Mermaid Shell Necklace

How to Make

Select a scallop shell to use as a mould. An evenly shaped shell with deep lines produces the best results. Clay can either be pushed inside the shell, or used to cover the outside, depending of the shape you prefer.

Shell with a pearl – Mould the clay on the outside of a shell
1. Shape 1 strip of clay into a ball then flatten it into a circle slightly smaller than the shell.
2. Cut a piece of cling film about 10cm x 10cm. Place the shell flat onto your work surface with the curved back (outside) facing up with the cling film over the top.
3. Press the clay circle over the top of the shell and film. Press towards the edge and base, so the clay matches the shape of the shell. Press down firmly so the clay picks up the shell pattern. Try not to move the film or shell while you are doing this.
4. Lift up the cling film with the clay shell shape, then peel off the film. Handle the clay carefully to hold the curved shell shape. Make a small hole near the base of the clay shell using a cocktail stick. Check the hole has opened out on the reverse side.
5. If you need to, use a modelling tool for defining the scallop shape around the edges, or to shape at the bottom of the shell.
6. Place the clay shell on a sheet to air dry following instructions on the packet.
7. Lightly brush pearlised paint over the shell to highlight the pattern. Leave to dry.
8. Thread a 50-60cm piece of elastic through the hole in the shell. Position the shell half way along the elastic, tie a knot just above the shell then tie another secure knot and at the ends of the elastic to make a loop. Glue a pearl and some gems inside the shell.

Shell with beads – Mould Fimo inside a shell
1. Shape 1 strip of Fimo into a ball then flatten it into a circle slightly smaller than the shell.
2. Cut a piece of cling film about 10cm x 10cm. Place the shell on your work surface with the inside facing up, with the cling film over the top.
3. Press the Fimo circle onto the film into the shell. Press towards the edge and base, so the Fimo matches the shape of the shell. Push down firmly so the Fimo picks up the pattern.
4. Lift up the cling film with the Fimo shell shape, then peel off the film. Handle the Fimo carefully to keep the curved shape. Pinch the base of the shell to make it a bit thicker then make a small hole across the base using a cocktail stick. Check the hole has opened out on the opposite side.
5. If you need to, use a modelling tool for defining the scallop shape around the edges.
6. Place the Fimo shell on a baking tray or tile then bake Fimo at 110C for 30 minutes following instructions on the packet. Leave Fimo to cool before handling.
7. Lightly brush white paint over the shell to highlight the pattern. Leave to dry.
8. Thread a 50-60cm piece of elastic through the hole in the shell. With the shell positioned half way along the elastic, thread about 20 mini seaside beads onto each side. Tie the ends together in a secure knot to make a loop. Add a sticker gem onto the shell.

Top Tip

Covering a shell with a piece of cling film makes it easier to lift up the Fimo shape after moulding it. Before threading beads onto elastic, select the shapes and colours then roughly arrange them in a line so they are in the right order ready to use. Try sponging pearlised paint over the elastic thread so the colour matches the shell pendant.