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How to Color Shells
- 1). Collect dead seashells, which are simply seashells that have no animal life inside them. You can usually find these shells on beach shores.
- 2). Mix a 50/50 solution of bleach and water in a bucket. Place the seashells into the solution and allow them to soak until their periostracum have dissolved. The periostracum is the outermost layer of a seashell and is usually black, brown, golden-brown or pale yellow.
- 3). Remove the shells from the bleach solution. Use a toothbrush to scrape off any remaining debris.
- 4). Rinse the seashells well in tepid water. Lay them out on a towel to dry for at least one week. It is vital that the shells are completely dry before you color them.
- 5). Prepare your food coloring. Since you will need to submerge and soak your shells, mix at least 1 cup of each desired color. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to how much color to add to 1 cup of water.
- 6). Add 2 tsp. white vinegar per 1 cup of food coloring. The vinegar will help the color adhere to your shells.
- 7). Immerse your shells in the food coloring. Allow the shells to soak until you have acheived the desired tint and depth of color.
- 8). Place the wet, colored shells on a paper towel-lined tray to dry.
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