Does anyone know how I would make this?

Sarah Jane

Sarah Jane

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Jul 19, 2010
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This bride is putting me over the edge. She wants this for her bouquet (with hot pink ribbon--but that's another issue entirely). Please help. I get that there would be glue involved but what would I glue that many shells to and what kind of glue? I've never made anything like this and I'm scared it's all going to fall apart. Also, any idea what I should charge for something like this? I can buy the shells at a beach shop and mark them up but how much for labor on something like this? She told me that shes already tried to make it but it fell apart because apparently hot glue wont stick to the shiny shells. That can't be right. Why me? I don't want to deal with this but this is a friend of a friend. So aggravating. I mean, I do flowers, not crafts. She wanted fish in the centerpieces and I told her I definitely don't do fish.

Thanks for any tips.
shell.jpg
 
Maybe the hot glue would work if you glued the shells to a styrofoam ball, which you could also shove the handle up with hot glue, too. Try a mini version and see how it holds. Oy...it's enough to cause Shaken Bride syndrome!
 
concord said:
Maybe the hot glue would work if you glued the shells to a styrofoam ball, which you could also shove the handle up with hot glue, too. Try a mini version and see how it holds. Oy...it's enough to cause Shaken Bride syndrome!
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I'm picturing the styrofoam ball breaking in half (as she walks down the aisle) from the weight of the heavy shells and too many insertions. Do you think that could happen?
 
I agree with drilling holes and inserting and twisting a heavier gage wire. If you don't want the shells to shift - some oasis glue dashes are FABULOUS!
 
shannonlovesflowers said:
Oh and if she still wants fish. Let her know fish poop constantly. nothing grosser than eating and watching something poop.
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Shannon - I get requests for fish all the time. I only use beta fish - one per vessel or they will kill each other. They love tap water and don't poop like goldfish. Also, I always create arrangements that can be placed on top of the vessel so the fish is not harmed by any toxins from flower stems. And, I make each bride & groom promise to me that no drunkin' guest will swallow the fish like a frat boy :/
 
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There are several glues strong enough to hold shells. (Ever seen all those bathroom accessories encrusted with sea shells?)

We use Oasis pan-melt to attach wires (tape #22 or #20 wire white). Bend wire in half, contour shape to remain flush along inside of shell (as deeply as possible into a spiral), dip wire in pan glue and allow glue to set firmly.

You can see them in the bouquet below:

Seaside_Romance1%20copy.gif

I'm curious about the overall size of the bouquet in the OP. The fan shells along the bottom aren't usually large so the rest of the shells may be quite small (1" or so each). If that's the case, they're light enough to pan-glue into styro. (Be sure to use some type of wire or netting over the styro to help keep if from breaking up.
 
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