If you’ve ever collected a handful on a beach walk, you know the irresistible urge to turn them into something beautiful. In this list of 25 breathtaking DIY sea glass ideas, we’re diving headfirst into creativity.
From charming wall art and jewelry to seasonal decorations and garden treasures, each project captures the coastal spirit in a way that feels both timeless and personal.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting, these sea glass creations will help you bring beachy calm and natural elegance into your home.
#1. Sea Glass Plant Shelf Art
This framed piece is like a sunlit windowsill frozen in time, sea glass pots, inked greenery, and tiny shells arranged like botanical treasures.
Materials Needed:
Assorted sea glass (greens, browns, blues, 8–10 flat pieces for pots)
Small seashells (3–5, optional for accents)
Watercolor paper or thick white cardstock (8×10 recommended)
Fineliner or archival ink pen
Watercolors or markers (optional for added color)
Craft glue
3 wooden dowels or skewers (cut to frame width)
Shadow box or deep-set frame
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Lay out your composition—arrange sea glass pieces as “pots” in staggered rows with dowels in between as “shelves.”
Step 2: Lightly sketch or directly ink in plants growing from each pot. You can use succulents, cacti, or herbs for inspiration.
Step 3: Once satisfied, glue the dowels in place and attach each sea glass piece and shell to its spot.
Step 4: Let everything dry, then frame your artwork behind glass for a finished botanical display.
#2. Sea Glass and Shell Turtle Duo Wall Art
These sweet little sea turtles look like they’re swimming through peaceful waters, crafted with soft green sea glass for the flippers and sun-kissed scallop shells for their shells.
Materials Needed:
2 small scallop shells (approx. 2–3 inches wide)
10–12 soft green sea glass pieces (varied shapes for heads, flippers, tails)
6–8 tiny clear sea glass bits (bubbles)
White canvas board (5×7 or 8×10 inches)
Strong craft glue (E6000 or hot glue)
Wooden photo frame (optional, for finish)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Place the scallop shells on the canvas, angled to resemble two swimming turtles.
Step 2: Arrange the sea glass pieces around each shell—two on each side for flippers, one for the head, and a small one for the tail. Add tiny clear pieces above as bubbles.
Step 3: Once satisfied with the layout, glue everything in place. Let dry completely.
Step 4 (Optional): Sign your artwork and frame it for display. This makes a beautiful handmade gift too.
#3. Mini Sea Glass Aquarium Frame
This piece is like a snapshot from a coral daydream, tiny fish made from polished sea glass dance across a white canvas backdrop, glowing with soft pastel colors and playful expressions.
Materials Needed:
35–50 small pieces of colored sea glass (sizes: 0.5–1.5 inches)
White shadow box frame (8×10 inches or larger)
Driftwood pieces, small coral fragments, micro shells, and craft sand
Black and white paint pens or enamel dots (for eyes and details)
Strong craft glue or hot glue
Fine-tip permanent marker (optional for mouth lines or fins)
White cardstock or watercolor paper as a base
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Lay out your sea glass pieces to form a fun ocean scene. Mix colors and sizes to create depth and personality.
Step 2: Use craft glue to attach each piece to the background. Add shells, driftwood, and sand along the bottom for a seabed effect.
Step 3: Once dry, draw or glue on tiny eyes, smiles, and fin details with paint pens or stickers.
Step 4: Let all elements set, then place your artwork in the frame without the glass for a 3D effect.
#4. DIY Sea Glass Cocktail Art
Whether you’re a mixology lover, beachcomber, or art enthusiast, this piece is an absolute mood-lifter and a guaranteed conversation starter.
Materials Needed:
9–12 small sea glass pieces in assorted colors (1–2 per cocktail)
White background board or canvas (approx. 8×10 or larger)
Fineliner or archival ink pen (for drawing glass outlines)
Small embellishments (mini umbrella, paper circles, beads, cocktail sticks)
Tweezers and precision glue applicator
Frame (optional, for finishing)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Lightly sketch or trace cocktail glass outlines directly onto the board.
Step 2: Position sea glass pieces inside each glass to represent the “drink,” adjusting color and shape for variety.
Step 3: Glue the sea glass down securely, then add any fun accents (tiny fruit slices, umbrellas, beads as olives).
Step 4: Label each drink underneath with a fineliner. Let everything dry completely before framing or hanging.
#5. Sea Glass Seagulls on Cork Perch
This whimsical art piece brings together ocean and vineyard treasures—frosted sea glass and repurposed wine corks—into a charming flock of coastal seagulls.
Materials Needed:
5–6 frosted sea glass pieces (light blue or white, bird-shaped)
5 wine corks (assorted sizes for visual interest)
Jute rope or thin nautical cord (approx. 12–18 inches total)
Small picture frame (shadow box style recommended)
Light blue cardstock or painted background
Black fine-tip marker or pen (for legs and flying birds)
Hot glue gun or strong craft adhesive
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Secure the blue background paper or painted sheet inside the shadow box frame.
Step 2: Arrange the corks along the bottom edge to mimic dock posts. Glue them down firmly.
Step 3: Wrap twine around some corks for texture, securing ends with glue at the back.
Step 4: Position and glue each sea glass piece slightly above the corks to form seagull bodies.
Step 5: Draw bird legs and tiny beaks with a fine-tip pen. Add little black eyes and sketch flying birds in the background for extra life.
#6. DIY Sea Glass Jellyfish Art
Mounted on a painted wood slice, it feels like a quiet dive into a deep blue world.
Materials Needed:
Round wood slice (5–6 inches in diameter)
4–6 frosty blue or light sea glass pieces (for jellyfish heads)
Acrylic paint (blue gradient for background, white for tentacles)
Paintbrushes (1 fine tip, 1 medium)
Craft glue or E6000
Twine for hanging
Drill (if wood slice isn’t pre-drilled)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Paint the wood slice with a soft blue gradient. Let dry completely.
Step 2: Arrange the sea glass domes where you want your jellyfish to float, then glue them down.
Step 3: Using white paint and a fine brush, paint trailing tentacles beneath each glass piece.
Step 4: Tie twine through the drilled hole at the top for hanging once dry.
#7. Sea Glass Lampshade
This sea glass lampshade is like a mosaic of memories, glowing softly when lit and shining with personality even when off.
Materials Needed:
Metal lampshade frame (cone or drum shape, open frame works best)
40–60 pieces of sea glass (varied colors and shapes, approx. 1–2 inches wide)
Jewelry or floral wire (24–26 gauge, silver or copper)
Needle-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Optional: small beads, glass pebbles, or shells for added detail
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Start by cleaning and sorting your sea glass by size and color.
Step 2: Wrap each piece with wire—secure with a crisscross or loop method. Leave enough wire tails to attach to the frame.
Step 3: One by one, fix each piece onto the lampshade frame, spacing them out and balancing colors for even visual weight.
Step 4: Add beads or shells as accents where needed. Once full, double-check connections and test with a low-heat bulb to admire the dreamy ocean light.
#8. Sea Glass Sailboat Pendants
Each of these sailboats feels like a memory bottled up in glass. They’re light, breezy, and full of seaside charm.
Materials Needed:
Small pieces of sea glass or broken pottery (1–2 inches wide, for sails)
Small driftwood or polished wood chips (1.5–2 inches wide, for boat base)
Jewelry wire (22–24 gauge)
Jewelry bail or loop findings
Round-nose pliers and wire cutters
Strong craft glue or epoxy
Optional: jump rings or necklace cords
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Select one piece of sea glass and one piece of driftwood per pendant. Match them so the “sail” looks balanced on the “boat.”
Step 2: Glue the sea glass onto the top of the driftwood and let it fully dry.
Step 3: Wrap thin wire around the glass and wood to form a mast or accent. Add a loop at the top for hanging.
Step 4: Attach a jewelry bail or jump ring through the wire loop. Add a chain or cord if using as a necklace.
#9. Driftwood and Sea Glass Keychains
Every time I touch one of these, I feel like I’m holding a salty breeze and a sun-faded memory.
Materials Needed:
Small driftwood pieces (2–3 inches long)
Sea glass chunks (1–1.5 inches, frosted, various colors)
Metal key rings with lobster clasps
Small jump rings and eye screws
Jewelry charms (pinecones, shells, animals, etc.)
Small pliers, drill or awl (for pilot holes)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Lightly sand the driftwood if needed. Drill a small pilot hole at one end and insert an eye screw.
Step 2: Use jump rings to attach sea glass and charms to the eye screw or directly to the key ring.
Step 3: Attach the finished driftwood to the key ring using pliers to secure the metal.
Step 4: Mix and match your glass and charm combos. No two should look the same—like tides, each is one-of-a-kind.
#10. Sea Glass Wall Hanging
Strung in descending patterns, these bits of sea glass dance softly in the light, creating a stunning gradient of greens and frosted whites.
Materials Needed:
70–90 sea glass pieces (varied shades of green, white, aqua; sizes approx. 0.5–1 inch)
1 driftwood stick (12–18 inches long, slightly curved adds charm)
Clear nylon thread or fishing line
Strong craft glue or micro-drill (if threading through glass)
Scissors
Two small screw eyes or loops + string/twine for hanging
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Arrange your sea glass in rows by color and size to visualize the flow.
Step 2: Cut multiple nylon strands to the desired length, allowing for layered V-shape drop.
Step 3: Either glue or thread each glass piece onto its string, starting from the bottom up. Let glue fully dry if used.
Step 4: Tie or glue each strand to the driftwood at even intervals. Attach a twine hanger at both ends of the wood.
#11. DIY Sea Glass Driftwood Ornaments
I made each one with handpicked sea glass and bits of driftwood, transforming nature’s castoffs into tiny trees, angels, and snowmen.
Materials Needed:
Driftwood pieces (4–6 inches long, flat works best)
Assorted sea glass (green, white, clear, or light blue)
Mini embellishments (wooden stars, twine, beads, fabric scraps)
Hot glue gun or E6000 glue
Twine or ribbon (for hanging)
Scissors
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Arrange your sea glass on a piece of driftwood to form your shape—tree, angel, snowman, etc.
Step 2: Once you’re happy with the layout, glue each piece carefully in place and allow it to dry fully.
Step 3: Add details like wooden stars, angel wings, or snowman hats using small accents or painted stones.
Step 4: Tie a loop of twine or ribbon through a drilled hole or glue it on the back for hanging.
#12. Sea Glass Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Art
This adorable sea glass craft brings beloved childhood characters including Winnie the Pooh and Piglet to life using frosted beach finds.
Materials Needed:
Amber/yellow sea glass (2–3 pieces for Pooh’s body)
Pink and deep rose sea glass (5–6 pieces for Piglet)
Red glass shards (Pooh’s shirt)
Black glass bits or acrylic paint (eyes, nose)
Canvas board or cardstock
Clear adhesive (E6000 or similar craft glue)
Tweezers (for placement control)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Lay out the characters on a blank canvas, experimenting with the positioning until the figures resemble Pooh and Piglet.
Step 2: Carefully glue each piece down, starting from the bottom layer (legs, arms) and moving to the head and shirt. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Add tiny details like facial expressions or shirt lines with a fine-tip brush and acrylic paint.
Step 4: Frame your finished piece or leave it on a wooden panel for a raw, coastal feel.
#13. Sea Glass Mosaic Coasters
These handmade sea glass mosaic coasters bring a refreshing, ocean-kissed charm to your table. Each tile is like a tiny tide pool of frosted greens and soft blues.
Materials Needed:
4 plain ceramic tiles (4″ x 4″)
Mixed sea glass pieces (greens, whites, aquas—about 20–30 per tile)
Tile adhesive or strong glue
Grout (white or sand color, unsanded type)
Small sponge and cloth
Rubber gloves (optional)
Felt or cork backing (4″ squares)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Arrange your sea glass pieces on each tile to create a balanced mosaic pattern. Play around with layout before gluing.
Step 2: Glue down each piece securely using tile adhesive. Let it dry completely (typically 12–24 hours).
Step 3: Once set, apply grout over the tile with a spatula or your gloved fingers, pressing it between the sea glass.
Step 4: Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge. Once dried, polish the glass with a soft cloth to restore shine.
Step 5: Glue a felt or cork backing under each tile to protect furniture.
#14. DIY Driftwood and Sea Glass Wall Clock
Each hour is marked not by numbers, but by smooth glass worn by the sea, making time feel a little more poetic.
Materials Needed:
Driftwood plank (approx. 10–14 inches tall, flat surface preferred)
12 small sea glass pieces (similar size, various shapes okay)
Clock movement kit with hands
Drill (with bit to fit clock mechanism)
Craft glue (E6000 or similar)
Wall hanger (optional for mounting)
Pencil and ruler
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Mark the center of your driftwood and drill a hole to fit the clock mechanism.
Step 2: Attach the clock movement through the back, secure the hands in front.
Step 3: Use a ruler to lightly mark 12 equally spaced points around the center. Glue sea glass pieces on these marks.
Step 4: Let dry fully, then add a hanging hook or lean the clock on a shelf.
#15. Coastal Sea Glass Christmas Tree
Layered with shimmering blues, aquas, and frosted whites, it’s topped with a delicate starfish, bringing beachy charm to your festive décor.
Materials Needed:
Cone base (foam or cardboard, approx. 8–10 inches tall)
Sea glass in shades of blue, white, aqua (approx. 50–70 medium pieces)
Starfish topper (about 3 inches wide)
Nautical rope (for base wrapping, about 2 feet)
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Optional: LED string lights (mini-sized)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Wrap the bottom of the cone with nautical rope and glue securely to create a sturdy base.
Step 2: Starting from the bottom, glue sea glass pieces in circular layers, slightly overlapping for fullness.
Step 3: Continue layering sea glass toward the top, adjusting sizes for a tapered effect.
Step 4: Attach the starfish at the tip using strong glue. Optional: weave in tiny lights for an extra glow.
#16. DIY Sea Glass Bead Bracelet
This bracelet is like carrying a little piece of the shoreline with you. I carefully drilled and strung tumbled sea glass in a rainbow of coastal tones.
Materials Needed:
25–30 flat sea glass beads (drilled, assorted colors and sizes approx. 1–2 cm)
Clear stretch cord (approx. 10–12 inches)
Super glue or jewelry glue
Scissors
Optional: bead reamer or fine drill (if using undrilled sea glass)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Arrange the sea glass pieces in the order you want—by color gradient, ombré, or random for a boho feel.
Step 2: String the sea glass onto the stretch cord, adjusting the placement so the pieces nest neatly together.
Step 3: Once full, tie a secure knot in the cord and add a small dot of glue to hold.
Step 4: Let it dry, trim excess cord, and gently roll it onto your wrist.
#17. Sea Glass Mosaic Planter
With soft, frosted aqua glass and a touch of ocean texture, it feels like something you’d discover at a coastal market.
Materials Needed:
1 small ceramic or glass bowl (about 4–6″ in diameter)
30–50 pieces of green or aqua sea glass (various shapes and sizes)
Strong clear-drying adhesive (E6000 or similar)
Grout (white or light gray)
Sponge, paper towels, and gloves
Optional: clear sealer spray
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Clean the bowl surface with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. Arrange the sea glass pieces on the exterior to test your layout.
Step 2: Use adhesive to attach each glass piece to the bowl, leaving small gaps in between. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.
Step 3: Apply grout over the surface with your fingers or a grout spreader, filling the gaps between the glass. Wipe off excess with a damp sponge.
Step 4: Once dry, polish the glass with a soft cloth and apply a sealer spray for added durability (especially if placing outdoors).
#18. Elegant Sea Glass and Pearl Charm Bracelet
If you’ve ever pocketed a smooth sea glass treasure from the shore, this bracelet is a beautiful way to keep that memory close.
Materials Needed:
3–5 pieces of flat sea glass (approx. 1 inch each)
4–6 small faux or freshwater pearls
Jewelry wire (20–22 gauge, silver or stainless steel)
Jump rings and toggle clasp set
1 small starfish charm or beach-themed pendant
Round nose pliers and wire cutters
Optional: bracelet mandrel or round object for shaping
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Wrap each sea glass piece with wire in a criss-cross or spiral style. Make a small loop at the top for attaching to the bracelet.
Step 2: Using jump rings, alternate connecting sea glass and pearl beads to form a chain. Adjust spacing for symmetry and comfort.
Step 3: Attach the toggle clasp on one end, and the charm on the opposite side for a touch of movement and personality.
Step 4: Try the bracelet on, adjust if needed, and gently press any sharp wire ends flat.
#19. DIY Singing Birds Sea Glass Ornament
This sweet little scene came to life with a few sea glass pieces and a slice of wood. Each bird, shaped by the ocean, sits on a real twig “branch” while musical notes dance in the background.
Materials Needed:
Round wood slice (3–4 inches diameter, pre-drilled for hanging)
Sea glass pieces (3 small for birds, 4–6 tiny chips for garland)
Small twig (approx. 2–2.5 inches)
Acrylic paint or paint pen (for details like eyes, music notes)
Twine or string
Strong craft glue or epoxy
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Glue a small twig horizontally across the lower third of the wood slice to act as a perch.
Step 2: Arrange and glue sea glass birds on top of the twig, then glue tiny sea glass “garland” pieces below.
Step 3: Add painted eyes, beaks, and music notes using a fine paintbrush or marker.
Step 4: Tie a loop of twine through the hole at the top for hanging.
#20. Sea Glass Candle Holders
I layered blue-toned glass into petal shapes around LED tea lights, giving them a soft shimmer that feels calming and coastal.
Materials Needed:
Blue sea glass shards (approx. 20–30 per holder, mixed light and dark)
LED tea lights (flameless for safety)
Transparent silicone glue or hot glue gun
Plastic candle base, tin lid, or wide bottle cap (1.5–2.5 inches)
Optional: tulle, mesh ribbon, or organza circles (for extra texture)
Tweezers (for precise placement)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Place the LED tea light at the center of your base and begin gluing sea glass around it in a flower-like layer.
Step 2: Add a second layer on top, slightly overlapping the first to create a blooming effect.
Step 3: For added softness, glue thin strips of mesh or tulle between the layers or beneath the bottom row.
Step 4: Let everything dry completely before displaying. Do not use with real candles—only LED.
#21. DIY Sea Glass Driftwood Sailboat
When the light hits just right, the glass glows like ocean treasure. It’s earthy, whimsical, and grounding, just like the beach itself.
Materials Needed:
Large driftwood piece (for the boat hull, approx. 10–12 inches long)
Straight driftwood stick (mast, about 8–10 inches tall)
10–14 sea glass pieces (various sizes and shades)
Natural jute twine or hemp cord
Drill and small bit (for holes in sea glass) or glue + wire wrap
Hot glue or epoxy
Scissors
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Glue or screw the vertical mast stick onto the curved driftwood base.
Step 2: Cut twine into sail lines and create two triangle sail frames from mast to hull, securing at points.
Step 3: Drill small holes in sea glass or wire-wrap them if uncuttable. Attach pieces evenly within the twine sail grids.
Step 4: Tie off twine ends, tighten the sail shape, and adjust spacing. Let it dry fully before displaying.
#22. Sea Glass Flower Bouquet Art
A gentle bouquet crafted with nature’s ocean treasures, this piece radiates charm and delicate beauty.
Materials Needed:
Assorted sea glass (white, green, brown, blue, pink, purple – around 20–25 small pieces)
One larger white sea glass piece for the vase
Blank canvas board or cardstock (5×7 inches or larger)
Pencil or green marker for stems
Strong adhesive glue (like E6000 or hot glue)
Optional: fine-tip black pen for accents or writing
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Sketch out a few upward-arching stems from the vase area to guide your layout.
Step 2: Choose and arrange sea glass pieces as flower petals and leaves. Use curved or rounded edges for petals, and green slivers or ovals for leaves.
Step 3: Glue each piece in place, pressing gently but firmly to set them.
Step 4 (Optional): Add details like veins on leaves, a short phrase, or a date at the bottom to personalize it.
#23. Sea Glass Snowman Ornaments
These adorable sea glass snowman ornaments bring a frosty charm to your holiday décor.
Materials Needed:
15–20 pieces of white or frosty sea glass (flat and 1–2.5” wide)
Acrylic paints: black (eyes/mouth), orange (nose)
Fine paintbrush or dotting tool
Small drill or Dremel (to make holes for string, optional)
Red or metallic string/twine for hanging
Clear sealant (optional for shine and protection)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Clean the sea glass pieces with warm water and mild soap. Let them dry fully.
Step 2: Using a fine brush, paint two black dots for the eyes, then a small orange triangle for the carrot nose, and a dotted black smile underneath.
Step 3: Allow the paint to dry for at least 30 minutes. If using, apply a thin layer of clear sealant and let dry overnight.
Step 4: Drill a small hole at the top of each piece (or glue the string behind if drilling isn’t possible), then loop through twine or ribbon.
#24. Coastal Starfish and Sea Glass Wreath
Nothing captures the magic of a seaside sunset quite like this stunning beach-themed wreath. Whether hung on your door, by a patio, or above a beach cottage mantel, this wreath is a breezy reminder of salt air and sandy toes.
Materials Needed:
1 foam or wooden wreath form (10–12 inch diameter)
60–80 sea glass pieces (pastel blue, aqua, lavender, white)
8–10 mini white starfish (approx. 2–3 inches)
Strong hot glue gun + extra glue sticks
Thick nautical rope (18–24 inches for hanging)
Optional: matte sealant for outdoor durability
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Wrap your rope around the top of the wreath and tie securely or glue in place to form a hanger loop.
Step 2: Begin gluing sea glass pieces around the wreath form, layering them tightly for a full, clustered look. Alternate colors to create visual flow.
Step 3: Once the sea glass is in place, evenly space and glue the starfish on top, press firmly and hold each for 10 seconds.
Step 4: Let the entire wreath set for 1–2 hours. Spray with sealant if you plan to hang outdoors.
#25. Sea Glass VW Camper Art
Modeled after the iconic Volkswagen camper van, this project uses hand-picked green, white, and iridescent sea glass to capture the retro charm of road trips and seaside adventures.
Materials Needed:
Green sea glass pieces for the body (approx. 25–30 small pieces)
White sea glass pieces for the windshield and outline (20–25 small)
Iridescent glass or mirror tiles for windows (2 rectangular pieces)
Two small black stones for wheels
Two tiny shells or beads for headlights
Flat pebbles for side mirrors
Fine wire or marker for detailing (V-shape and VW logo)
Strong glue (like E6000)
Neutral background or canvas board
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Arrange the outline of the van using white sea glass, including the windshield, top curve, and V-front.
Step 2: Fill the lower half with green glass, aligning pieces to mimic the van’s paneling.
Step 3: Glue the two iridescent glass pieces as front windows, then add small black stones as tires and place the side mirror pebbles with a small wire or stick.
Step 4: Use a fine pen, paint, or wire to mark the VW logo and front details. Add shell headlights and your license plate last.
