DIYer Turns Shells Into Coastal Chic Trinket Dishes, and It's Surprisingly Simple
As summer vacation and days at the beach inch closer, some of the most popular stores are leaning into coastal style. Michaels, for example, just launched three new collections ahead of the season-one of which is all about delivering an elevated coastal look to shoppers before people flock to cool coastal spots.
Whether you're excited about all the days by the shore to come or just love the refreshing and airy feel of the aesthetic, buying something new isn't the only way to bring its signature vibe into your space. One DIYer recently shared a simple DIY turning seashells into adorable trinket dishes, and the results will make you feel like summer has already started.
DIYer Turns Seashells Into Dreamy Coastal Trinket Dishes
@benitosbungalow We're baaaack... my favorite DIYs: shell trinket dishes using napkins & mod podge. It couldn't be easier! I had some leftover from a baby shower and have a garage sale coming up and figured, why not make some more and try to sell them? Steps are below, but feel free to ask questions! 1. Clean your shells both on the inside and out. You can ask a local restaurant for shells or buy online. 2. Paint on 2 coats of white paint. This creates a solid base and will make the patterns pop. 3. Paper napkins have 2-3 layers. Remove the layers until you have the thinnest layer left. If you don't do this, the napkin may bubble when drying. I found a bunch online and at @HomeGoods, @Homesense & @TJ Maxx ! The William morris pattern is so good 4. Mod podge: buy the glossy version. End result is better than the matte. Brush on a thin layer. 5. Place your napkin down gently. I start in the middle and work my way out to avoid wrinkles. 6. Add a top layer of mod podge over the napkin. Add around the edges as well. 7. Peel off the extra napkin hanging over the edge. With enough glue, this comes right off. 8. Add gold paint around the edge. I used the chrome pen and gilding liquid gold. They really popped and I only needed 1 coat! Acrylic paint needed multiple coats. 9. Enjoy!!!!
Doors - Noah Kahan
People have been increasingly looking for intentional ways to swap screens for hobbies like crafting, and this one is incredibly beginner-friendly for anyone to tackle on a rainy weekend or outside, relaxing on the patio. It comes from DIYer Amy Anjanwala (aka @benitosbungalow), who calls this one of her favorite DIYs.
By the end, the shells have a whole new, functional purpose around the house and feel full of summer charm. She also shows just how many prints and designs can bring this idea to life for a stunning look.
Related: Bouquet Bags Are the Must-Have DIY Accessory for Farmers Market Season
How to Transform Shells Into Charming Coastal Trinket Dishes
To bring this effortless coastal flair into your space, Anjanwala breaks down exactly how she repurposed them.
First, clean the shells inside and out. Then, create a solid base by adding layers of white paint, she says, so the napkins' patterns pop.
Then, pick out napkins with prints you like (Anjanwala says she got hers from HomeGoods and HomeSense). Remove the layers of your napkins until only the thinnest side with the print remains. Apply a thin layer of glossy Mod Podge inside the shell, then gently place the napkin onto it to avoid wrinkles.
Peel any extra napkin sticking outside the shell off, and add another layer of Mod Podge-this time, over the napkin. Finally, add gold paint carefully around the edges.
The result is so adorable and right on theme for summer. If you're dying for summer to start or want a new trinket dish that feels elevated and breezy at the same time, give this perfect DIY a try ahead of the season.
Related: Michaels Just Expanded This Iconic Collection for a Bold and Fun Take on Summer Living
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 6:15 AM.