Since I live
in SW Florida, every year I decorate "Tropical Christmas" style. During
frequent beach walks, I keep my mesh bag handy to pick up all the nice shells
I find (especially after a storm).
With "fresh shells" be sure to prepare them first. When you get back
home from the beach, immediately place the shells in a pot of boiling
water and simmer for 30 minutes. This will kill anything "live" still
attached. There are "live" things that you cannot see with the naked eye!
Lay the shells out to dry, then package according to shell type in different
plastic bags for craft use later.
My favorite tree ornament is using the long, skinning, spiral-shaped
cone shells. (Horn Shells, Turrets, Augers & Worm Shells). Look at them
with a "Christmas Eye". Don't they look just like an icicle?
All you have to do is brush on some of the Twinkle Paint (a varnish
with glitter - available in all colors) in any desired color. When dry,
hot glue a ribbon bow to the top of shell. Hang on the tree and enjoy!
Of course, variety is the spice of life! I like the natural shell color
with just the hint of color the glitter varnish leaves on it. The varnish
dries clear, while the glitter makes the shell sparkle in the tree lights.
But I have seen them painted also. Your choice. These are my husband's
favorite ones too.
Also, I use seashells, starfish, etc., in the bow decorations along
with those tiny little ornaments (for mini-trees) and candy canes, and
anything else I have on hand when wrapping gifts. Just a hot glue gun
& imagination is all you need I could go on for hours! But you wanted
a "favorite."
