Sanibel Seashell Mailbox
I went shell hunting on the streets of Sanibel and Captiva… literally. I want to start using some of my shells to cover my mailbox so I needed to get some inspiration. The creative shell crafters that made these mailboxes gave me the perfect nudge to get started on my own. My friend Jane (from my post Jane’s Seashell Frames) made this first one and the last one but I don’t know the other artists. Maybe this will inspire you too! (?)
Dolphin seashell mailbox
Turtle and Shell mailbox on driftwood
Shell craft mailbox with turtle
Captiva seashell mailbox
Pen shell mailbox
Loving the turtles and the inspiration!
What a cool way for a shell lover to pretty up their mailbox!
Pam , has Jane ever said what she uses to adhere the shells to her projects ? Thanks in advance for any info you have . And keep up the great work on your wonderful web site for all us shell & Sanibel lovers !!
I am also curious about the glue as I am now inspried to make something with my shells!
Everytime I’m in Sanibel or Captiva I’m looking at all the mailboxes – very cool. I found a very good glue in the caulk aisle of your local Lowe’s or (if you must) Home Depot. It’s called GE Silicone II. It is clear, adheres to metal, glass, or shell. It won’t mildew if you use it outside like on a mailbox because it’s main use is to seal windows. It comes in a small tube for a couple of bucks or for a bigger project you can get the caulk-gun size. It sets up clear in about 6 hours. I can’t wait to see the Rambo mailbox.
I have seen the dolphin and turtle mailboxes on Sanibel Island as we were driving around the island. I love them! We collected many shells and wanted to make one of our own, thanks for the information on what kind of glue to use. I was wondering what they used to adhear the shells. I have made several projects since I’ve been back home in the Northeast, and I can’t wait to get back to Sanibel.
Happy Shelling.
Did anyone find a glue to work? I am going to try an epoxy resin and mix it with sand. I’ll try laying a thick layer on it and then stick on the shells.
So creative!
But of course…., you’d find gorgeous seashell mailboxes on Sanibel!!! These are great! And if you ever make one I’d love you to guest post about it on my blog!!!!
Pam, You should do an all worm shell mailbox like your mirror.
there is a great poster at the sanibel post office about mailboxes on sanibel! I’ve seen some of the shell mailboxes and wondered if they would hold up to an ohio winter. I’ll be there again in December for just 2 days but I’m already counting down the days….geez I love Sanibel!
LOVE the dolphin mailbox!!!! So cute:)
These are great. So pretty. Can’t wait to make my way back to Sanibel. Soon!!
Beautiful pictures!! thanks for posting them. I want to do this to my mailbox. Do you spray the shells so they don’t lose their color?
I wanted to know how much the turtle seashelll mailbox is, I’m in love with it!!! Or if it is even for sale lol. Please let me know! Thanks please email me back! Thanks so much!!!!
Love this idea and just bought me a white metal mailbox at a thrift store. Appreciate the post of the silicon to use but need to know where did nyou find dolphin and turtle to go on top?
Are any of these mailboxes for sale?
Cathy
It looks like something else besides glue is being used here. Is there some kind of concrete or plaster being used to stick the shells in? What kind?
that is what no one tells you what they use to adhere the shells I think it is somekind of concrete
Have tried various things for this and made some projects not mailboxes but covering big clay pots with shells, tiles etc Everything I have used tends to crack when outside
I am interested in doing this. Tried liquid nails construction adhesive which was a mess. Pulled it all off. I am gluing to a plastic mailbox so maybe that was the problem? Saw the idea for silicone. Tried silicone adhesive this morn and it is not holding either. Any suggestions?
I am making my 2nd shell-covered mailbox and live in Naples, FL. I used the GE silicon II and it worked fine for adhering. And then covered the mailbox after finishing with an outside waterproof sealant. Only problem is after about 1 1/2 yrs. little spots of mildew were seen and kept getting worse. I am not sure if it just was not perfectly sealed or ? Then hurricane Irma messed it up and I am now on my 2nd one. Using same thing but thinking of something that will seal more completely. I noticed that the “shell lovebug” was glued with a marine Goop which I will use next time. I don’t know if anything else was sprayed on top.