Beautify and organize your work area with this seashell paperweight

Whether your desk is in an uninspiring office cubicle or a home office that needs some beautification, this beachy paperweight will brighten either locale and remind you of sunset strolls in the sand. Since shells are beautiful and no-cost natural resources, collect as many kinds of small and tiny ones as you can to add even more texture, color and interest to this unique DIY project.

Resin is the ingredient that allows this project to go from concept to reality. An easy-to-make resin mix is poured into a mold filled with shells — and voila! — the smattering of shells now has a practical use. The paperweight is a striking desk accessory and would make a valued gift for any friend who's a laid-back lover of sand and surf.

Materials
- Bottle of clear coat and casting resin
- Bottle of clear coat and casting resin hardener
- Measuring cup
- Plastic bowl
- Frozen pop stick
- Resin mold with round, coaster-sized indentations
- Collection of small and tiny seashells

*Please note: Resin kit instructions differ, so follow directions about the resin-to-hardener ratio and drying time as recommended by the manufacturer.

Instructions
1. Pour the manufacturer-recommended amount of clear coat and casting resin into the measuring cup.

2. Pour the resin into the plastic bowl.

3. Pour the manufacturer-recommended amount of resin hardener into the measuring cup.

4. Pour the resin hardener into the plastic bowl on top of the resin.

5. Thoroughly stir the resin and hardener together with the frozen pop stick.

6. Place the shells randomly or in a pattern in the bottom of the resin mold.

7. Pour the resin and hardener mixture on top of the shells in the mold until it reaches the top.

8. Allow the resin to cure. Follow the resin manufacturer's instructions for proper curing time.

9. Take the paperweight out of the resin mold.

10. The paperweight is now ready to be used.