Seashell Printer Tray Shadow Box for Coastal Vignette

*This post has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All content is my own and reflects my personal style and opinion. #ProjectAmazing #CollectiveBias

A few weeks ago my husband finally gave in to Pinterest—what he jokingly calls “Manterest.” He started scrolling to see what everyone was raving about and quickly became as hooked as I am, showing me idea after idea and getting excited about new DIY projects. Luckily, one of those finds sparked a simple project that put our vacation shells on display instead of hiding them in a shoebox.

While we were at Myrtle Beach, we collected a handful of beautiful shells on our evening walks. They felt too special to leave in a closet, so when my husband spotted a printer tray shadow box idea, we knew it was the perfect solution: a DIY seashell printer tray shadow box that showcases beach finds as a coastal vignette.

When 3M® invited me to create a summer craft, this seashell display immediately came to mind. I made a quick trip to Walmart’s crafting aisle—which I admit I visit more often than necessary—and picked up Scotch® Mounting Squares and a Scotch® Precision Titanium Utility Knife. Scotch and Command products are now stocked in the craft section, making them easy to find for last-minute projects.

I found a vintage printer’s tray on Etsy at a great price. The tray had an old green finish that didn’t match my home, so I painted the front in a soft Duck Egg blue. Because I like to change seasonal displays, I didn’t want to permanently attach the shells. Scotch® mounting squares were ideal: tidy, strong, and removable if I decide to rearrange later.

To assemble the DIY seashell printer tray shadow box, I first positioned the shells in the compartments until I liked the overall balance and variety. Then I applied a mounting square to the back of each shell. For smaller shells, I trimmed the squares with the utility knife so they fit neatly. The whole process took about 30 minutes while I relaxed with an episode of Parks and Recreation—perfect low-stress crafting time.

The mounting squares held the shells securely; even two weeks later they were still perfectly in place. Because the attachment is nonpermanent, I can swap shells or change the tray’s contents as our decor evolves. This makes the project an ideal seasonal display—or a long-lasting coastal accent—without commitment.

I placed the finished tray on our media cabinet alongside an oversized vintage map to keep the coastal theme cohesive. The arrangement feels personal and relaxed—just right for a living room vignette that reminds us of family walks on the beach. Our daughter, Olivia, loves the “purple butterfly” shells because she sees a mommy, daddy, and baby shell family in them, which makes the display even sweeter.

I couldn’t resist adding a literary nod to the coastal display—an old copy of Treasure Island and a hint of Herman Melville—to round out the shelf styling. It’s a small detail that feels natural in a seaside-themed vignette.

This DIY seashell printer tray shadow box is an easy, budget-friendly way to preserve beach memories and bring coastal charm into your home. It’s quick to make, removable if you want to change things up, and perfect for showcasing a collection of shells, small keepsakes, or other favorite treasures.

Are you a seashell collector or do you love coastal décor? This project is a simple way to turn found objects into a beautiful, personal display.

Find more Scotch® summer project ideas on Project Amazing and consider sharing your own DIY coastal crafts.