If you are serious about drilling holes in shells, then the Dremel tool is your friend. It's a small speedy and very handy plug-in drill that's easy to work with.
It took longer than I thought to drill a hole into this heavy quahog shell!
Notice, I used a regular drill bit for the two holes. I tried the regular power drill too (see Drill Driftwood), but didn't find it comfortable to hold with one hand, especially since I couldn't really push down on the shell without the risk of cracking it. Then, for the much smaller and thinner shell I used the tiny drill bit which also worked well for the oyster shell.
This was my test shell. If you need a large hole in a thin shell, you can use the grinding bit on the left. And a close up of the tiny drill bit on the right.
A glimpse into the Dremel tool kit.
And just to be safe!
Regarding the ancient technique that doesn't require a power drill (mentioned here)..., started it, but didn't see it through! It involves grinding down a small area of the shell with a rock until thin enough to puncture a hole.
Both shells were made over with a coat of paint..., the small shell is silver and has now a life as a bottle necklace...
... and the quahog shell became a white ornament for a curtain. Over all, to drill shells is easy. Have you done it..., or do you think you're going to?
Drill some more!
Beach Stones & Driftwood.
Related Posts:
My Shell Garland
Seashell Treats for the Window
19 comments:
Oh fabulous!!! I actually have a Dremel but have never used it!! Well now I might just have to... Love the banner photo today..
Have a great week xxx Julie
Well outfitted for the task! Good, the shell dust is known to be unhealthy. I will have to try the grinding bit.
You look cute. I love the incorporation with the drapes.
Oh yes! I do plan on drilling holes in shells someday. I would love to make a shell garland, and your shells look so adorable hanging from the bottle and curtain. I want to do that, too!
You look cute in that dust mask! Made me smile. :)
Hope you have a great day.
Beth.
Oooh, great post! Thanks for the tutorial! I've always been curious about drilling holes in shells, but I haven't been brave enough. I think I'll be borrowing my parents Dremel tool very soon!! :)
Great job Maya!!! I love them, the ribbon the quahog shell is adorable!!! I have never drilled holes in shells but I have so many of them that I may have to try that along with my driftwood that I have not gotten to yet! Thanks for the tips!! Oh and you look very chic in the mask as well!! :)
Thanks for the drilling lesson-it was most helpful! I have drilled through copper sheets for my jewelry but never thought to use the Dremel for shells! You have opened a whole new world Maya!!
great ideas for shells! PS Love Sea Laura's photo too
Ommigoodness! If I didn't have a million things to do today, I would be all over it.
Maybe tomorrow, though! I have everything I need... except (as mentioned...) time.
Can't wake to make a dozen! I think it would be great to hang some on the door knobs of rooms I never use, and even the corner of a picture frame.
Eine tolle Idee:-)))
ganz lieben Gruß...Kiki
This might reconcile me to my Dremel Maya - I find it a sulky and underpowered little beast most of the time...
hi Maya!
You look so cute, I knew you were crafty! Also what a sweet surprise to have one of my pictures in your header. I love your blog and it is my top beach inspiration site, so to see my work on here is such an honor! Thanks so much. Hope you are having a great day :)
Hi Maya, love your post. You do look so cute in your little mask! I couldn't live without my Dremel. I use it for everything!! The only thing I can't seem to drill is seaglass. I wonder if anyone knows how? The Dremel is the best tool you could buy and really not that expensive. It's like gold to me. Pruxxx
Hi Maya! Thanks for the tutorial today! I'm adding that awesome drill on my Christmas list!!!!! :)
xoxo laurie@heavens-walk
Love the mask:):)
I think I need a Dremel now!!!
Hi Maya,
I popped on over to tell you to check out what resulted from my morning of crafting insanity. Thought it was right up your ally. I'm now off to drill baby drill me some shells. I got a couple ideas from your post.
thanks
T
Oh gosh Maya, I may have to revisit my dremel. Those are such simple, yet stunning touches that you came up with! ~Lili
I had heard about this drill. Thanks for giving the specs on it.
Hi Maya,
I just finished getting my post ready for tomorrow before popping over here and guess what's it about? My DREMEL!!! Luuuuuv it! Wish I had shells to do! They are absolutely gorgeous and I'm loving your ideas! But I do have ocean rocks and driftwood...fun times ahead!
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