How to Decoupage Oyster Shells with Cocktail Napkins

This post is all about a DIY on how to decoupage oyster shells with a napkin to create beautiful, fun, coastal designs.

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I’ve been making decoupage oyster shells for a while now and they truly never get old! I love that you can use cocktail napkins with fun designs to create a unique home decor accent or gift for a friend.

Living in Charleston, oyster shells are such a vibe for decorating! I really leaned into this when I made 200 decoupage oyster shells for our wedding here in 2020. With blue and white chinoiserie accents, these decoupage shells were the perfect addition and wedding favors for my guests. They were such a hit, and many of my friends still have theirs!

Post-wedding, I had several of these shells left over and actually made an Etsy shop to sell them, which is still successful today! Check out The Pearl Parlour for my shells!

Exact Steps How to Decoupage Oyster Shells

I am teaching the exact steps I take on how to decoupage oyster shells with a cocktail napkin. It’s easy, fun, and there are so many possibilities!

Decoupage Supplies

• Oyster Shells (you can either use your shells, or my favorite Etsy shop to purchase from is Oyster Shell Sells)
• Mod Podge
• Paint Brushes
• White Acrylic Paint
• Gold Leaf Paint
• Cocktail Napkins

Step 1: Paint the inside of the oyster shells white

Using white acrylic paint, coat the inside of the shell to cover any dark spots. You want a uniform white color on the shell, so you may need two coats. Wait for the paint to dry before moving to step 2.

Step 2: Coat the inside of the oyster shell with decoupage sealer

Once your paint is dry, use Mod Podge to coat the inside of the shell with a paintbrush or foam brush. Make sure to get the edges well so your paper sticks to the shell.

Step 3: Stick the cocktail napkin on the inside of the shell

Take your cocktail napkin and pull off the white back layer so you have the thin top piece only. This will help get a smooth finish (no one wants wrinkly decoupage!). Place the cocktail napkin on the inside of the oyster shell that has the Mod Podge applied. Slowly conform the napkin to the shape of the shell, smoothing out along the way.

Step 4: Seal the napkin

Once the napkin is dried and stuck onto the shell, slowly rip off the excess napkin using your hands. A tip here is to use the edges of the oyster to sort of cut off the napkin.

Apply another layer of Mod Podge on top of the napkin. I like to use the gloss Mod Podge for this, but you can use Matte if you prefer that look. Again, make sure to get the outside rim of the oyster shell well so you don’t have napkin pieces hanging off the edge.

Step 5: Paint the rim of the oyster shell gold

Wait for the Mod Podge outer coat to dry. Using gold leaf paint (and trust me on the leaf paint), paint the outside rim of the oyster shell. You can also use a different color leaf paint – I’ve tried the brass and silver and both work great too. Wait for your gold leaf paint to dry before handling.

Now you have a gorgeous oyster shell that you can use as a jewelry dish or style around your home. I also love these for gifts! The possibilities are endless with your designs and what you can create.

I style mine throughout my home and even switch them out with holidays and seasons. These little picture frame holders are a great way to showcase the decoupage oyster shells.

Share in the comments your decoupage seashell crafts!

This post was all about how to decoupage oyster shells in 5 easy steps.

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