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November 16, 2011 ·

Capiz Shell Christmas Trees

Capiz Christmas Trees· Capiz Shells· Christmas/New Years· Crafts· How to· seaside decor· Tutorial

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!

Capiz Shell Christmas Trees

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!

Capiz shells

Here is what you will need to make Capiz Shell Christmas Trees:

  • Capiz shells (loose or strands)
  • Cones (paper mache or foam)
  • Hot glue gun & hot glue sticks
  • Small Starfish

capiz shell garland

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.

paper mache cone  foam 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.

Glue capiz shells on cones

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.

layer capiz shells on 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.

Capiz Shell Christmas Trees

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

linking up to:

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Comments

  1. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    November 16, 2011 at 8:46 pm

    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.

  2. Amanda says

    November 17, 2011 at 1:16 am

    ok seriously! this is awesome!! I love em!

  3. Trish and Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    November 17, 2011 at 1:33 am

    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

  4. Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says

    November 17, 2011 at 3:23 am

    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.

  5. lisaroyhandbags says

    November 17, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    These are so pretty! hmm… where can I find capiz shells in Dubai… 🙂

  6. Marilyn says

    November 17, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    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

  7. The Creativity Exchange says

    November 17, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    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!

  8. My Crafty Home-Life says

    November 17, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    Now isn’t that fun! All white, be still my heart.

  9. Revi says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:59 am

    These are so elegant and simple – I LOVE them! Thanks for the inspiration and the tutorial. 🙂
    -Revi

  10. Casey Barnhard says

    November 18, 2011 at 1:50 am

    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!!

  11. Suzy says

    November 18, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    These are amazing! Perfect for coastal Christmas decor. Great job.

  12. Maya @ Completely Coastal says

    November 18, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    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!

  13. Krista-Artista says

    November 19, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    Love this. Now I have to find a good source for Capiz shells…
    Krista
    krista-artista.blogspot.com

  14. Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust says

    November 20, 2011 at 5:04 am

    Congrats on being featured on Home Stories A to Z. This project is beautiful.

    Warmly, Michelle

  15. Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust says

    November 20, 2011 at 5:04 am

    Congrats on being featured on Home Stories A to Z. This project is beautiful.

    Warmly, Michelle

  16. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    November 20, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    These are sooooo beautiful!

  17. Katalina Jewelry says

    November 21, 2011 at 1:52 am

    I’ve never seen this done before. They are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your idea!

  18. southernscraps says

    November 21, 2011 at 1:55 am

    These are gorgeous!

  19. Jen-CraftOManiac says

    November 21, 2011 at 2:18 am

    WOW these are so beautiful elegant and classy. I HEART THEM. winks, jen

  20. Julie S says

    November 21, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    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! 🙂

  21. Sew Passionate says

    November 21, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    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

  22. SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime says

    November 22, 2011 at 6:59 am

    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 🙂

  23. Cassie {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    November 22, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    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!

  24. Kathleen says

    December 18, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Love, love, love! These are so amazing. I love the look of capiz. shells.

    • Kim Wilson says

      December 21, 2013 at 3:30 pm

      Thank you so much Kathleen! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Trackbacks

  1. Nautical Christmas Decor says:
    December 9, 2014 at 7:26 pm

    […] Capiz Shell Christmas Tree complete the look.  Every since I read Kim’s popular tutorial here, I knew that I’d want to incorporate a capiz shell tree in my Christmas decor.  This tree is […]

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Kim WilsonWelcome to Sand & Sisal: where love of home and sea meet! I share tutorials in DIY, decorating, crafts, gardening, & recipes.  [READ MORE]

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