[Marlie]

How on earth am I supposed to make a necklace out of the itsy bitsy seashells that we found on the beach? My daughter wants to make necklaces for her friends (we picked up over 200 of these shells). I do not know what tool I need to make a hole to string them. Everything I have tried so far only makes them break!

Help!

[mommaB]

What tools have you tried so far? I'm trying to picture it, and everything I am thinking of would be too hard for a delicate shell. Maybe try putting the necklace together without making any holes. For example, you could try wrapping the shell like it's done on shark tooth necklaces. I'll keep trying to come up with something!

[happymom]

I would think you could use a tiny punch and make a hole in the shell. If I am thinking correctly you would not be able to wrap the string around the shell, it would have to go through it right?

[Moongirl]

You can get special drill bits for drilling such fine detail. I make jewelery and my husband has a set for use with his drill press, they work by adding a bit of water so it doesn't hurt the shell.

[Cinderella]

I agree with Moongirl, that you have to use a drill with the smallest bit that would allow a string to pass through. It would help if the shell is wet to prevent dust from blowing off. Here is a nice link: Jewelry Skills: Drilling Holes of Seashells - Making of Seashell Jewelry

[Moongirl]

There are some masonry bits that my husband has that you spray water on while you drill so it doesn't cause a bunch of dust or chip.