Seashells on the Seashore

March 22, 2025

A recent trip to the West coast of France, in particular the Côte sauvage had us filling our pockets with seashells and creating this pretty mobile.

This project was so easy I had to share so here's how we did it...

Firstly treat yourself and spend a lovely day on your nearest coastline, I can highly recommend Charente Maritime which is fast becoming one of our favourite places here in France! Try to go at a quiet time if possible, wander along the sand and marvel at the wonders of nature. Listen to the sound of the waves and forget about everything other than THIS!

Be sure to wear something with pockets or even better take a bag with you for beach combing treasure.

We came across all manner of beautiful shells but were particularly interested in the little clam shells that seem to have a natural hole in the top. Turns out that this is a very interesting and gruesome natural occurrence when a passing whelk drills a whole in the top of the shell to suck out and eat the clam hiding inside!!!

Anyway as we wandered we also collected little sticks of driftwood (and also a massive log much to the dismay of my husband) which will become the top of your mobile.

Following our trip this little project now serves as a reminder of a lovely day spent with friends getting sand in our hair and salt on our lips.

Cote sauvage Charante Maritime

Here’s what you’ll need:

KIT REQUIRED

Seashells
Driftwood sticks
Sewing thread
Jute twine or similar
Extras like crystals, beads or feathers

TOOLS

Scissors
Large needle
Small drill bit or Hammer and nail.

And here’s how to make the mobile:

1. Take 2 driftwood sticks and drill holes at equal intervals, as many as you like but be sure to add a centre hole in each piece.

2. Join the 2 driftwood sticks by passing twine through both centre holes, then twist your sticks to form a cross. Ensure you leave some working twine at the top to form a hang loop at the end.

3. Next secure the sticks together by wrapping the same twine alternately around each stick over and over, ensuring that the center holes stay tightly together. Finish by tucking in the twine ends securely.

4. Stringing your shells: you may need to put small holes in your shells to create the decorative strings. However most of the clam shells that we collected already had naturally formed holes at the top. If you need to insert a hole, carefully use a sharp needle and a hammer.

5. Proceed to create different lengths of shells strung onto thread. We made 9 strands but you can create as many as you want.

6. Starting with your centerpiece (we used the largest shell) use a large needle to thread up into the center hole of your driftwood then secure the thread tail to the jute twine at the top.

7. Secure all your strings by threading up through the holes in your driftwood sticks with a needle, and knot around a bead or sequin at the top, to stop the string falling back down through the hole.

8. The final step is to choose the perfect place to hang your piece of art, and make a slip knot with the remaining top length of twine to create a hook.

Your masterpiece will hopefully remind you of fun times spent at the beach, with sand in your hair and pockets full of seashells.

Until next time, Happy Crafting