CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-JUTE & SEA SHELLS CONTAINER

Jute & Sea Shells Container

Is winter getting you down? Can’t wait for summer sunshine and trips down the shore? Put yourself in a summer state of mind with a summery craft project. This jute and sea shells decorated container will look great with some of the other shell crafts we’ve previously featured. Use it in the bathroom to hold your hair dryer and brush or in the kitchen for utensils or on your desk for scissors, pens, and pencils.

Materials: coffee can, 1/4” sisal rope (a 50 foot package will be enough to cover the coffee can and a matching soup can for smaller items), assorted sea shells, hot glue gun and glue sticks

1. Using hot glue and beginning at the lower edge of the can, tack the cut end of the jute to the can. Wind the jute around the can, gluing every few inches.

2. Continue gluing jute around metal top edge of can. Trim jute when can is completely covered.

3. Glue sea shells to can in desired arrangement.

Additional sea shell crafts from previously posted blogs can be found at the following links:

Sea Shell Topiary

Sea Shell Wreath

Sea Shell Photo Frame

Sea Shell Jar and Bath Salts

Sea Shell Mirror

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- SHELL JARS AND BATH SALTS

Continuing our seashell theme, this week’s craft is super simple and would make a great hostess gift if you’re invited to a friend or family member’s seaside vacation home. Make a dozen or so and keep them on hand for whenever needed. A set of three in a basket makes for a perfect gift.-- AP

MATERIALS: small glass jars with screw-on lids (available at craft stores,) hot glue gun and glue sticks, decorative shells, bath crystals or beads.

1. Glue a couple of shells to the jar lid. 


2. Fill the jar with bath crystals or beads.

If you’d like to make your own bath salts, here’s an easy recipe:

BATH SALTS

MATERIALS: 3 cups Epsom salts, 2 cups sea salt, 1/2 ounce essential oil, 1 cup baking soda (optional -- baking soda will soften the skin and condition the water), wire whisk, air tight glass containers (such as Mason jars).

1. Whisk salts together well in a glass or metal bowl. 


2. Add essential oil and continue to whisk together. 


3. Whisk in baking soda, if desired. 


4. Spoon into jars. Seal tightly.

That’s all there is to it! How much simpler can you get? Actually, even simpler. Watch for next week’s shell craft to see what I mean. Meanwhile, post a comment to be entered in the drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author this week.-- AP