Have you noticed that large clam shells have gotten weirdly popular as home decor lately? They’re turning up everywhere! So, when I spotted this scalloped wooden bowl at Goodwill, I wondered if I could transform it into a clam shell bowl. AND I could try out baking soda paint, which is also trendy these days.
Baking soda paint. Basically, this just means adding baking soda to paint in order to get a gritty, textured surface.
Which made me think of the outside of a clam shell!
But a clam shell is kind of, well…boring. The shape is cool, but the colors are pretty blah. So, I decided to take this bowl and make it into a clam shell-abalone shell hybrid!
This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All blue, bold, and underlined text is a clickable link, either to a product or to a related post.
Wooden Bowl to Clam Shell
The scuffing on the wooden bowl, both inside and out, made it ideal for upcycling into a clam shell bowl. But it also made for an uneven surface for painting.
So, I first set up my spray-painting station outside and gave it a quick coat of primer to even everything out.
Once the primer had dried, I started on the inside of the bowl. To recreate the look of abalone shell, I turned to an old favorite of mine: color shift paint.
Color Shift paint changes color as you turn it from side to side. Some of you may recall that I first tried out these paints on a Halloween project several years ago. I thought that this purple-blue shade would be ideal for the abalone look I was going for.
First, I used a regular brush to paint a coat of color shift paint inside the wooden bowl. But I could see brush marks GALORE, so I did a second coat.
Same problem. Brush marks and uneven coverage.
So, on the final coat, I used a large stencil brush to swirl on the paint. HALLELUJAH, that was the ticket!
Next, I let the abalone shell paint dry and buffed on a top layer of clear wax to protect it. Now I could move onto the baking soda paint for the exterior!
Baking Soda Paint
To make the baking soda paint, I purchased a sample of latex paint in a soft grey. I also grabbed baking soda, a recyclable mixing bowl, and a brush.
After pouring some paint into the mixing bowl, I added several scoops of baking soda to the paint. I mixed and added more baking soda until I had a thick, gritty paint.
Not quite a paste- it was brushable. But a spreadable paste, if that makes sense.
And then I began to brush the baking soda paint onto the outside of the wooden bowl.
I went around and around, changing the direction of my brush to get as natural a surface as possible. When I was satisfied, this is what the exterior of my large clam shell looked like.
HOW FABULOUS IS THAT? Very clam shelly! All from baking soda paint.
Finally, I sealed the baking soda paint with a matte topcoat to protect it.
Clam Shell Bowl with Baking Soda Paint
And that, my friends, is how I upcycled this wooden bowl into a large clam shell. With the help of baking soda and paint!
Ok- a clam shell shape with some abalone pizazz. Because we all need a little pizazz in our lives, don’t you think?
I am now a true fan of baking soda paint! And I’ll definitely be trying it on future projects when I want a little texture and grit.
*****
And, guess what today is? Thrift Store Decor Team Day! Check out what my gal pals have been upcycling, as well.
1. Repurposed Tool Box Jewelry Box – Petticoat Junktion
2. Clam Shell Bowl with Baking Soda Paint – Sadie Seasongoods (that’s mine!)
3. Antique Skeleton Key Makeover – House of Hawthornes
4. Cutting Glass – Domestically Speaking
5. Wooden Rocking Chair Makeover – My Repurposed Life
6. DIY Lake Sign – Our Southern Home
*****
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for a clam shell bowl with a faux finish, you may also enjoy these sea glass bottles, as well!
One more thing before you go! If you’re looking for more examples of baking soda paint or other textured paint finishes, please check out these projects from my friends!
- Textured Stoneware Vase by My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
- Brass Urn Makeover by House of Hawthornes
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Once again you are killing me with your vision! I would never have thought clamshell if I’d run across that bowl! It looks great now. I am going to have to try the baking soda method!
Thanks, Pam!! I just LOVE the texture of it- I know you will, too!
One of my very favorite projects of your’s… EVER!
The only issue I’d have is that I’d never want to put anything in it to hide any of that glorious interior.
Just love it. Now I’ll be on the lookout for a similar wooden bowl at my thrift shops.
Awww, thank you!! And I know what you mean- when I was done, I was like, “Well, I guess it’ll stay an empty bowl forever!” hahaha
Stunning! 👏🏻
Thank you so much!
I really love this idea. Great job!
Thank you!
What a great finish. I decoupaged a really large wooden monkey pod platter years ago and recently found a small shell two compartment piece at a garage sale that I planned to do the same with. But, after seeing your shell I have to decided to give that a try. I really like the baking soda technique and have never heard about the shifting paint but that is just perfect. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Cathy!
This is beautiful! Very innovative. I have now subscribed to your email.
Thanks, Leslie!
Beautiful job! It is now a lovely bowl; love the color and the baking soda makes wonderful texture. Great post!
Thanks, Mary!
The color shift paint was right on to make the inside of the clam shell!
It really was perfect for this. Thanks, Fonda!
Love, love, love this!!! I will now be on the search for a ‘clam’ bowl!!
Happy hunting, Pamela!!
That color shift paint is so cool!!!!
It’s SO cool, and there are lots of colors to choose from!
This is awesome! I would never have thought of this! Great job
Thank you!
Oh my gosh Sarah!!! I think I must have some of that color shift paint! That’s awesome! Your clam shell turned out so great with the baking soda paint.
pinned
gail
It’s SUCH cool paint and there are a bunch of colors to choose from!!
I have GOT to find that paint! That’s gorgeous and your project is amazing! Pinned
It’s SO good, Susan!! You’ll love it. And thank you!
Wow… what an amazing finish you got out of this! That paint treatment positively glows!
Thank you so much!
This is so cool! I have a very similar thrift store bowl. It would be great finished like this with shells at our beach cottage.
Totally!!! Perfect for a beach cottage!