[TUTORIAL] Preserving Seashells

Searching the surf for the perfect seashell - there it is glittering just under the surface. You grab it before the next wave rolls it away. It's colours are irridescent, vibrant and beautiful. You take it home to show off your new prized posession, only to find that it has dried to a dull grey, it's texture is gritty and dirty; and so like the shells that came before it, it gets shoved on the shelf, or in the bowl, with all the other beauties that were.

Well, no more my friends - let's learn how to bring these treasures back to their natural state.

STEP ONE Grab a bucket, head to the beach during a low tide, and collect EMPTY shells. Now some people have no problem taking shells that are occupied, but personally, it does not seem right to me. So, these instructions are for empty (or dead) shells.

STEP TWO Gently arrange your shells in a pot, cover with water (water should be about 2" higher than the shells) and bring to a boil. This is to kill any little creatures that may have made their way inside the shell (example: barnacles, sea lice). Boil for 5 - 10 minutes.

STEP THREE Carefully examine each shell (use tongs as they will be very hot to the touch) and give them a good rinse and shake (if snail shells) and set aside.

STEP FOUR Rince your pot and add a ratio of 1 part bleach to 5 parts water (this was my ratio...if you want less bleach go for it). Carefully place your shells in the bleach mixture and let sit for 5-7 hours or until you see the periostracum (leathery/flaky coating) coming off.

STEP FIVE Grab an old toothbrush (not your spouses...although, I was tempted) and gently give each shell a good scrub under fresh water and place on a sheet to dry. If there are any barnacles on the shell, they should just pop right off after the bleach bath.

STEP SIX Once the shells are completely dry, you'll have a moment of 'what the...why are they all grey again?!? ARGH!! That lady had no idea what she was talking about' - oh but I do!! Grab some mineral oil, or baby oil and a paint brush, and give a good coating to each shell. Leave them to sit for a couple hours and then gently wipe the excess oil off with a cloth.

Ahem....did she know what she was talking about?? Apology accepted!