How to Make Gold Leaf Clam Shell Salt Cellars

How to make gold leaf clam shell salt cellars you can use when hosting your next dinner party. They do make an interesting accent piece on your dining table. But, of course, you’ll need to start with some clamshells. We found ours on a beach on a very late fall day after high tide. Every time we go to The Hamptons, we try to hit at least three beaches for a good long walk. We never know what we’ll find, but we always find something interesting; driftwood, sea shells, small black and white smooth rocks. On one of our long walks, we found large clamshells, a lot of them, in Sagapponack at Sagg Beach. All of them were in excellent condition.

The idea of making these gold leaf clam shell salt and pepper cellars came form something I saw on Bungalow Blue a few years ago. I have been meaning to make them ever since. Turns out, they are so easy to make and they look beautiful on the dinner table or a buffet table.

You could also make oyster shell salt cellars if you can find oyster shells that are large enough. 

A few craft supplies you’ll need to make a salt and/or pepper cellar

Just to give you an idea for comparison, our shells have a 41/2 inch width (four and half inches at their widest point)

• Clam Shells – If you can’t find them on an East Coast beach, you can order them from Etsy.
• Liquid Gold Leaf
• Small foam brush
• Clear Polyurethane
• Small spoons for serving (I used porcelain, but you could also use sustainable bamboo serving spoons)

Here’s how to make clam shell salt cellars in 5 minutes

1. Scrub the clam shells with warm soapy water and let them dry.
2. Pour a small amount of the liquid gold leaf into the clam shell and using the foam brush, brush the gold leaf on the inside of the shell. It goes on very easily and the coverage is so smooth.
3. Allow to dry and then apply a thin coat of polyurethane. Before using them for salt and pepper, allow them to cure for 30 days to make sure they are safe for food.
4. After each use, wipe them clean with a damp cloth.

Note: According to FDA regulations, clear finishes like polyurethane are considered food safe. After applying the polyurethane, let it dry and cure for about 30 days before allowing contact with food. Before using, make sure to wash them again throughly.

How to use the pretty gold leaf clam shell salt cellars

On a buffet table with Aplico Dinnerware

The gold leaf salt cellars look pretty on a table with candles and flowers. Or use them on a buffet table. I like to use trivets (that Brent made) to give a little height on a table with platters bowls.

We used them on our Farmtable plank.

I added small porcelain spoons and of course salt and pepper.

What else can I use gold leaf clam shells for?

In addition to using them for salt and pepper, you can also use them for: 

• Sugar cubes when serving coffee
• A ring holder or a place to put your everyday jewelry 
• Coastal decor throughout your house

Here are 9 more ideas for spring tables!

Blogger’s Best Spring Table DIY

5 Easy Ways to an Almost-Free Spring Centerpiece | Robyn’s French Nest

A Simple Spring Table | Finding Lovely

Clamshell Salt Cellars | Most Lovely Things

Lemon Inspired Spring Tablescape | Twelve on Main

Floral Centerpiece DIY | Happy Happy Nester

Easy DIY Spring Wallpaper Runner | My 100 Year Old Home

Easy Spring Centerpiece with Potted Plants | Inspiration for Moms

Pottery Barn Hand Painted Earthenware Vase Knockof | The Happy Housie

How To Make A Beautiful Succulent Terrarium | Modern Glam

Neutral Spring Table Decor | My Sweet Savannah