Designer: Jill Cullum
My Inspiration for an under the sea light
This article is very much influenced by my love of the beach. I spent several years with the beach on my doorstep, where I regularly enjoyed early morning walks. And was the inspiration for my Powertex Ammonite Light.
I particularly loved the changing moods of the sea, the smells and a chance to blow away the cobwebs. I’ve chosen fabrics and materials which resemble netting and rocks. Paper deco works very well here.
I have also used some shells which I have added extra colour to. You can always leave these natural though. The Powertex stand gave the finished piece some weight, as well as structure and height.
TOP TIP – Have a hair-dryer ready when adding the Ammonites. You will need them to stay in place so that they have space to poke the lights through. This also gives more 3 dimension to your piece.
Materials Used
- Blue Powertex
- Green Powertex
- Yellow Ochre Powertex
- Black Powertex
- Black Metal Base
- Paper deco
- MDF Ammonites
- 3D Sand
- 3d Balls
- Secret Art Loft Pigments
- Secret Art Loft Acrylics
- Material
- Shells Embellishments from my own stash
- Tin foil
- Masking tape
I chose my materials, cardboard, and embellishments from my stash which included sea shells. I have used sand and 3d ball to create a thick texture for my ammonites, giving them an authentic look.
Building the basic form for the Powertex Ammonite Light

Using the stand a base add tin foil to create rocks and shape, covering with masking tape.
Adding detail

Step 2 – Added more texture using some honeycomb effect cardboard packaging. Hold in place with masking tape. Cover with fabric hardener. Creating texture for the ammonites.
Creating texture for the ammonites

Mix black fabric hardener with sand and small 3d balls. Use this to cover the mdf ammonites. Put to one side until dry.
Bringing the ammonites to life

Step 4 – Once dry use Secret Art Loft pigments to colour the ammonites, using the dry-brushing technique..
Building more structure

Add height and detail using material dipped in green fabric hardener. Blend it over the ‘rocks’ adding height to your form.
Putting the elements together

Before the fabric dries, add your ammonites (see top tip above). Add paper deco placed over the ammonites, using blue fabric hardener, for extra detail.

Finishing Touches
I decided to add colour to the sea-shells using Secret Art Loft acrylic paints, before dry-brushing to bring out the texture. Finally I added the fairy lights.
Why not take a look at my last article here, on how to create pastel shades with fabric hardener.
We love to see what you make, so please share your creativity here, at The Powertex Studio.
I hope you have enjoyed this article and that it inspires you to create your own nightlight. A garden theme using wings and flower embellishments would work well too. Looking forward to seeing your own take on how to use fairy lights, bye for now, Jill x
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