Our Shell Process

Every Billow & Breeze shell goes through our own carefully designed 11-step process before it becomes a finished piece.

We begin by sourcing our shells as responsibly as possible, using sustainable, ethical and often local sources such as restaurants and shellfish suppliers. Rather than allowing these beautiful natural materials to go to waste, we give them a new life as handmade coastal gifts and keepsakes.

Each shell is first scrubbed and thoroughly cleaned by hand. It is then soaked in a carefully prepared cleaning solution to help remove any remaining dirt, algae or natural build-up. After this, the shells are left to dry fully — and, when the Scottish weather allows, placed in the sunshine to help naturally brighten them further.

Once completely dry, the outer surface of each shell is treated with a specialist stone sealant to help protect and prepare it for decoration. The outside of the shell is then finished in a way that suits the design. This may include gold or silver leaf, liquid gilding, paint, or a protective UV resin coating, sometimes with the addition of mica for extra shimmer and depth.

The inside of the shell is then primed and carefully prepared for decoration. Depending on the design, it may be painted, enhanced with mica powders, diamond dust or pearlescent finishes, before the main decorative work begins.

Each shell is then individually designed and decorated by hand. Some are hand painted, some are decoupaged, and others are transformed into miniature seaside scenes using non-toxic UV resin, natural tiny shells, pearls and other coastal-inspired details.

Once the design is complete, the piece is sealed using UV resin or, where appropriate, a non-toxic food-safe sealant. This gives the shell a beautiful glossy finish while helping to protect the design.

Finally, the edges are carefully finished using gold or silver leaf or liquid gilding, adding the final Billow & Breeze touch.

Every shell is checked throughout the process, with care taken at each stage to make sure the finished piece is beautiful, durable and full of character. From start to finish, a single shell can take several days to complete — but we believe that time, care and attention is what makes each piece truly special.