Monday

DIY Ballard Clamshell

I have always loved the look of these giant clamshells from Ballard Designs.  They are elegant, earthy, and interesting to look at.  They fill up the empty space on the center of a console perfectly.  I just haven't been able to bring myself to pay $100 for one.  So, when I was in Goodwill the other day inspiration struck.  I saw a giant plastic clamshell bowl and figured I would give it a little makeover to mimic the Ballard one.  If it was a total bust I'd only be out $3.99.  If you want to try this just do a google search for "buffet clamshell" and you'll find lots of different places you can buy them online for about $10-$15.  



I needed to figure out a way to mimic the texture of the Ballard clamshell.  I think that's part of what makes it so cool.  So I came up with the idea to use some drywall putty.  I had some on hand and figured it was worth a shot. 


I used my finger to rub it on and create grooves similar to the inspiration clamshell.


I waited for the first coat to dry and then went over it one more time.  Once everything was dry, I spray painted the whole thing with white spray paint.  I thought about going over it with some stain or something to create a little more variation in color, but for now I'm liking the white.  


I was a little worried it would end up looking like a seafood buffet in my entryway, but I actually really like how it turned out.  Especially for the price!


The only downside of this version is that it is not waterproof.  So you can't put any live plants in it, not that I'm great with those anyway.  Thankfully, Hobby Lobby has some pretty realistic looking faux succulents.  I had these three on hand, and plan to grab a few more the next time I'm there to fill it out a little more.





This orchid was on super clearance at Aldi the other day so I grabbed it for this vignette.  Hoping I can keep it alive!




I also finally found a place (as you can see) for my Love is the Only Gold print from Lindsay Letters. I just love her stuff!

29 comments:

Dwellings by DeVore said...

that is AWESOME!!! i love the look you created and love with the succulents! :)

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Love your clamshell, great makeover and it looks fabulous.

Dwellings by DeVore said...

How fun!! This is so clever!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

That is so perfect- looks just like the real thing!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

What a clever idea, the texture really makes it look natural, I wouldn't have guessed!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Such a neat idea!!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

You are so talented!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

It looks fabulous and I adore the entire styling of the console!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

You are one smart cookie! I think this turned out perfectly. I love the size, mine is really too big to do anything with it!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

You are a genius Bethany! I LOVE THIS!!!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

That's a great idea for a project and it came out awesome. I found my clamshell on Amazon for a lot less than Ballards.

Dwellings by DeVore said...

You are such a smarty!!! So cute!!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Seriously Bethany this is sorta genius!!! Love it:)

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thank you friend! It was a fun project :)

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thanks Laurie! :)

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thank you! I love amazon, I'll definitely have to check that out!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thanks Summer! :)

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thank you friend! I've always loved the orchid arrangement in yours!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thank you Julia! I'm still tweaking that area. It feels like I'm constantly rearranging furniture! :)

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thank you so much!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thanks Sarah! I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I'm really happy with it.

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thank you! I think the texture definitely helps too!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thank you friend!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thanks Krystine! It was a fun project! :)

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thanks so much Marty!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Thanks so much Cassie! You can't beat the fake succulents from Hobby Lobby, they look so real and you never have to remember to water them, it's a win win. :)

Dwellings by DeVore said...

i need to go get some!!!!

Subject: Re: Comment on Dwellings By DeVore: DIY Ballard Clamshell

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Great idea! I have the one from Pottery Barn which is huge and heavy, but I love it. I struggled with the price tag as well and then decided to ask for it for my birthday.

Dwellings by DeVore said...

That's a great birthday present! I still might splurge on the real thing one day :)

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