1) Find a clear glass vase or container with vertical sides (round, square or rectangular, your choice of shape). Glass containers are easily available in discount stores. To figure out the right size to buy, take a close look at the biggest shells in your collection. Generally the diameter of your container should be just large enough to comfortably allow the largest shell in your selection to fit inside. If it is too wide, you will not be able to see much of the shells on the inside of the display. If in doubt, select a taller vase rather than a shorter one – after all, you don’t have to fill it all the way to the top.

 2) Pour a layer of clean, fine white sand (available from pet shops or aquarium supplies) into the bottom of your vase first. The use of sand will help to obscure small particles of dust accumulating in the bottom of your display over time. However, some glass seashell displays actually look best without sand, so this is optional.

 3) Divide your shells into roughly 3 different sizes. Then start to layer them into your vase with care, arranging them to show their prettiest side towards the outside. Start each layer with one of the larger shells in the centre, always pointing the opening of each shell downwards. For each layer carefully trickle some of the smaller shells around the outside and try to ensure a reasonably even distribution. Turn your container occasionally while doing this to make sure all angles look nice.

 4) Check your DECOSHELLS for any loose dust while doing your display. As they were previously either on a beach or stored in a warehouse prior to finding their way to you, your shells will benefit from a quick clean as you go along. Have a small brush handy (an old toothbrush will do).

NOTE: If you use shells from us, please note that none of our seashells are artificially coloured. Due to the slow loss of moisture, natural colours of shells can fade a little over time. To avoid this fading, you can lightly brush any natural seashell with a little standard baby oil (aka paraffin oil), which will soak in and replace some of the lost moisture. This will not cause harm to the shell, but will help to refresh the natural colours and will restore the original vibrant patterns, even after many years. You can easily remove the oil again by giving the shell a good scrub with warm water and soap. Since it is reversible, this treatment is also acceptable for quality specimen shells.