Hi Friends!
By now, ya’ll are aware that I love coastal and nautical inspired decor and accessories. Some days it takes all my willpower not to dress like a sailor. I have come across sea urchin wall sculptures in designer magazines and thought that I would try my own DIY version. I love the small spiny animal that resides under the sea. I like to think of sea urchins as the hedgehog of the sea.
Under The Sea Art
Materials Used
- Crater’s Foam – This is different than Styrofoam and doesn’t dissolve when spray-painted.
- Wooden Skewers- I spray-painted some of the skewers prior to inserting them into the foam. It was pointless because I had to spray them all again.
- Spray-Paint- I used Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2x in Gloss Seaside
With each skewer I punctured the foam and inserted the skewer until it felt secure. I did this over and over, covering the foam.
I used up a pack of 100 skewers and had to go to the grocery store to purchase more. I think that I probably used 120 skewers on this project. Once he structure was complete, I applied 2 coats of spray-paint to the sea urchin.
I have to admit that it is much larger than I expected, but it is pretty cool.
This sea urchin art could work well on a wall or table top. I would like to create smaller versions for table top displays.
I put the sea urchin art above my fire place mantle and centered on a mirror. The mirror gives the illusion that the sea urchin is a complete sphere. My husband likes it because he says it is like we have a portal to the future in our living room.
So, what do you guys think about my sea urchin art? We are always striving for color for our mantle because the stone is so dark. I bet that the sea urchin would look good in metallic colors too.
If you are interested in me writing for you, please contact me at paperandfox@gmail.com
Thanks, Carmody
Google+
Gorgeous and really striking. I need to do this now. Thank you x
Thank you Cybele!
I’ve always wanted to try this and yours looks great. I like how big it is too! Thanks for sharing at The Makers!
Thanks Corey! It as really fun and inexpensive. That always makes the project more loveable.
How awesome! I love this! When you said dress like a sailor I thought of swearing like one! LOL
You have to do some outfits of the day!
Bahahaha Heather! I would love to do a “Hello Sailor” inspired outfit. Thanks for liking my urchin
This is really great. I LOVE the color!
Thank you Marni.
I love this idea!!! I want to make one tooooo!
Cute! Juila
Julia, Give it a try, it is super cheap and is a big impact.
Love it, how did your hang it
Indy, I attached it to the mirror with sticky velcro. I bet that mounting tape would also work well.
This turned out really nice! I tried making one of these with a clay base and it didn’t work out as well. Good call with the styrofoam!
Hi Jennfer,
The styrofoam was really easy to work with. What did the clay do?
Well, it just didn’t look as nice as styrofoam and I had to space out the spikes more so the clay would hold them in place: http://www.bravenewhome.com/sea-inspired-wall-art/.
I love yours! I like the silver metallic paint too.
OMG I LOVE this!!!! How cute!! I am going to have to try it out. With my girls though, we are going to do them pink and purple. Not quite the same feel, but they will look pretty cool too
Kat, I bet they will look fantastic in pink and purple. Send me a photo at paperandfox@gmail.com when they are finished.
So, so very cool! I live near the beach and love to have a nautical element to my decor. I will have to try this! <3
Id love to know if anyone has had experience with cutting skewers. Best method to avoid splinters? I dont have space for a full sized skewer urchin!
Thanks Corinna Ashley! I started making a smaller one and cut the skewers with kitchen shears. I filed the raw edges with a nail file. I have not finished it yet. It will take longer, but still should work.
Wow! I, too, have a love for all things nautical
your sea urchin turned out awesome! I’m gonna have to try this…thanks for sharing your idea!
Thank you Cara! It is a project worth trying.
love it and so different from alot of other crafts thaks for sharing following from link or lump it hop have a great day
How fun! I didn’t realize you could spray paint the craft foam – great tip!
I love a fun piece of art, and this is amazing! Also, congrats because you are featured on this week’s Do Tell Tuesday link party and have been pinned to our features board! Feel free to grab a button and link up this week too.
http://www.vintagezest.com/2014/04/do-tell-tuesday-21-with-features.html