I am in LOVE with the look of coral. The problem is, buying the real stuff is super expensive and supports the destruction of coral reefs = bad. Buying imitation coral can also be challenging to find. I happened to stumble upon this traditional coral colored piece at Target. It’s by Threshold and I bought it half off for $20. But, my mind has been set on trying to make it myself. Using the Target version as a model, I set off!
I created a wire base out of thick craft wire. I then mixed up some salt dough: 1 cup of flour, 1 cup salt and I dumped the water in slowly until I reached a clay-like consistency. I covered my wire frame and poked holes all over. Then, I baked it at 350 degrees for about 1/2 hour. I allowed it to cool then applied a coat of spray paint. Not bad looking if I do say so myself! And the best part is… it was free!
Now, in the mood for some more beachy themed projects?
Check out these other great projects!
DIY Faux Coral ~ All Things With Purpose
Rope Anchor Coaster ~ Made to be a Momma
Shell Specimen Art ~ One Krieger Chick
Custom Beach Pail Gift Idea ~ 733 Blog
Swimsuit Coverup Tutorial ~ Sugar Bee Crafts
Beach Ball Sugar Cookies ~ This Silly Girls Life
Printable Beach Image
Yes, I would make the dough as thick as possible while mixing it so it will remain put. Mine stayed put for a long time… I tried to keep the dough as dry as possible, only adding enough water to keep it together.
Amazing Art and Craft Technique. I would recommend this web to my friends and colleagues.
I am in LOVE with this blog. Amazing!!
I am in LOVE with the look of coral.
Wow this is really to good about the day faux tutorial thanks sharing this article
How tall are your coral sculptures
Hi! I cannot wait to try this! What gauge wire did you use?
Thanks!
Sara
hi! what kind of salt did you use for the dough? and how much money do you think was spent on one of these corals?
thanks
I tried it. It worked well enough, but the dough was very heavy and kept slipping down the wire. Any tips? Less water, I guess.
Hey Lyne!
Yea, I would make sure when you’re mixing your dough, get it as thick as possible so it stays put. Mine stayed in place really well… I made the dough as dry as possible, mixing in just enough water so it held together.
Can u add paint while mixing d dough????
Could you add food dye to the water to make the coral colored, instead of spray paint?
Yes, you definitely could! Add food color to the dough or use colored salt.
Holy Cow! I’ve been wanting a piece of coral and thanks to you I can make my own! Heck~ I might even let my boys help make some. ;)
~ Ashley
I can’t believe you MADE that! I don’t know what I was thinking when I saw the title but it didn’t actually click! LOL. Looks amazing.
This turned out great and I am so impressed you made it!!
So glad you are a part of this group!
~Ariean