Don’t Be Afraid to Use Shell Veneer!

When I recently asked our Facebook group what they wanted to know about shell veneer, the overwhelming response was:
“We have it... but we’re too scared to use it!”

If that sounds like you, don’t worry — you're not alone! This blog is here to help you get past that fear and confidently use this beautiful material.

Shell veneer is fun and surprisingly easy to work with. With just a little practice, you'll be creating stunning pieces that take your craft to the next level!

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Let’s Start at the Beginning

Our shell veneer comes from Lumea Ocean Shell, a wonderful company based in New Zealand.

The shells are sustainably sourced from rocky coastlines, lagoons, and pearl farms around the world. Lumea’s free divers and shell buyers are members of Pacific communities who depend on and respect the ocean. Their harvesting practices are deeply rooted in local heritage, and always aligned with sustainable laws and traditions.

Once collected by hand, the shells are cut into strips and flakes and then assembled into sheets. Some sheets have a thin layer of paint on the back to strengthen the shell and make it less fragile.

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Getting Started with Shell Veneer

Each sheet of shell veneer from Craft Closet comes with a separate sheet of 3M adhesive — giving you flexibility in how you apply it. You can use the included 3M adhesive or a different adhesive like super glue, depending on your project needs.

Tip:
If your design has tiny or delicate pieces, I recommend using glue instead of the 3M adhesive. Peeling 3M backing off small pieces can be tricky!

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How to Apply the 3M Adhesive

1. Lay the shell veneer face down on a flat, clean surface.

2. Remove one side of the 3M adhesive’s backing and gently but firmly press it onto the back of the shell.

3. Optional: If the veneer is flat, gently roll over it with a small roller to ensure a smooth bond.

4. Now you’re ready to cut or apply the shell to your project!

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Cutting Shell Veneer with a Laser

You can attach the shell veneer to another material before cutting, or cut the veneer as is. Here's how:

• Lay the shell face up with the 3M adhesive side down on your laser bed.

• Pin it down carefully using honeycomb pins. (This prevents the air assist from blowing it out of place.)

• Cut Settings (Glowforge Recommended):

  • Cutting: 250 speed, full power.

  • Scoring: 500 speed, full power.

• Engraving: While you can engrave on shell veneer, it tends to hide the beautiful surface — so we usually avoid it!

Important:

• After cutting, gently remove the pieces from the laser bed.

• Carefully peel off the 3M masking and apply the pieces to your prepared design.

• Cracks are okay! If a piece cracks, you can still inlay it, and it will look like part of the natural design.

Tips for Working with Shell Veneer

• Pre-attaching to Material:
  If you attach the shell veneer to another material before cutting, slow down your laser’s cut settings for that material by about 5% to ensure a clean cut through both layers.

• Masking:
  You don’t need to mask the veneer when cutting — it cuts cleanly and usually doesn’t leave residue.
  If you notice any residue, simply wipe it gently with a wet wipe or soft cloth.

• Finishing:
  You don't have to seal the shell veneer, but you can finish it with resin, polyurethane, or other clear coatings if you want a glossy or protected finish.

  See Shell Veneer in Action!

  Here are just a few examples of projects we've made using shell veneer — the possibilities are endless!

  👉 Click here to watch our Kris' Korner Tutorial on using Shell Veneer.

For information on preparing wood for inlaying, please see our tutorial on Engraving by following this link. https://craftcloset.com/blogs/tutorials/how-manual-engrave-settings-work