How to Make a Beautiful Oyster Shell Garland with Wood Beads

Looking for an easy way to add a touch of coastal charm to your decor? Learn how to make an oyster shell garland using wooden beads, decoupaged oyster shells, and jute twine. This DIY project is a beautiful way to add natural texture and coastal style to your home.

How to Make a Beautiful Oyster Shell Garland with Wood Beads

I’ve always loved decorating with natural elements, and oyster shells are one of my favorites. They add so much texture and remind me of days spent collecting treasures along the shoreline.

Paired with natural wood beads and jute twine, they create a simple piece of decor that looks just as beautiful draped over a stack of books as it does in a dough bowl or on a mantel.

Today is our Handcrafted Society Monthly post. Regina @Savedfromsalvage  took the lead this month and challenged us to create coastal decor with seashells.

If you came over from Jennifer’s blog @cottageonbunkerhill, Welcome! I don’t doubt that you loved Jennifer’s beautiful starfish ornaments. I can’t wait to make a few myself. Jennifer is one talented gal. You will want to see all of the projects this month. Check out all the links at the end of my post.

What Can You Use a Wood Garland For?

1. Hang it on a mantel or wall. This is a classic way to use a wood garland and a great way to add a touch of natural beauty to your home.
2. Drape it over a bookshelf or coffee table. This is a more subtle way to use a wood garland, but it’s still a great way to add visual interest to your space.
3. Use it with a table runner. This is a fun and festive way to use a wood garland, and it’s perfect for special occasions like holidays or parties.
4. Wrap it around a vase or mirror. This is a great way to add height and interest to your décor.
5. Use it to create a centerpiece. This is a great way to use a wood garland if you’re hosting a party or gathering.
6. Hang it from a doorknob or picture frame. This makes a perfect accessory and is an unexpected way to use a wood garland. 
7. Use it on an entryway table. Wood garland beads add character, texture, and charm to any space
8. .Decorate a Christmas tree. Wood bead garlands are the perfect addition to any Christmas Tree.

How Do You Make A Wood Bead Garland?

Making a wood bead garland is quite easy. Here are some steps to make a simple garland.

1. Gather your supplies.
2. String the beads. Start by threading the twine through the hole in one of the beads. Then, string the beads in a random pattern, alternating between different colors and sizes.
3. Tie off the ends. Once you’re happy with the length of your garland, tie the twine in a knot at the end. Then, thread the twine through the hole in another bead and tie it off again.
4. Trim the twine ends and make sure they’re secure.

Supplies and Tools Needed to Make an Oyster Shell Garland with Wood Beads

• Oyster shells
• Paper napkins to use to decoupage your oysters
• Mod Podge (choose the finish you like the best)
• Scissors
• Paint Brush
• Liquid Gold Foil
• Natural wooden beads
• White wood bead(s)
• Gold wood beads ( If you want to add gold beads to your garland)
• Glass beads
• Jute twine
• Off-white chalk paint
• Iridescent paint
• Dremmel drill

How to Make My Wood Beaded Garland with a Decoupaged Oyster Shell Pendant

Gather all of your supplies from the above supply list.

Step 1: Drill a Hole for Hanging

First, drill a hole near the tip of the oyster shell large enough to put two strands of jute string through the hole.

Step 2: Apply the First Coat of Mod Podge

Paint a thin coat of Mod Podge onto the interior of the oyster shell.

Step 3: Prepare the Decorative Napkin

Next, remove the back layer or layers of white paper from your paper napkin. Cut a small piece of the napkin that you will use to decoupage your oyster shell.

Step 4: Apply the Napkin to the Oyster Shell

Place the thin piece of napkin with the print onto the inside of the oyster shell over the layer of Mod Podge and gently press the napkin down with your finger.

Step 5: Seal the Design

Using your paintbrush, gently paint a layer of Mod Podge over the napkin on the interior of the oyster shell.

You can smooth any bumps out with your finger.

Step 6: Trim the Edges

To finish, trim around the edge with scissors or by gently tearing the napkin, and allow it to dry for several hours.

Adding A Touch of Gold

You can add a little bit of liquid gold foil by simply painting around the edge of the shell. This material dries super fast and is very easy to work with.

This is so easy to do and optional, but I love how it adds a bit of glam to the oyster shells.

Prepare your Wood Beads to String Them for your Oyster Garland

I used chalk paint to paint my wood beads. Using a brush, I painted a small amount onto the beads and then lightly wiped some of the paint off. 

I did this to create a more transparent look to the paint. 

Allow these beads to dry for at least 30 minutes. 

Putting Your Wood Bead Garland Together

Step 1: Decide on the Length of Your Garland

First, determine what you want for the total length of the garland.

Step 2: Cut and Fold the Twine

Next, cut a piece of string double the length you want your garland to be, with a little extra for tying it off.

Fold the string in have and put the looped end through the hole in your oyster.

Step 3: Attach the Oyster Shell

Put the two long ends through the loop and pull. This will secure the oyster on your string.

Step 4: String the Beads

Start to string your beads on each side of the garland. I started with one large glass bead on each side and added a few wood beads before adding another glass bead. I then repeated this pattern until I beaded the entire strand.

This is where you can get creative with the pattern you choose for your beaded garland.

Step 5: Tie Off the Garland

Once you have put all the beads on both sides, you can tie the two strands of twine in a knot.

Adding a tassel to the end of Your Wood Bead and Oyster Shell Garland

I made a simple tassel for the opposite end of the garland.

Step 1: Wrap the Twine

Wrap twine around a book that is approx. 5-6″ wide approx. 25 times.

Step 2: Secure the Wrapped Twine

Next, slide a short piece of twine underneath the wrapped strands at the top of the book. Tie it tightly around the bundle to hold the strands together.

Then, Carefully slide the tied bundle off the book and fold it in half. The tied section should be at the top, with the folded loop at the bottom.

Step 3: Cut the Tassel Ends

Cut through the loop at the bottom to create the loose ends of the tassel.

Step 4: Create the Tassel Neck

Cut a new strand that is about 12″ long. Tie this small strand around the top of the tassel approximately 1/2″ below the top of the tassel.

Step 5: Wrap and Secure the Tassel

Now, wrap this strand around the top section of the tassel to secure the strands. Then tie it off in a double knot at the top and tie it onto your wood garland.

Easy Ways to Decorate with an Oyster Shell Garland

One of my favorite things about this oyster shell garland is how versatile it is. Whether your decorating style is coastal, cottage, or classic, it adds warmth and texture almost anywhere. Here are a few of my favorite ways to display it around the house.

I love to hang them over a few vintage books for a little bit of added charm.

You can also use individual oyster shells to create a flower display.

Lay the garland on top of a book.

Wrap it over a jar or bottle.

Create a Jewelry Dish with Oyster Shells

Lastly, I used two Oyster shells to create the cutest little oyster dish.

I decoupaged one of the oyster shells and left the second shell natural.

I then hot glued the shell that is decoupaged on top of the shell that is natural.

It was that easy!

A Beautiful Coastal Accent for Any Room in Your Home

I hope this decoupaged oyster shell garland with wood beads inspires you to bring a little coastal charm into your own home. It’s one of those simple projects that’s relaxing to make and easy to customize with your favorite beads, colors, or decorative paper.

Whether you keep it for yourself or make one as a gift, it’s a handmade piece you’ll enjoy decorating with year after year.

Now it’s time to move on to my friend Regina @savedfromsalvage. You are going to love her coastal tablescape with her gorgeous oyster candles.

Happy crafting!