I’m dreaming of a white Christmas… Living in southeast coastal Virginia, we rarely see white, snow covered trees in December. But I think I’ll be just as happy with these pearly white Capiz Shell Christmas Trees instead!
Decorators and homemakers alike are fascinated with capiz shells, and I’m no exception! I can’t get enough of these little iridescent, pearly, translucent wafers from the sea!
I was able to purchase around 250, three inch, non-drilled capiz shells, and a few capiz strands from a local merchant who has a passion for seashells. I’m a very loyal customer and he cut me a great deal. I was able to get all the shells for around $40! Yes, I hear you shrieking! I used only a fraction to make the Capiz Shell Christmas trees. Which leaves me additional shells for more projects!
Here is what you will need to make Capiz Shell Christmas Trees:
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Capiz shells (loose or strands)
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Cones (paper mache or foam)
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Hot glue gun & hot glue sticks
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Small Starfish
You can make cone trees for any decorating style or season. You might remember my Natural Textured Cone Trees made with sisal, twigs, and crushed shells. To make the capiz trees, you can used either a paper mache cone or a foam cone. The paper mache are less expensive. I chose to try each type of cone out to which I liked better. They both were equally fine to work with. I spray painted the paper mache cone with Heirloom white paint. The capiz are so translucent that you will want a white or cream cone.
The amount of capiz need for this craft will vary depending on the size of the cones you choose. Starting at the base, put a generous dot of hot glue on the top of a capiz shell and apply to the cone and hold a moment. The shell does get hot! Repeat the gluing process with the next shell slightly over lapping the first. Complete one even row of glued shells all the way around the cone.
Start the next row above your bottom row, but allow your upper row to overlap the bottom row some. The shells will not lay flat against the cone. You want the bottom of each shell to fan outward slightly. Complete all your rows until you reach the top. Finish your tree by hot gluing on a starfish or a sand dollar even. I found small starfish at Michaels Crafts Store. The small tree made of capiz strands was even easier to make I think because of the strand kept the capiz very uniform and the smaller capiz shells fit nicely on the cone.
The small tree is 9 inches tall and it took 2 six foot strands to complete. The large tree is 15 inches tall and took approximately 60 (2.5 inch round) capiz to complete.
These Capiz Shell Christmas Trees were a birthday gift for my mom last week, and will be heading over to her beachfront home on the Chesapeake Bay. As soon as she gets her tree and mantel decorated with these beauties and in a Coastal Christmas theme, I’ll show you! So stay tuned!
Kim
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LOVE! Are you kidding me. And I already have a bunch of those. One of these would be so pretty in my dining room. Thank you for the inspiration.
ok seriously! this is awesome!! I love em!
THESE ARE INCREDIBLE!!! Would love for you to link up to our “Home For The Holidays” link party!!
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2011/11/home-for-holidays-link-party-2.html
Those are gorgeous! Wow…I had never even considered the possibility of purchasing capiz shells for a project. Now I’m wondering what else can be done! Can’t wait to see what else you come up with for the leftovers.
These are so pretty! hmm… where can I find capiz shells in Dubai… 🙂
Wow, these are super cute..Very neat and creative idea :)) Love it..I am officially following ya with smiles, loving your space here, so much inspiration..Would love for you to pweeease share this at my Pin Inspirational party happening today if you can..Thanks again..I’m Marilyn & wishing ya a sweet start to your weekend.. http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/11/pininspirational-thursday.html
Be still my heart! Love these tree cones so much! Wow, you did a fantastic job on them! Ok, I’m totally inspired to make some for our beach home! Thank you for sharing!
Now isn’t that fun! All white, be still my heart.
These are so elegant and simple – I LOVE them! Thanks for the inspiration and the tutorial. 🙂
-Revi
beautiful!! I just picked up 3 cones today and was wondering what to do with them!! I may try yarn seeing how I live in michigan! and its snowing and blowing outside!!
These are amazing! Perfect for coastal Christmas decor. Great job.
Just like the faux capiz chandeliers that have become so popular… these could be made with wax paper too. So lovlely…, and snowey feeling for sure!
Love this. Now I have to find a good source for Capiz shells…
Krista
krista-artista.blogspot.com
Congrats on being featured on Home Stories A to Z. This project is beautiful.
Warmly, Michelle
Congrats on being featured on Home Stories A to Z. This project is beautiful.
Warmly, Michelle
These are sooooo beautiful!
I’ve never seen this done before. They are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your idea!
These are gorgeous!
WOW these are so beautiful elegant and classy. I HEART THEM. winks, jen
Totally LOVE these! I love anything with capiz shells! did you get them at a regular craft store? Would love to try this! Thanks for all the great ideas! And I had no idea till I popped over here you are in Virginia too, so Helloooo Neighbor! Hope you have a great Holiday! Thanks again for all you do! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing these! I live in sunny San Diego, CA and have been wanting to incorporate more shells into my Christmas Decor. I’m definately going to do these!
Thanks again, Jules
I love it so I pinned it 🙂 Btw, you’ve got so much creativity and I admire them all. Hope you can swing by and join my Creative Bloggers’ Party & Hop 🙂
These are gorgeous — I’m finishing up a similar project using a different material….it requires SO MANY to cover the cone!!!! I adore yours…and the shells make them great for more year round decor!
Love, love, love! These are so amazing. I love the look of capiz. shells.
Thank you so much Kathleen! Have a wonderful Christmas!