Reflections of the Coast

The cool sparkle of a mirror is a natural complement to the gentle colors and shapes of common shells. When the shells are layered, they bring to mind buckets gathered on a warm summer day.

• A small mirror with a wide, flat frame
• White latex or acrylic paint
• A foam paintbrush
• Epoxy glue or a hot-glue gun
• Small shells in various shapes

Remove mirror from frame or mask mirror with painter's tape. Paint the frame with one or two coats of white paint, and let it dry. Glue the larger shells, like these clamshells, to the inner and outer edges of the frame. Fit them together snugly. Stagger the shells, if needed, so they do not extend very far beyond the frame edges. Add medium-size shells, such as spiral shells, in the spaces between the first rows of shells. Fill in any gaps with clusters of small shells.