Large Gilded Shell {reuse what you have, baby!}

It’s day three in the 31 Days of 15 Minute Decor Ideas series, and I have a fun project for you today!

Let me start off by saying I understand not all of you have large ceramic clamshell hanging around your home (Whaaaat? Why not?)  But that brings me to two points: first of all, you probably have something ceramic in your home that you’ve fallen out of love with or that could use an update.  Second, it’s really not all that hard to find something like this for just a few dollars in the aisles of your local Homegoods or Tuesday Morning:

That’s right.  The gilded beauty at the top of the post started it’s life as a red and tan glazed cheap-o ceramic shell.  Actually, funny story– it was one of the decorations from our HGTV episode which makes it about 5 years outdated.

The pink bookcase it’s sitting on that I scored at a consignment sale for $15 last week?  Also about to get updated.  Just thought you should know.  😉

Anyways, it’s no secret that the color gold is coming back in style and you see it everywhere you turn.  One of my absolute favorite and beloved craft purchases has been this gilding paint (previously seen on my gilded faux bamboo mirror):

It slides on smoothly, covers beautifully, and is a gorgeous gold color.  Pinky swear Martha isn’t even paying me to say that.

I had placed the red/tan/ick ceramic shell in my yard sale pile, but at the last minute had an epiphany: I COULD SPRAY PAINT IT.  {duh.}  Out came the gloss white spraypaint, but it still needed a little somethin’ somethin’ to make it pop.  GOLD.

You guessed it, in under 15 minutes I’d gilded the inside using a soft paintbrush and the gilding paint.  This is a great project to do outside because the fumes are strong.  In fact, you might want to let it sit in a garage our outside if the weather is nice for at least a few hours before bringing it back into your home.  I do that with all my spraypainted/ gilded items because that stuff is just not good for you to breathe.

Once inside, it looked stunning on my shelves!

I hated to cover up the gold inside with a plant, but for some reason succulents SCREAM to be paired with clamshells.  So odd.  Yet… purdy.

Here’s where you’re all like:

“Carrie, but I don’t have a giant clamshell sitting around nor do I want to spend any money to buy one.”

And I’m all:

“Hey girl, it doesn’t have to be a giant clamshell, YOU CAN DO THIS WITH ANYTHING!”

Simply use another item and keep the outside a neutral color and gild the inside for a similar look.  A trip through your house and cabinets will surely find one of the following, begging for an update:

• planters or plant pots
• bowls
• vases
• dishes
• wooden boxes

Let the clamshell inspire you.  Go forth and gild it, friends!

Or, just paint it white and stick a plant in it.  I won’t judge.

Do you have any old decor items you can reuse or repurpose for this easy decorating and DIY idea?  Are you loving the gold trend or prefer another color?

{Large Gilded Shell is linking up with: Power of Paint | Liz Marie Blog | Coastal Charm}

Meet Carrie Higgins

Dreamer, thinker, + lemon squeezer; you'll usually find me clutching a mug of coffee, glue gun, fandeck of paint colors, and a child at any given time. This mom of two (and wife to one) loves to share freshly squeezed ideas for home and family. Join the adventure as we learn most lemons can indeed become lemonade-- with generous amounts of sweetness, perspective, and love.

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