I needed new art for my master bedroom, so I found a wholesale source to purchase these sleek, modern, sophisticated shell shadowboxes.

I went to check out my cart, and noticed that they were over $400– WHOLESALE! And I would need 4 of them–No way! So here’s my do-it-yourself hack.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Step 1: Use sandpaper to give cheap black matte frames a cool, distressed look. I found these 9″x12″ frames for $7.99 each at Old Time Pottery. 

2. Cut and hot glue a piece of linen scrap fabric on the back of the precut mat (if you are purchasing linen, you should be able to get by with a single yard for 4 frames).

3. Using metallic spray paint, coat shells 2 coats. You can find assorted shells in any beach souvenir shop for extremely cheap.

4. Hot Glue the shells to the frame, and voila– you have art! I made a total of 4 and placed 2 over each nightstand. Total cost: less than $20 each. Talk about a lot of look for not alot of money!

I’m very pleased with how they turned out, and my checkbook is too 🙂 Enjoy!