How to Make a Shell Flowerpot

How to Make a Shell Flowerpot.  A shell flower pot is a wonderful way to display your shell collection or add character to a seaside home.

With a few simple items, you can transform an ordinary terra cotta pot into something uniquely pretty.  It's a project even the smallest of children can help with.

1. Protect your work surface by laying out newspaper or an old tablecloth. Mix the grout according to the instructions on the package. Use a container you won't mind throwing away.
2. Spread a layer of grout over a section of the flower pot surface using a butter knife, a plastic knife or the back of a spoon.
3. Stick shells to the grout. Arrange them according to what's pleasing to your eye. Keep in mind that colors and shapes can be separated to make the pattern look random.
4. Continue adding shells until the flower pot is covered. If you want to rearrange any of them, do so before the grout dries.
5. Add grout between the shells to fill in any gaps. Feel free to cover some of the shells with grout if necessary. Let the flower pot sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
6. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess grout. Be gentle so you don't move any of the shells. Let the flower pot dry thoroughly, for at least 24 hours.
7. Seal the outside of the flower pot with polyurethane. You can buy the product at a craft, hardware or paint store. Use water-based polyurethane instead of oil-based, which has a yellowish tint.

Tip

Glue a row of shells around the top of a clay flower pot for a simple yet elegant look. Clean the pot with a damp cloth. Protect your shell flower pot from the elements as much as possible. Bring the flower pot instead during the winter months.

Warning

Don't let the shell flower pot sit in standing water.