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:

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

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  2. Love your clamshell, great makeover and it looks fabulous.

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  3. How fun!! This is so clever!

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

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

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

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  7. 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!

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

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  9. 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.

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

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

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  12. Thank you friend! It was a fun project :)

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

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

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

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

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  17. Thank you! I think the texture definitely helps too!

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  18. Thanks Krystine! It was a fun project! :)

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  19. 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. :)

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  20. i need to go get some!!!!

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

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  21. 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.

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

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Thank you for your sweet comments, they make my day!