Spring Time anytime Decorating Ideas

From: Workbook: Shell-Game How-Tos For these projects, you'll need shells, wax paper, clear-drying cement, toothpicks, aluminum foil, tweezers, and nail scissors. Use toothpicks to create tiny dots of cement, spinning the toothpicks to prevent gluey strings. Change toothpicks often, and cap the cement jar between steps. Coquina Butterfly Shells Needed Wings: 1 joined pair of coquina shells (use the prettier side) Body: 1 large sea urchin spine Antennae: 2 small sea urchin spines 1. With a toothpick, dab cement on the underside of the "hinge" between the open wings. Let dry. 2. Dab cement on waxed paper; set the wings on cement. 3. Dot cement on the body, and secure it between wings. Let dry. 4. Dab cement on aluminum foil. With tweezers, drag each antenna through cement, then affix each to the body at an angle. 5. While cement is tacky, use tweezers to lift and spread antennae. Let dry. 6. Peel butterfly off waxed paper. With scissors, trim away excess cement. Cowrie Honeybee Shells Needed Body: 1 asellus cowrie shell Wings: 2 yellow coquina shells Head: 1 small snail shell Antennae: 2 small sea urchin spines Stinger: Larger sea urchin spine 1. Dab cement on waxed paper; set the body on cement. Let dry. 2. Dot cement on aluminum foil. Drag wings through cement, then affix to the underside of the body. 3. While cement is tacky, tilt wings upward. Let dry. 4. Cement head to body. With tweezers, drag each antenna through cement on foil, then affix each to the head. 5. While cement is tacky, use tweezers to lift and spread antennae. Let dry. 6. Glue stinger to the body. Let dry. Peel bee off waxed paper. With scissors, trim away excess cement. Snail-Shell Snail Shells Needed Body: Snail shell in any color, 1 operculum Antennae: 2 small sea urchin spines 1. Dab cement on waxed paper; set the operculum on the cement. Let dry. 2. Cement the snail shell to the operculum. Let dry. 3. Dot cement on aluminum foil. With tweezers, drag each antenna through cement, then affix each to the body at the head of the snail. 4. While cement is tacky, use tweezers to lift and spread antennae. Let dry. 5. Peel snail off waxed paper. With scissors, trim away excess cement. Seashell Blooms This technique is used for flowers with flat petals, as well as ones that curl upward. Shells Needed Petals: Sufficient coquina, mussel, or cup shells for a circle Center: Tiny starfish For curled petals: A circular base of heavy-gauge wire, a soda-bottle top, or a ring of aluminum foil For Flat Flower 1. With a toothpick, dot cement on waxed paper. 2. Arrange as many petals as needed in a circle, with each of their tips positioned in the cement. Let dry. 3. Dab cement on a starfish, and affix it at the center. Let dry. 4. Peel bloom off waxed paper. With scissors, trim away excess cement. For Curled Flower 1. Place circular base on waxed paper. Dot cement in the center. 2. Arrange petals in a circle, with their tips positioned in the cement and their other ends elevated by the base. Let dry. 3. Dab cement on a starfish, and affix it at the center. Let dry. 4. Peel bloom off waxed paper. With scissors, trim away excess cement.

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Workbook: Shell-Game How-Tos - Martha Stewart Crafts