With the price of eggs these days, I feel like I should be locking them up with my valuables. If you’re in the same boat, then we might as well get crafty with the remnants to create a gorgeous eggshell mosaic.
I “repurposed” my shells to make this tiny cactus, but honestly, you can go wild. Use your leftover shells to create abstract wall art, frames, jewelry boxes, or a pretty pendant. There’s only one downside: they’re not suitable for functional mosaics like tabletops, stepping-stones, or floors. The eggshells are too fragile unless you add copious amounts of resin to protect them.
And trust me, it’s easier than it looks. Plus you don’t need to be an artist (or a millionaire) to pull it off. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I made this quirky little cactus and share my beginner-friendly tips for making an eggshell mosaic.
So go raid your recycling bin, channel your inner Strati, and let’s turn breakfast scraps into something special.
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What you need
- Clean empty eggshells
- Nail scissors or clippers
- Toothpick
- Craft paint and paintbrush
- Clear gel nail polish
- UV light
- Permanent marker (optional)
- Clear adhesive
- Substrate (frame, wooden jewelry box, scrap wood, clay cactus, etc.)
How to use eggshells to make a mosaic
Just a heads-up: those fragile little leftovers are about to become your new favorite art supply and get you making mosaics. Before we get into how to use eggshells to make a mosaic, paint your substrate. Whatever color you choose will become the grout color when we’re done.
How to Prepare Eggshells for a Mosaic
Rinse the empty eggshells in warm, soapy water and gently remove the inner membrane. Leave the shells to dry completely on a paper towel before turning the shells into tiles. Dry shells are easier to work with, and removing the membrane helps the adhesive grip the shell rather than the thin lining.
Turning the shells into tiles/tesserae
Unlike traditional mosaics, where you need to find small pieces of stone, glass, or broken plates in the right color, we can make our shells any color we want using craft paint. I would strongly suggest painting the shell first, before cutting it into tiles. It’s less fiddly and easier to manage.
You can even add a little mica powder to give that extra sparkle.
Eggshells are brittle and tend to crumble when cutting, so I always apply 2-3 coats of clear gel topcoat first. Gel nail polish is inexpensive and cures under a UV light to form a pretty hard protective layer.
Plus, it adds a gorgeous, glassy shine to the shells, which makes them look more like traditional tiles.
The next step is optional. Color the edges of the eggshell with a permanent marker or a little bit of paint. I used black to match my grout and hide those white, cut edges against the dark background.
Cutting the eggshell tiles
I find it easier to cut the shells with sharp nail scissors. The curved blades kinda mimic the curve of the shell, and my cuts are cleaner. Keep the cut pieces in a small clear container so you can see the colours and sizes at a glance. Those little condiment tubs that come with takeaways are free and work perfectly.
Gluing the eggshell tiles
To glue the tiles down, use a clear adhesive and apply a small amount to the back of the tile or onto your substrate. I used B7000. It’s got a fine application tip that makes it easier to get the glue in the right spot.
And that’s it. Once the glue dries, your eggshell mosaic is ready.
Easy Eggshell Mosaic Ideas for Beginners
Once you have the basic method down, take it to the next level and add simple shapes with clear outlines. Cacti, flowers, leaves, birds, fish, hearts, and abstract patterns all work beautifully. Start with larger eggshell pieces and a dark base colour so the mosaic lines are easy to see.
If you are working on a flat surface, draw your design first with a pencil or permanent marker. For curved or 3D projects, such as my little cactus, work in small areas and let the shape guide you.
Eggshell Mosaic FAQ and Top Tips
Can I use any eggshells for a mosaic?
Any hard eggshells will work. Chicken eggs are the easiest to find (obviously), but I’ve seen some amazing mosaics done with ostrich eggs. Oh, and crocodile eggs, but I’d be too worried about the mama croc chasing me.
Make sure the shells are clean and there’s no residual egg white or yolk. I soak mine in hot soapy water before gently peeling away the inner membrane. You can leave them to drip dry once you’re done.
I don’t eat eggs. Where can I get shells?
I totally get it. Not everyone eats eggs, but that shouldn’t hold you back from making an eggshell mosaic. You can ask friends or family to save their shells for you. They’re probably tossing them out anyway.
Asking local restaurants, bakers, or cafes is another option. Many of them whip up delicious dishes with eggs, and they probably have a stash of discarded shells just waiting to be repurposed. A quick chat with the staff could score you some for free.
Do you grout eggshell mosaics?
There’s no need to grout an eggshell mosaic. Just paint whatever you’re using as a substrate, or base, to mimic grout. I love my black grout, so that’s what I used for the cactus. Pssst, have you seen our groutless mosaic tutorial for people who hate to grout?
How do you colour eggshells for a mosaic?
I’ve tried a few different ways. Alcohol inks are lovely but can be messy, and the colors are not that easy to control. It dries too quickly. You can also mix food coloring, water, and vinegar and leave the shells in the mixture for a few minutes. Personally, I prefer using craft paints. They’re inexpensive and come in a variety of colors.
How do you make eggshell mosaic pieces stronger?
You can apply a resin, clear gel nail polish, or a hard varnish after painting to protect the eggshells. You can also use Mod Podge.
What supplies do I need for an eggshell mosaic?
As weird as it may sound, all you need is a nail manicure set. The scissors are perfect for detailed cuts, and a straight-edged nail clipper does a great job of cutting…. Well, straight edges.
Tweezers come in very handy for picking up the eggshells, and cuticle push-back sticks can be used to apply small dots of glue. You can also use toothpicks.
What substrates can I use?
Canvas, wood, clay, glass, plastic, and basically anything glue will stick to.
You can even use this tutorial to make a substrate with folds and apply the eggshells to that.
What is the best adhesive for an eggshell mosaic?
For my cactus, I used B7000, but E6000 will work too. You can apply the glue with a toothpick to minimize the mess. You can also use Tacky Glue or any glue that dries clear and sticks to the substrate you’re using.
Can I use Mod Podge for an eggshell mosaic?
Yes, Mod Podge or other decoupage mediums work well on flat, lightweight surfaces such as canvas, cardstock, small wooden plaques, or picture frames. Apply it in small sections so it doesn’t dry before you add the shell pieces. For curved, non-porous, or more heavily handled projects, use an adhesive suited to that material and finish with a protective sealer.
Do I need to seal an eggshell mosaic?
Yes. A clear spray varnish helps protect and seal all your hard work. I didn’t seal my cactus since I apply resin or clear gel nail polish after painting, which acts as a sealant and hardener. Plus, it gives the shell tiles a glassy look, which I love.
Can I use eggshell mosaic on a table or outdoor project?
Nope, unless it’s under glass or protected with a thick layer of resin. Eggshells are fragile, and you need heavy duty sealers to protect the finished piece from all the things mother nature will throw at it.
Anything else that I should know?
Yup, be careful with the glue. Adding a layer of resin to the shells first does make it easier to clean off any gluey oopsies, but it’s a pain in the bottom. So, try to keep the glue mess to a minimum.
I think that’s about it. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them.
If you like the idea of making eggshell mosaics, don’t forget to pin it for later.
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And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love and laughter. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
Last update on 2026-10-24 / Source Amazon Affiliates
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