Let's face it: sea shell art can err on the side of gaudy. But after a trip to Maine where I had found over 20 whole sand dollars, I decided that I had to exhibit them in my home somehow. I did a quick google search for "sand dollar crafts" and the top hits were how to make sand dollar ornaments, sand dollar wreaths (!) and sand dollar lamp shades (!). Since I prefer simplicity, I came up with my own solution for a tasteful display: a simple shadow box.

Materials:

• Sand Dollars
• Bleach

• Water

• Glue

• Sponge

• Shadow box frame (dimensions of your choosing)

• Glue gun

1. Before you get started, it is best to preserve your sand dollars. To whiten them, mix a simple solution of bleach and water. (I used about 2 TBSP in 2 cups of water). Soak the sand dollars for about 10 minutes. (Do NOT soak the shells for too long as the bleach weakens the sand dollar and you run the risk of having them fall apart). Remove from the shells from the solution, rinse in fresh water and let dry in the sun.
2. Once the sand dollars are dry, mix glue and water in equal proportions. Apply a thin layer of the mixture with the sponge to your shells. Let dry

Create Your Shadow Box Display:

1. Arrange your shells in your desired pattern. Since I was using a square box, I chose a simple 4 X 4 pattern.
2. Glue the sand dollars to the shadow box base.
3. Display!