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Super Simple Seashell Dish | Rub ‘n Buff DIY

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Last Updated on January 1, 2024 by lindseymahoney

I love a quick and easy DIY and this cute seashell dish definitely qualifies as one. I updated our guest bedroom a few months ago and decided to add a small dish to the nightstand for our visitors to place jewelry or other trinkets. This DIY project took about 10 minutes and I used items that we already owned – now that is a win!

This seashell jewelry dish is perfect for any bedroom and is a great gift idea for loved ones.

Simple and affordable seashell jewelry dish DIY with gold accents | Building Bluebird
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Simple DIY Seashell Dish Using Rub ‘n Buff

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This DIY project is so simple and the perfect decor accent for lovers of the grandmillennial and cottagecore style! I used the seashell as a jewelry dish, but I can see it being used in so many other ways!

For example, you can turn these gilded seashells into Christmas ornaments, use them as book toppers, display multiple shells in a bowl, or even glue shells around a mirror or picture frame.

DIY Materials for Gilded Seashell Jewelry Dish

Simple and affordable seashell jewelry dish DIY with gold accents | Building Bluebird

1 | Attach Painters Tape (if necessary)

Simple and affordable seashell jewelry dish DIY with gold accents | Building Bluebird

Depending on the pattern you choose for the gold accents, you will attach painter’s tape if it is applicable. For my clam shell dish, I decided to add gold to the bottom 1/3 of the shell with a crisp paint line.

I attached the tape in a straight line and pressed the edge firmly to the clam shell. This creates a tight seal for the crisp, straight line I wanted.

2 | Apply Rub ‘n Buff

Simple and affordable seashell jewelry dish DIY with gold accents | Building Bluebird

Rub ‘n Buff can be applied in a few different ways. You can use a paintbrush, a soft cloth, or even your finger to apply the waxy metallic finish. I chose to use a small, craft paintbrush for this project.

A little bit of Rub ‘n Buff goes a long way, so I began with a small dollop of the Gold Leaf finish and applied it to the shell. Once the gilded finish is applied, remove the tape. I now have a cute clam shell trinket dish with a little shimmer and flare!

Simple and affordable seashell jewelry dish DIY with gold accents | Building Bluebird

I had a bag full of decorative seashells sitting in a drawer and decided to add some gold accents to those as well.

Using a paintbrush, I lightly brushed the gold leaf rub ‘n buff on the tips of the clamshell and followed the darker patterns of the shell. It is subtle but gives the seashell a little shimmer that makes it feel special.

Simple and affordable seashell jewelry dish DIY with gold accents | Building Bluebird

Each seashell has a different gilded treatment and I think they all turned out really sweet.

Simple and affordable seashell jewelry dish DIY with gold accents | Building Bluebird

Repurposing items I already own and thinking outside of the box always gives me a thrill. I just love how this sweet little seashell dish turned out and even with purchasing the materials, it is still an affordable and easy DIY project to try at home.

Simple and affordable seashell jewelry dish DIY with gold accents | Building Bluebird
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