Jackson Free Press

Always an advocate for statement-making jewelry, I admire those unexpected touches in a seemingly ordinary accessory. Oyster shells, with their natural shimmer, strung on a simple chain can add a touch of new life with an everyday outfit.

Materials

One oyster shell (Cleaned and bleached: Usually local restaurants are more than happy to let you to take them off their hands. Or you can collect these at the beach, like I did!)

Metallic gold acrylic paint

Cobalt blue acrylic paint

Royal purple acrylic paint

Mod Podge

Small paintbrush

Corded power drill

Ceramic drill bit (the size depends on how large you want the opening to be to draw the chain through)

18" gold chain with lobster claw closing

1. Drill a hole on the far corner of an oyster shell, periodically dipping the ceramic drill bit into a bowl of cold water. This prevents overheating and unwanted bending of the bit, Wash off any shell residue.
2. Paint the oyster "eye" with a combination of blue and purple acrylic paint.
3. Paint a gold metallic border around the entirety of the inside of the shell. Let dry.
4. Once dry, use Mod Podge and a paintbrush to put a layer of lacquer on the shell. Let it dry.
5. String chain through the hole. You can leave it as a single pendant or string several together for a bigger statement.