🐚 How to Create a Cute Nautical-Themed Photo Frame | Easy DIY Beach Craft

Bring beach vibes home with this beautiful DIY seashell photo frame.

If you love the coastal aesthetic and want to bring a touch of the seaside into your home décor, this DIY nautical-themed photo frame is the perfect project! With just a few supplies — many of which you can find on Amazon — you can create a beautiful beach-inspired frame that’s perfect for displaying your favorite summer memories, vacation photos, or ocean prints. 🌊💙

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🧵 What You’ll Need

• 1 plain wooden photo frame (8x10 works perfectly!) (flat and not glossy)

• A mix of seashells, starfish, and small conch shells (clean and dry)

• Small pearls or pearl beads

• Sand-colored or cream ribbon

• Hot glue gun + glue sticks or superglue

• Craft tweezers (optional but helpful)

• Scissors

🌊 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Frame

Start with a clean, dry frame. If it’s wooden, you can lightly sand it for better glue adhesion. You can also paint it in a neutral or ocean-inspired color (like beige, white, or soft blue) for a coastal finish.

2. Arrange Your Seashells and Starfish

Before gluing, lay out your shells and starfish around the frame to decide on your design. You can cluster larger shells on the corners and fill the sides with smaller ones for balance.

🪸 Tip: Mix textures — use smooth shells, rough coral pieces, and delicate starfish for dimension.

3. Add Pearls for a Touch of Elegance

Once your main shells are in place, glue small pearls or pearl beads in between to fill gaps and add a soft, elegant shimmer.

4. Weave in Ribbon or Fabric

Wrap or drape your sand-colored ribbon around the frame edges or weave it between shells. This softens the overall look and enhances the nautical, beachy vibe.

5. Secure Everything in Place

Once you’re happy with your design, use your hot glue gun or superglue  to permanently attach all pieces. Press each item firmly and let it dry completely before handling.

6. Add Your Photo & Display

Pop in your favorite beach vacation photo, wedding picture, or summer memory, and display it on your shelf, mantel, or gallery wall. 🌴

💡 Optional Ideas

• Sprinkle fine sand or glitter on the edges for an extra coastal sparkle.

• Add small anchor or shell charms for a nautical touch.

• Use this design for wedding décor, gift ideas, or beach house styling.

🏖️ Final Thoughts

Creating a nautical-themed photo frame is such a fun, affordable way to bring the beach home. Each piece — from the seashells to the pearls — tells a story, making this craft not just décor, but a keepsake filled with memories.

So grab your glue gun, seashells, and creativity — and let’s make something beautifully coastal! 🌊🐚✨