Oyster Shell Name Pins (or Place Cards)

I recently participated in an Oyster Cook-Off in which there were 9 finalists. Knowing how bad I am at remembering names, I decided to make everyone a name pin out of oyster shells. I incorporated some in my presentation as well. These were in the form of "place cards" and were used to enhance the finished project. As I handed out the name pins to my fellow competitors they all seemed to be quite happy with these small tokens of friendship and they surely helped to break the ice. These name pins would be a wonderful way to make friends at summer camp and, at the same time, would help you remember everyone's name!! Using your creativity and imagination, these oyster shells are a unique open canvas to show off your skills and create something that your recipient (and new friend!) will remember for a long time.

You will need:

Oyster Shells

Stiff Brush

Bleach

Covered Container

Clear Drying Craft Glue

Pin Backs (1 1/2")

Assorted Alcohol-based Paint Pens

Assorted Decorations or Self Adhering "buttons"

Q-tips

Rubbing Alcohol

You can certainly buy already cleaned shells on-line but I prefer to get them from the local fish stand at the farmer's market. I'll usually order 1 dozen which gives me 24 shells to work with. These shells always have a "rounded" half and a "flat" half. Use the "flat" half for name pins and the "rounded" half for place cards. Once you separate the shells, you must clean them. First scrub with a stiff brush using dish washing soap. Then soak them overnight in a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water in a covered container. Then drain, scrub again, rinse and dry. Be careful while handling the shells as some may have sharp edges.

Using a thick, clear drying craft glue, first move the pin along the back of the shell, finding the place where it will sit the best and be fairly flat. When you find that space, apply a thick line of glue and press pin securely into glue. Let dry for at least 24 hours or until glue is totally dry and clear.

This is the fun part. Using you imagination, paint or draw whatever you like on the shells, trying to create something that goes with your "theme". For example, I made name pins and place cards as part of my oyster cook-off presentation and the colors I used matched the colors of the bowls I used for the stew I made. Once painting is done, apply any other decorations you have chosen. If using self-adhering "buttons" you may have to use craft glue as well to make sure decorations stick to shell.

Carefully choose an area on the shell that will be the easiest to write on. Using a fine tip marker write or print name on shell. If you make any mistakes you can try to erase with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol.