Creating framed Art of seashells, etc.?

Question

I am trying to create a framed Art piece that has a beach sand background with seashells, sealife, etc. glued onto the sand. However, I am having trouble knowing how I should glue the sand and also how the heavy shells will stick to the sand. What kind of glue is best for sticking shells onto real sand and what is the best material to use for sticking purposes i.e. a canvas or an actual picture frame with construction paper? HELP!

Answer 1

I suggest using a purchased frame.

Use a thick glue such as Alene's Tacky Glue http://www.cakescookiesandcraftsshop.co.uk/acatalog/Aleene_s_Tacky_Glue.html)
and mix the sand with the glue. When done, you can place the mixture onto the frame in various thicknesses. If the mixture is too loose, let it sit for a while until it gets stiffer. When it is the correct consistence, lump it on, swirl it around, whatever looks best in your eyes.

While the sand mixture is still wet, add the shells. If necessary, add more glue/sand mixture to help place the items. Place the larger shells in deeper sand mix and place the rest of them around as you see fit. Then let it dry.

Answer 2

Usually you would just let the sand sit there against a painted background of sea and sky, and let the shells float freely in the sand. If you want to glue things, you'll have to make fake sand out of clay or something, then glue sand grains and shells onto it so it will look like a pile of sand.
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