beachy shell anklet DIY

I love the beach more than anything. I would be happy spending the rest of my life by the ocean. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of living super close to the coast (hour and a half away at the least), so my beach trips are limited to the occasional drive to Florida or visting my family in Virginia Beach. I decided to try to bring a little bit of the beach to my everyday life by making this shell anklet.

You'll just need to gather a few things; some twine, a few small shells, and some beads that look like sea glass (unless you're lucky enough to have some real sea glass). I have a huge collection of shells that I've accumulated during all my beach visits, but if you don't have any, you can order some online or go buy some in a shell shop.

 So in order to string the shells on the twine, they need holes. I did not want to have to deal with figuring out how to use a drill, (and I think my shells are too tiny to use a drill on) so I came up with my own method. Use a flat headed pin and hammer it through the shell. If you try to use anything much bigger than a pin (like a nail) on such a small shell, the shell will most likely shatter.

To make the hole big enough to put the twine through, twist an exacto knife around the hole, slowly shaving off the edges until you get it the size you want.

To make the bracelet, cut three strands of twine long enough to go around you ankle and be tied. Start braiding them and add beads and shells as you go along.

When you're finished, tie the end in a knot, leaving a few inches of twine on both sides so you can tie it around your ankle.

Now you have a little part of the beach to keep with you everywhere you go! Time to go dream about cool, ocean, breezes and catching the perfect wave... ♥