One of the easiest crafts you’ll ever try! Make a cute napkin holder from scallop shells and clay, perfect for adding a touch of coastal charm.
If you’ve got a couple of scallop shells lying around and a leftover lump of air-dry clay, you’re in for a fun and super-easy little craft. You don’t even have to collect your shells from the beach—leftovers from the fishmonger or dinner will do just fine, as long as they’re clean and dry!
I made this simple napkin holder after finishing my shell art paint palette and had a bit of clay left over. It took barely any time to put together—just a bit of moulding and drying. It’s perfect if you love quick crafts that use up scraps and still look lovely when finished.
The best part? It works beautifully as coastal or boho decor thanks to the natural materials. It has that breezy, eco-friendly vibe, and it’s practical too—ideal for summer picnics, garden tables, or beachy kitchens.
What You’ll Need
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- 2 scallop shells (cleaned and dry)
- A lump of air-dry clay (slightly larger than a golf ball)
- A small round dish or mould (to shape the base)
- A flat lid (to press the clay flat)
- Sandpaper (for smoothing edges)
- Optional: glue (for securing the shells, if needed)
- Optional: napkins for decoupage, spray paint, or Sharpies for decorating
How to Make a Scallop Shell Napkin Holder
Step 1: Shape the Clay Base: Start by rolling your clay into a ball and pressing it into your small dish mould. Use a flat object, such as a jar lid, to press the top down and ensure it’s level.
Step 2: Add the Shells: Press the two scallop shells upright into the top of the clay, facing each other. Leave about 2cm of space between them, just enough room to slide in some folded napkins.
Step 3: Dry Thoroughly: Allow the entire piece to air dry for a couple of days. After the first day, gently pop the clay base out of the mould to allow air to reach the bottom. This helps it dry more evenly and speeds up the process a bit. The clay will whiten as it dries.
Step 4: Sand the Edges: Once fully dry, smooth out any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper. You’ll be surprised how polished it looks after this simple step!
Step 5: Final Touches: Pop your napkins in between the shells, and you’re done! If the shells feel a little wobbly (clay does shrink slightly as it dries), add a dab of glue inside the slot to hold them securely in place.
Scallop Shell Decorating Ideas
Want to make your napkin holder match your home decor or party theme? Try one of these fun customisations:
Decoupage with Napkins – Cover the shells in beautiful patterned paper napkins to match your table setting. Here’s a full decoupage tutorial if you need one.
Spray Paint for a Chic Look – Add a glam touch by spray painting the shells and stand. I’ve made a gold version and it looks stunning!
Sharpie Doodles – Personalise your shells with Sharpies—florals, dots, waves, or even names. I used this technique on my scallop shell bookends, and it worked beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This little napkin holder is such a joy to make. It’s quick, satisfying, and a brilliant way to use up leftover materials, whether they’re shells from dinner or scraps of air-dry clay from another craft. Best of all, it fits right into eco, coastal, or boho-themed decor thanks to its natural vibe.
If you love crafting with shells as much as I do, don’t miss my other seashell DIYs, like the cute scallop shell ring dish and other seashell ideas. Additionally, if you have any leftover clay, consider exploring these other summer air-dry clay ideas. There’s something genuinely satisfying about transforming nature’s leftovers into beautiful and useful items.
