If you have artifacts which are not of the ancient variety, but something you treasure to remember a vacation or event and would like to display them, then a shelf, mantel, book case or table would be fine.

This shelf can be placed high enough to discourage the exploring fingers of children, but low enough for you to be able to carefully dust and rearrange. It makes quite a lovely display and will spark conversation of or memories of a wonderfully enjoyed excursion. A photo collage of the event could be placed on the shelf as well.

How about taking some of the tiny shells and creating a one of a kind picture frame?

When deciding how and where to display your artifacts, bear in mind both the artistic and sentimental value. A china cabinet with glass doors, or a case made particularly for displaying valuables would work nicely.

There are also interesting ways to display your coastal artifacts within a coffee table, or perhaps you would rather purchase a display case, which sits on your table?

The items are carefully displayed inside the table where everyone can see them but the top of the table is still totally functional. The tables can have a lock if necessary to discourage mishandling of the items. There are a wide variety of tables and display cases available. One is sure to strike your fancy.

Ways to display your treasures are as endless as your imagination

Use colored sand, if you like to add an extra dimension. Place a small plant inside a shell. There are plants that grow very slowly, or use some wire cutters and cut some artificial flowers down to size then you will not need to worry about watering.

Tuck them inside pretty glass containers, glue them on ceiling fan pull chains, trim your serving tray with a scalloped edge of pretty shells, and make earrings and necklaces…Glue them on the outside of decanters, glass candle holders, fill a 3 tier hanging mesh basket with shells and display them in a spice rack.

Wherever you decide to display them they are sure to be enjoyed, remembered, and talked about.

Marina Chernyak is freelance writer and co-owner of accent tables store located at – AccentTablesBoutique.com

Image sources – spontaneouschick.com and sherryscraftprojects.com