How To Create A Conch Shell Centerpiece
The Perfect Table Decoration For A Seashell Wedding Theme
Aug 16, 2009
Whether you are planning a wedding at sea or just a simple seashell theme for your reception, the natural look of a flower-filled conch shell makes a stunning table decoration. But be aware; your guests may fight over who gets to take this gorgeous centerpiece home.
Supplies Needed To Create A Conch Shell Centerpiece
- Large conch shells in good condition
- Floral foam
- A variety of silk flowers and leaves
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Craft knife
- Wire cutters
Choosing The Conch Shells
While purchasing shells in bulk from an online retailer can be both convenient and less expensive that purchasing at a store, ideally, you will want to choose each shell yourself to ensure the highest quality and ease in decorating. If you live near a beach area, this should be easy. If you live in the mid-west, it may not be so simple. When ordering online, be sure to ask the supplier to send shells that are fully intact, without broken points or holes in them, and if it is possible, have them be relatively uniform in size with large openings.
In hand-picking your shells, you can control all of these factors. Again, be sure they are around the same size and skip those with holes or broken off edges. Look at the inside opening of the conch as well. If you can fit a few fingers inside, that is the ideal shell. Also check to see if the shell will stand up on its own when placed on a flat surface, as in the sample photo attached to this article.
Choosing Your Silk Flowers
Once you have decided on your bridal and bridesmaids bouquets, have a photo on hand of these flowers when shopping for your centerpiece flowers. Try to match the colors and type of flowers in either the bridal or bridesmaids bouquets, only on a smaller scale.
For example, if you bridal bouquet is predominantly lilies, one large lily in the centerpiece will work very well, surrounded by different flowers in your wedding colors.
Adding Flowers To The Conch Shell
Take blocks of floral foam and, using your craft knife, cut smaller blocks of foam that will fit tightly into each shell opening. Remember that each opening will be a different size, so cut the pieces accordingly. This should be a very tight fit, so the flowers will stay put once inserted into the foam. You can use hot glue sparingly to attach the foam inside the shell if necessary. But be aware, hot glue can melt the foam. Experiment with this before you try it.
Using the wire cutters, snip off pieces of flowers and leaves, leaving enough stem to fit into the floral foam while still allowing the flowers to drape outside of the shell. After each flower or leaf is in position, you can add a very small drop of hot glue to the area where the stem and foam meet for extra security, if needed.
Finally, use the hot glue gun to affix any flowers or leaves into position if they are dangling in the wrong direction or appear to be too loose. Clean up any stray glue strands once the glue has dried.
Now grab some tulle, a cloth napkin or table runner in your wedding color, place it in the center of the table and stand the decorated conch shell on top. Not only is this an amazing and unique wedding centerpiece, but it makes a wonderful home decoration after the big event as well.
 |
