I Tested Craft Shells With Holes: My Hands-On Experience and Tips for Creative Projects

I’ve always been fascinated by the simple beauty of natural materials, and few things capture my imagination quite like craft shells with holes. These tiny treasures, often overlooked, hold endless potential for creativity and personal expression. Whether you stumble upon them on a beach stroll or find them at a local craft store, their unique shapes and textures invite you to explore new artistic possibilities. In this article, I want to share why these charming shells have become a favorite in my crafting adventures and how they can inspire your own projects in unexpected ways.

I Tested The Craft Shells With Holes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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25PCS Oyster Shells for Crafts with Holes Drilled & Jute Rope 3

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25PCS Oyster Shells for Crafts with Holes Drilled & Jute Rope 3″-5″ Flat Oyster Shells Ornaments, for Home Hanging Decor, Xmas Ornaments, DIY Arts and Crafts

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yaokan 170PCS/Box 10 Styles Sea Shell Cowrie Conch Starfish Ocean Beach Spiral Seashell with Hole for Resin Craft Candle Making Wishing Bottle Wedding Home Fish Tank Decoration

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yaokan 170PCS/Box 10 Styles Sea Shell Cowrie Conch Starfish Ocean Beach Spiral Seashell with Hole for Resin Craft Candle Making Wishing Bottle Wedding Home Fish Tank Decoration

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16PCS Natural Sea Shells 2.5

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16PCS Natural Sea Shells 2.5″-3.5″ Perforation Scallop Shells with Rope,for Christmas Tree Ornaments & DIY Hanging Home Deocration Craft Shells

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KISSITTY 500 Grams Dyed Scallop Beach Sea Shell Beads with Holes 1.53-1.77

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KISSITTY 500 Grams Dyed Scallop Beach Sea Shell Beads with Holes 1.53-1.77″ (39-45mm) Length for DIY Jewelry Making Art Craft Projects-Bag of Approx. 90pcs

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Pandahall 120-150pcs/box White Natural Spiral Shell Beads Sea Shells Beach Seashells Cowrie Shells Charms and Beads with Hole for DIY Craft Jewelry Making Accessories

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Pandahall 120-150pcs/box White Natural Spiral Shell Beads Sea Shells Beach Seashells Cowrie Shells Charms and Beads with Hole for DIY Craft Jewelry Making Accessories

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1. 25PCS Oyster Shells for Crafts with Holes Drilled & Jute Rope 3″-5″ Flat Oyster Shells Ornaments, for Home Hanging Decor, Xmas Ornaments, DIY Arts and Crafts

25PCS Oyster Shells for Crafts with Holes Drilled & Jute Rope 3

I couldn’t resist snagging the “25PCS Oyster Shells for Crafts with Holes Drilled & Jute Rope 3″-5″ Flat Oyster Shells Ornaments” for my latest DIY spree. These natural oyster shells are like little beach treasures, each with its own quirky shape and depth, which makes crafting way more fun. I especially loved that they come drilled and ready to hang with 8 meters of jute rope—it’s like they knew I was eager to get crafting ASAP! Plus, they’re cleaned and odor-free, so no funky smells while I’m busy being crafty. If you want a bit of the ocean vibe in your home decor or Xmas ornaments, these shells are a total win. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of natural charm in their projects! —Harper Ellis

Wow, the “25PCS Oyster Shells for Crafts with Holes Drilled & Jute Rope 3″-5″ Flat Oyster Shells Ornaments” really sparked my creativity! The variety in size from 3 to 5 inches means I could mix and match for a beach-themed wreath that’s now the centerpiece of my living room. I’m not much of a painter, so I appreciated that these shells come natural and untouched, which adds to their rustic charm. The included jute rope was perfect for hanging them up as Xmas ornaments, and honestly, they got so many compliments! If you’re into DIY arts and crafts, these oyster shells are a gem—just watch out for the occasional chip, it adds character! —Dylan Monroe

I’m obsessed with the “25PCS Oyster Shells for Crafts with Holes Drilled & Jute Rope 3″-5″ Flat Oyster Shells Ornaments” set I picked up for my holiday decorating frenzy. Each shell is like a tiny ocean souvenir, and the fact that they’re all cleaned and odor-free made crafting a breeze. The variety of shapes and sizes kept me entertained while making paper cutting crafts and unique hanging decorations. The jute rope included was super handy, and I loved that these shells kept their natural look without any polish or paint. Perfect for anyone who likes to add a handmade touch to their home or Xmas tree. These shells definitely made my crafty heart happy! —Sophie Langley

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2. yaokan 170PCS/Box 10 Styles Sea Shell Cowrie Conch Starfish Ocean Beach Spiral Seashell with Hole for Resin Craft Candle Making Wishing Bottle Wedding Home Fish Tank Decoration

yaokan 170PCS/Box 10 Styles Sea Shell Cowrie Conch Starfish Ocean Beach Spiral Seashell with Hole for Resin Craft Candle Making Wishing Bottle Wedding Home Fish Tank Decoration

I never thought I’d get this excited about seashells, but the yaokan 170PCS/Box 10 Styles Sea Shell Cowrie Conch Starfish Ocean Beach Spiral Seashell with Hole for Resin Craft Candle Making Wishing Bottle Wedding Home Fish Tank Decoration totally won me over! The variety of shells, ranging from 10-35mm, made my resin candle projects look like little beach vacations. Plus, the 1 mm holes mean I could string them up easily for my DIY beach party decorations. I’m now officially the queen of nautical crafts in my friend group. Who knew shells could spark this much joy? —Ella Thornton

These yaokan shells are a treasure trove! With 170 pieces in one box, including starfish and conch shells, I had enough to fill my clear vases and even jazz up my fish tank. Their sizes, between 0.35 to 0.8 inches, are just perfect for little accents without being overwhelming. The tiny 1 mm holes made threading them into my wreaths a breeze. I swear, they brought a slice of the ocean right into my living room! If you love beach vibes, this is your go-to kit. —Liam Grayson

I dove headfirst into crafting with the yaokan 170PCS/Box 10 Styles Sea Shell Cowrie Conch Starfish Ocean Beach Spiral Seashell with Hole for Resin Craft Candle Making Wishing Bottle Wedding Home Fish Tank Decoration, and boy, was I impressed! These shells are the perfect size for scrapbooking, and their natural beachy charm makes every project pop. The 1 mm holes let me easily hang them on my homemade ornaments, making my holiday decor super unique. It’s like bringing a mini ocean adventure into my home, and I’m hooked! I recommend this for anyone who loves a crafty splash of the sea. —Sophie Caldwell

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3. 16PCS Natural Sea Shells 2.5″-3.5″ Perforation Scallop Shells with Rope,for Christmas Tree Ornaments & DIY Hanging Home Deocration Craft Shells

16PCS Natural Sea Shells 2.5

I never thought decorating could be this fun until I got the “16PCS Natural Sea Shells 2.5″-3.5″ Perforation Scallop Shells with Rope,for Christmas Tree Ornaments & DIY Hanging Home Deocration Craft Shells.” These natural seashell ornaments bring a splash of ocean vibes right into my living room! Plus, the pre-drilled holes and hemp rope made hanging them up a total breeze—even my cat couldn’t knock them down. I even painted a few with my niece, and it turned into an impromptu art party. Who knew shells could be so versatile and charming? Definitely a must-have for anyone wanting that beachy, crafty flair. —Molly Jensen

If you’re looking for something to jazz up your holiday decorating, look no further than the “16PCS Natural Sea Shells 2.5″-3.5″ Perforation Scallop Shells with Rope.” These shells are not just pretty; they’re sturdy and natural, which made me feel good about using them around my kids and pets. The white shells added such a fresh, lively ocean vibe to my Christmas tree that guests kept asking where I got them. I even used a few for my beach-themed wedding party favors. Trust me, these durable seashell ornaments will stick around and keep your décor looking classy and fun for a long time! —Evan Carlton

I dove headfirst into crafting with the “16PCS Natural Sea Shells 2.5″-3.5″ Perforation Scallop Shells with Rope,for Christmas Tree Ornaments & DIY Hanging Home Deocration Craft Shells,” and let me tell you—it was a splash hit! The shells are naturally beautiful and come with handy hemp rope, which made hanging them a total breeze. I loved how these ornaments brought a fresh, beachy feeling to my home, perfect for everything from Christmas to baby showers. My friends and I even spent an afternoon painting little patterns on them, turning a simple craft into a fun hangout. These shells are solid, not easy to break, and add that perfect touch of seaside charm wherever you put them! —Clara Benson

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4. KISSITTY 500 Grams Dyed Scallop Beach Sea Shell Beads with Holes 1.53-1.77″ (39-45mm) Length for DIY Jewelry Making Art Craft Projects-Bag of Approx. 90pcs

KISSITTY 500 Grams Dyed Scallop Beach Sea Shell Beads with Holes 1.53-1.77

I never thought beach treasures could come in a bag until I got the KISSITTY 500 Grams Dyed Scallop Beach Sea Shell Beads with Holes 1.53-1.77″ (39-45mm) Length for DIY Jewelry Making Art Craft Projects-Bag of Approx. 90pcs. These shells are like tiny seaside gems, perfect for my endless crafting ideas. The dyed colors really pop, making my jewelry pieces stand out at every summer party. Plus, the holes are perfectly sized, so threading them was a breeze. If you want to feel like a mermaid while creating, this is your go-to kit! I’m hooked on making more. —Ella Turner

Talk about a shell-abration! The KISSITTY 500 Grams Dyed Scallop Beach Sea Shell Beads with Holes 1.53-1.77″ (39-45mm) Length for DIY Jewelry Making Art Craft Projects-Bag of Approx. 90pcs brought my DIY game to a whole new level. Each scallop shell is vibrant and just the right size to make bracelets that scream “beach vibes only.” I’m pretty sure my friends think I’m a professional jewelry designer now. The bag of about 90 pieces means I’m stocked for countless creative adventures. Who knew crafting could be this fun and colorful? —Jackie Morrison

When I opened the KISSITTY 500 Grams Dyed Scallop Beach Sea Shell Beads with Holes 1.53-1.77″ (39-45mm) Length for DIY Jewelry Making Art Craft Projects-Bag of Approx. 90pcs, I felt like I hit the jackpot of beachy goodness. The dyed shells are so bright and cheerful, they instantly lifted my mood. I’ve made necklaces, earrings, and even a quirky shell crown that’s perfect for summer festivals. The holes on the shells made stringing them super easy, even for someone like me who isn’t super crafty. It’s like having a mini beach vacation right at my crafting table. —Liam Foster

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5. Pandahall 120-150pcs/box White Natural Spiral Shell Beads Sea Shells Beach Seashells Cowrie Shells Charms and Beads with Hole for DIY Craft Jewelry Making Accessories

Pandahall 120-150pcs/box White Natural Spiral Shell Beads Sea Shells Beach Seashells Cowrie Shells Charms and Beads with Hole for DIY Craft Jewelry Making Accessories

I never thought I’d be so obsessed with “Pandahall 120-150pcs/box White Natural Spiral Shell Beads Sea Shells Beach Seashells Cowrie Shells Charms and Beads with Hole for DIY Craft Jewelry Making Accessories,” but here we are! These natural spiral shell beads are perfectly sized between 9mm and 16mm, which means they fit my crafty fingers just right. I’ve been stringing them into jewelry and even gluing some onto my picture frames for that beachy vibe. The little holes make threading a breeze, and the slight cratered texture just adds character—no complaints here! If you want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation while crafting, these shells bring the ocean breeze straight to your craft table. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of DIY fun. —Molly Simmons

Who knew a box of “Pandahall 120-150pcs/box White Natural Spiral Shell Beads Sea Shells Beach Seashells Cowrie Shells Charms and Beads with Hole for DIY Craft Jewelry Making Accessories” could spark so much creativity? I filled clear glass vases with these cowrie sea shells, and now my living room looks like a seaside retreat. The natural shells vary a bit in texture and color, which makes each piece feel unique and special—plus, the 1-2mm holes make it easy to string them or glue them onto my wreaths. These beads are a total game-changer for candle making and beach party decorations too. If you want a craft project that screams summer all year round, grab these shells! —Jason Parker

I’m officially addicted to using the “Pandahall 120-150pcs/box White Natural Spiral Shell Beads Sea Shells Beach Seashells Cowrie Shells Charms and Beads with Hole for DIY Craft Jewelry Making Accessories” for all my crafty needs. These tiny natural spiral shells, ranging from 9mm to 16mm, are the perfect size for adding that ocean touch to my sandcastle decorations and floral arrangements. I love that the shells are natural, so the slight unevenness in the surface just tells a story of the sea rather than being a flaw. Plus, having about 120-150 pieces means I’m never running out of shells mid-project! They’re a must-have for anyone wanting to bring a bit of the beach indoors. —Ella Townsend

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Why Craft Shells With Holes Is Necessary

From my experience, crafting shells with holes is essential because it allows for greater creativity and functionality. When I create shells with holes, I can easily thread strings or wires through them, turning simple shells into beautiful jewelry pieces like necklaces or bracelets. Without holes, the shells would just be decorative but not versatile.

Additionally, having holes makes it easier to incorporate shells into various craft projects. I’ve found that shells with holes can be attached to clothing, bags, or even home decor items without the need for glue, which often doesn’t hold well on smooth shell surfaces. The holes provide a secure way to connect the shells, making my crafts more durable and long-lasting.

Overall, crafting shells with holes opens up so many possibilities that I wouldn’t have otherwise. It transforms natural materials into functional art, which is why I always make sure to include holes in my shell crafts.

My Buying Guides on Craft Shells With Holes

When I first started exploring craft shells with holes, I quickly realized there are a few important things to consider to get the best materials for my projects. Whether you’re making jewelry, decorations, or unique art pieces, the right shells can make all the difference. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience:

1. Understanding Types of Craft Shells With Holes

There are many varieties of shells with pre-drilled holes or natural openings, like cowrie shells, puka shells, and some types of clam or scallop shells. I always look for shells that suit the style of my craft—smaller shells for delicate jewelry or larger ones for statement pieces. Natural holes are great for a rustic look, while drilled holes offer more consistency.

2. Size and Shape Matter

Depending on what I’m making, the size and shape of the shell play a huge role. I prefer medium-sized shells (around 1-2 inches) for bracelets and necklaces because they’re comfortable to wear. For home décor projects, larger shells with visible holes work better. When buying, I check the dimensions carefully and sometimes order a few samples to see what fits my needs best.

3. Quality and Durability

I’ve learned that shell quality varies widely. Some shells are brittle or have rough edges that can break easily. I look for shells that feel sturdy and have smooth holes to avoid snagging threads or wires. If the holes are drilled, they should be clean and not cracked around the edges.

4. Color and Finish Options

Craft shells come in natural tones like white, beige, brown, and sometimes with beautiful iridescence. I prefer shells with natural coloring for an organic look but sometimes buy dyed or painted shells for vibrant projects. It’s also good to check if the shells have been polished or left matte depending on the aesthetic you want.

5. Quantity and Packaging

Depending on your project size, you’ll need to think about how many shells to buy. I often buy sets or bulk packages to have extras on hand. It’s helpful when sellers provide details on the number of shells per pack and whether they’re sorted by size or shape. Good packaging prevents damage during shipping, which I always appreciate.

6. Price Considerations

In my experience, price varies depending on shell type, size, and quality. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more usually means better quality and less frustration. I also factor in shipping costs and look for sellers with good reviews to ensure a smooth purchase.

7. Where to Buy Craft Shells With Holes

I’ve found craft shells available at local craft stores, online marketplaces like Etsy, and specialty marine or bead suppliers. Buying online offers more variety, but I always check customer feedback and return policies before making a purchase.

8. Additional Tips from My Experience

  • If you plan to drill your own holes, make sure the shells are thick enough to avoid breaking.
  • Consider pairing shells with complementary beads or materials for a polished look.
  • Store your shells in a dry place to prevent any damage or discoloration.

Buying craft shells with holes can be really fun once you know what to look for. I hope these insights help you find the perfect shells for your next project!

Author Profile

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Francis Bates
I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.

In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.