Beach vacations have a lot of high points. There's the sun, the body surfing, beers on the beach and, yes, the built-in souveniers. I'm talking about shells, of course. If you're anything like me, you come back from walks on the shore with pockets filled with sand-smoothed rocks, coral, shark's teeth and clam shells. But once you're back home? Those beach baubles have a little less luster, and often end up relegated to a jar or a basket or a box to be stored away or worse -- covered in just. But we can all do better. Check out three of our favorite ways to use these finds post-vacation:  

Adorable and easy, right? If you're lucky enough to find a conch shell, put it to use by adding some rocks for drainage, a handful of soil and your favorite succulent. (We used echeveria.) 

For shells that literally lost their luster post-vacay, bring it back by giving them a coat of metallic gold spray paint. This is perfect for those finds that looked waaaaay prettier under the water. Use a heavy-duty craft glue to attach them to a piece of wood for a nautically-inspired necklace holder. 

The last project is my personal favorite: Seashell specimen art. All you need? A shadowbox-style frame with a mat, and some matching clamshells. Use heavy-duty craft glue to group several smaller shells, or let a few larger sets steal the show. Either way? So. Much. Better. than a basket of shells.