.

The sack yielded lots of scallop shells, a few whelks, a few conch, one nautilus, some quahogs, and some clam shells, all in varying sizes. I spread them out on newspaper in the drive, and sprayed them well. I don’t know what is in that sterling silver paint, but it was like but-tah. Seriously.  I so wanted to paint something else just for the pleasure of watching the paint coat and cover. Thankfully, I was able to control myself  because, of course, I had to flip the shells over and spray the other side an hour later.

Phone photos really don’t do them justice, as they turned out great. The paint unifies them, and at the same time highlights the beautiful textures of each. I think these could be spectacular for a beachside (or even beach-themed) party or event.
 
Total cost for this little project?
Not a lot of clams, around $12.

Have you taken on any fun, do-it-yourself projects this summer?

I’m linking up to Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesdays, to Stone Gable's Tutorial Tips and Tidbits, and to At the Picket Fence Inspiration Friday, where you can see tons of amazing projects and tasty recipes!