Decoupage Oyster Shells With Napkins: DIY Trinket Dish

Create beautiful DIY trinket dishes with this easy tutorial on how to decoupage oyster shells with pretty paper napkins.

This DIY craft was not on my radar until I was browsing Homegoods and found the sweetest paper napkins featuring the coziest little cottage scene.

I’ll let you in on a little secret of mine (please keep this between me and you), I always check the napkin section when I’m at Homegoods.

Even if I’m there for something completely different, I can’t help but to take a peek.

They’ve got the prettiest seasonal designs, and I’ve learned that a napkin can be used for so much more than setting the table.

So when I spotted this particular set with soft pastel colors, tiny little cottages, and adorable farm animals, I knew they were too special to keep hidden in a drawer.

I didn’t know exactly what I was going to make, but I was determined to turn them into something beautiful.

That’s when inspiration struck…why not decoupage them onto oyster shells?!

With a little paint and Mod Podge, ordinary oyster shells can become elegant, one-of-a-kind trinket dishes.

They’re the perfect little catch-all for jewelry, keys, or keepsakes.

Oh, and they make the most charming handmade gifts especially for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or holidays.

If you’re ready to get a little crafty and a whole lot cozy, I’ll show you how simple it is to transform oyster shells and pretty napkins into something really special.

What is decoupage?

If you’re new to decoupage, don’t worry, it’s actually much easier than it sounds!

Decoupage is the art of decorating a surface by gluing paper cutouts such as napkins, tissue paper, or printed designs onto an object and then sealing it with layers of glue or varnish.

It’s a simple, budget-friendly technique that can completely transform everyday items into something beautiful and unique.

You might remember the block print pumpkin or the Easter eggs I made using just napkins and Mod Podge.

In this post, we’re using decoupage to turn seashells into small trinket dishes.

Supplies You’ll Need to Decoupage Shells

Here’s everything you’ll need to turn oyster shells into decoupaged keepsake dishes….

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How to Make a Decoupage Oyster Shell Trinket Dish

Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, here’s the simple step-by-step tutorial on how to decoupage shells…

The first step is starting with clean, dry oyster shells.

If they’re dirty, give them a quick rinse to remove any grit.

Using a small paintbrush, apply white acrylic paint to the inside of the seashell.

This will create a clean base for your napkin design to pop against.

Let the paint dry completely.

Most decorative napkins are 2 or 3-ply, so gently peel away the thin printed layer from the backing.

You only want to use the top printed layer.

Brush a thin, even layer of Mod Podge onto the painted interior of the shell.

Cut out the section of napkin you’re going to use, carefully lay your napkin on top of the shell, then press it down gently with a soft brush to smooth it out and remove air bubbles.

Don’t worry if there are a few wrinkles, that’s what adds character!

Allow to dry for at least 15-20 minutes.

Once the napkin is dry and firmly in place, brush another layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal it.

Let that layer dry completely.

Use sharp scissors (or you can use a nail file to gently sand away) any napkin overhang around the edges.

Then apply a light coat of Mod Podge around the trimmed edges to seal them and prevent any lifting or fraying.

Let dry thoroughly before using or gifting.

Where can I find oyster shells for this project?

You can find clean oyster shells on Amazon which is where I found mine, at local seafood restaurants (ask if they’ll save some for you), or collect them yourself if you live near the coast.

How do I clean oyster shells before crafting with them?

Soak the shells in a solution of water and bleach (about 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) for a few hours.

Scrub off any remaining residue, rinse thoroughly, and let them dry completely before painting.

Can I use another kind of seashell?

Oyster shells are perfect for their size and shape, but you can definitely use other types like clam, scallop, or mussel shells.

Just make sure they have a smooth interior surface for the napkin to adhere to.

Larger shells work best if you want to use them as trinket dishes, but smaller ones can still be adorable for decorative purposes.

Can I use regular paper instead of napkins?

You can, but napkins are ideal because they’re thin and mold easily to the curves of the shell.

Thicker paper may wrinkle or not adhere as smoothly.

Should I use matte or glossy Mod Podge?

Either will work.

I used matte for a softer, more subtle finish, but you can also use glossy for a little bit of shine.

Choose whichever look you prefer!

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xoxo, heidi

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