Sea Shells make a great tessarae material for creating interesting mosaics with an ocean theme.

This article will give you some great tips on using sea shells in mosaics as well as some important information to ensure your mosaic project works out well.

• Wash the shells.
  You should soak the shells for several days in fresh water and change the water regularly. Dissolving and washing away all remnants of salt is very important. Salt is a natural corrosive and it's presence in a mosaic piece can effect it's longevity.
   
• Size & type of shell
  Try to use shells that are strong, thick and hardy. Small fragile or thin shells overtime will become brittle and break. Alternatively if you intend to cover the mosaic piece with protective layer of epoxy resin, any shell will be fine. 
   
• Shell quantity & consistency.
  Try to stick to the one type of shell or a small selection of different types and use them in large quantities. This will help your mosaic be consistent in appearance and will often result in a more professional result.
   
• Shell Fragments.
  Large shells can be broken into smaller pieces with a hammer often this will allow you to display the natural iridescence that is present inside of the shell. It you have access to lapidary equipment you may also want to consider shaping the edges and polishing the surface. Cut cross sections of cone shells can also be interesting.
   
• Strengthen the shell.
  You can strengthen thin sea shells in a number of ways, prior to placing a shell in a mosaic, give shells several coats of spray varnish and allow several days to dry. For larger shells, you can fill the inside with tile grout, and again allow a few days to dry.
   
• Protect the shells.
  After you complete the mosai,c protect the shells with at least two layers of clear varnish. Alternatively cover the piece with liquid glass, or a self leveling epoxy resin if the mosaic is to be a functional item such as a table top.
   
• Where to get shells.
  The best place to get shells is by picking them up yourself. Ensure you are allowed to do so and always respect national marine parks where you are not allowed too. Only ever pick up shells in areas where the shells are among dead remnants & sand etc. The worlds oceans are overfished used and abused by selfish humans. They produce 70% of the worlds oxygen, so dont add the degredation of the oceans and never remove a live sea creature from the sea. - in this regard NEVER buy sea shells from shops as they are often spught from poor workers in countries unconcered about ocean integrity.
   
• Fancy shell replicas.
  Shells are so very easy to replicate and in replicating them you can open up new creative opportunities. Consider using a mold making material like Sculpey mold making clay to make molds from shells, fill the mold with casting plaster, polymer clay, metal clay or resin available from any Sculpture Supplies. Using replicated shells in your color of choice is sure to make your mosaic project stand out with an original wow factor!