You’re About to Be Obsessed with Martha Stewart’s Clamshell Wreath

If you’re looking for the perfect host or hostess gift to give your friend with a beach house, or if you want to bring some seaside feels into your own space, Martha Stewart just shared a beautiful (and incredibly simple) DIY shell wreath that you’re definitely about to obsess over.

“The shells that the ocean drops at your feet during the summertime — the ones you thoroughly enjoy collecting — make lovely remembrances of the season,” Stewart captioned her July 18 post. “Encircled on a flat frame, these clamshells are naturally dyed in a gradient for a summer decoration. They’re perfect for a minimalist front-door greeting (or wall hanging) and get their ombré effect from a simple soak in dye made from purple cabbage for varying lengths of time.”

Yes, purple cabbage. Incredible.

To make your own Martha Stewart-inspired clamshell wreath, you’ll need about 60 clamshells (make sure they’re washed, dried, and not clammy), a flat wooden wreath form like this one from Michaels, white vinegar, table salt, hot glue gun, twine, and of course, purple cabbage.

As Stewart writes on her blog, cover the cabbage with water, bring to a boil, and then simmer for about 30 minutes. While it simmers, figure out how many clamshells you want to dye. Remove the cabbage after it’s done simmering and add the vinegar (two tablespoons for every one cup of liquid) and two-and-a-half tablespoons of salt, and boil again.

Finally, drop in your clamshells and simmer for about 25 minutes. Then take the pot off the heat, and allow the shells to sit in the liquid overnight or until you reach the depth of color you desire. Arrange and glue on the wreath form, and voila — you’ve got yourself your new favorite piece of home decor. Thanks, cabbage!