It’s November and that means it’s time for the 2018 Ornament Exchange Link Party, where you’ll find tons of handmade ornament tutorials! This year, I was partnered with Beverly from Across the Blvd., who has a coastal tree! Since I’m doing a simple coastal tree this year, I was really excited to create this DIY Hoop Coral Beach Ornament for her tree – I hope she likes it!
DIY Hoop Coral Beach Ornament
Supplies:
- embroidery hoop
- optional – black and brown acrylic paint
- craft blue
- hot glue gun/glue sticks
- sand
- various small shells
- tumbled glass
- faux plastic coral
- Mod Podge
- small paint brush
- aqua mesh ribbon
- dura-lar (clear plastic)
- pencil and cardboard (cereal box)
- burlap ribbon
How to:
Optional – Separate the embroidery hoop. Add black and brown paint to a paint palette and water down. Brush on a mix of brown and black paint all over the hoops. Let the paint sit on the hoops and then wipe off. This will ‘stain’ the hoops to give it a weathered look. Repeat these steps if you want a darker color on the hoops. Let the paint dry and put the hoop back together.
Dry fit sea glass onto the front of the embroidery hoop. When you’re happy with the arrangement, start to glue the glass onto the hoop. Both hot glue and craft glue can be used, but I prefer craft glue as it gives you more time to move things around if needed.
image
Cut off two or three pieces of faux coral. One piece will go on the sea glass and one or two will go inside the hoop.
Use hot glue to add one coral piece to the left side of the hoop. Add more glue and add some shells. Add the remaining coral pieces by placing a glob of hot glue inside of the hoop, just slightly to the right of the front coral. Push the other coral pieces into the glue and hold in place until the glue is set.
Use the tip of the hot glue gun to remelt some of the glue and add more glue. Press one or two more shells to cover the coral base inside of the hoop. When dry, paint on Mod Podge to cover the glue inside of the hoop. Sprinkle sand onto the Mod Podge and let dry.
When I originally made this, I used a felt tip pen to trace a circle using the hoop. Unfortunately, this left ink on my hoop. To prevent this, place the hoop onto cardboard and trace around it using pencil. Cut out the traced circle. This cardboard circle will be the template to cut out a clear Dura-lar circle and a mesh ribbon circle.
Next, add craft glue to the back of the hoop ornament and spread into a thin coat using your finger. Then, add the mesh ribbon and then place the clear Dura-lar over it. Press down to make sure the glue touches the ribbon and Dura-lar. Let dry.
Add a ribbon loop to the top of the hoop. Create a separate bow and glue it onto the ribbon loop. Trim as needed.
Now all you need to do is hang it on your tree!
Make sure to check the 2018 Ornament Exchange Link Party for more handmade Christmas ornament tutorials!

Amy says
I love this beach ornament. Congratulations on the much deserved feature at Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make.
Alexandra says
What a stunning ornament! LOVE the blue sparkly netting!
Michele Michael says
Love the theme of your ornament. I think that blue background really made it pop.
Emily says
Erlene, this is so cute & such a creative way to use sea glass, shells and faux coral! Beautiful!
Leanna says
I am so jealous of the ability to have a coastal tree, with summer thoughts. Such a different and fresh idea.
Kristin Harris/Tales From Home says
I love this! It’s so pretty and creative. Makes me wish I had a coastal tree!
Pamela Smith says
This is so cute Erlene! Of course, I love the coastal look!
Bri Adams says
This is such a unique idea! I’ve never seen anything quite like it!
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thanks Bri. I started tumbling my own glass and this was a fun way to use it.
Janet Trieschman says
I love this ornament. My in-laws live in CA and this reminds me of our visits.
Roseann Hampton says
How perfect for a beach themed tree! Love it!
Beverly says
I absolutely love this, Erlene! Thank you! It will look wonderful on our tree. Coastal ornaments are my favorites!
Kim~madeinaday says
What a cute wreath! I love that you used sea glass! So pretty Erlene.
Kim
Evija says
Oh wow, Erlene talk about original and UNIQUE Christmas ornament… This is absolutely gorgeous and so so creative… Love everything about it!!!! #2018ornamentexchange
Jenny says
It’s super pretty with the sea glass. It reminded me of the Little Mermaid! Love it! It’s perfect for Beverly.
Super Mom - No Cape! says
I love the undersea ornament you made! I’m going to have to make one to add to our collection of ocean/beach themed Christmas ornaments.
Debrashoppeno5 says
I love the coastal ornament. I am sure Beverly will as well.
Mother of 3 says
So very pretty! Pinned.