Transforming your ocean-inspired treasures into stunning creations is just a shell away. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or collecting memories, the allure of seashells is undeniable. As you wander along the shoreline, it’s impossible not to gather an assortment of these beachy baubles. And when the tide turns and you find yourself surrounded by your newfound treasures, fear not!
Unleash your creativity with these innovative DIY seashell crafts, designed to keep you enthralled, inspired, and shell-abrate your coastal adventures.
Easy Marbled Seashell Art
I’m often reminded of my affection for marbled artwork. The harmony and turmoil that marble painting embodies resonate deeply with me. This unique art form allows for endless experimentation with color combinations and techniques, making it all the more captivating. Before embarking on this creative journey, however, you’ll need to select your shells. Once you have those in hand, gather neon food coloring from a trusted source, bamboo skewers, and paper napkins for any unexpected spills.
Santa Seashell Ornaments
Imagine a winter wonderland by the ocean’s edge. A fusion of snow-white rooftops and sun-kissed beaches could be the perfect setting for Santa to trade in his traditional snowy abode for a beachside retreat! As part of our DIY project, we’re going to bring some coastal cheer to your Christmas tree with seashell Santas. To get started, gather an assortment of paints—think vibrant reds, deep blacks, lush greens, and warm peaches—and the brushes that’ll help you bring these seaside Santas to life.
You’ll also need a few beachy essentials like scallop-shaped seashells, mini pom poms for added texture, and some twine to create the perfect hanger for your ornaments. Once you have all your supplies at the ready, it’s time to unleash your creativity and paint those Santa seashells!
Seashell Candles
Envisioning the ultimate romantic evening with seashell candles is a recipe for pure magic. Imagine the soft glow of candlelight dancing across the sand as you and your loved one relax on the beach, the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore. It’s an intimate setting that screams romance. And the best part? You can create these enchanting candles yourself with minimal effort and expense.
Simply head to a dollar store for all the necessary materials, or get crafty by adding a few drops of essential oil for a personalized scent. If you’re feeling inspired, take a look at our guide on making scented candles and elevate your DIY game.
Decoupage Shell Dish
When it comes to using seashells as trinket dishes or flat bowls, their natural curvature is a major advantage. But what really takes these shells to the next level is adding some artistic flair through decoupage. With your impressive painting and craft skills ready to be unleashed, you can transform these shells into unique works of art. To get started, gather your favorite printed paper or colored tissue paper, along with a bottle of mod podge from [insert link].
You may also need some masking tape, which can be easily sourced as well. Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned and dried your shells to ensure they’re grease-free, you can begin designing your masterpiece – the possibilities are endless!
How To Paint Seashells
While you may already be familiar with painting seashells, why not take it up a notch by using nail polish? This delightful DIY project is ideal for relaxing afternoons when you’re looking for a creative outlet. Since you likely have some nail polish lying around the house, feel free to grab a few bottles and get started. The best part about this activity is that it’s easy to incorporate your handiwork into your home decor.
Simply add your painted shells to a bowl of potpourri or a decorative trinket dish to give it an extra touch.
Map Seashell Gift
I’m passionate about maps – regardless of their age or origin. Vintage maps, in particular, offer a wealth of creative possibilities when it comes to crafting and DIY projects. They can bring a unique charm and character to your finished piece.
For this project, we’ll be combining our love of maps with the natural beauty of seashells. Simply grab a map of your favorite destination and let’s decoupage it onto a shell. The result is sure to be a one-of-a-kind treasure.
But why stop there?
To take your project to the next level, consider adding some golden flair by applying gold leaf paint along the edges of the shell. The combination of vintage maps and luxurious gold accents will surely make for a truly stunning piece.
DIY Seashell Art
As you’ve already explored the world of seashell painting, why not put those skills to use in a new creative endeavor? If you’re sitting on a stash of painted shells, now’s the perfect opportunity to bring them out and get crafting again. For this project, grab your trusty shell collection and pair it with a shadow box frame from [insert source]. This time, we’ll be creating a heart-shaped masterpiece that showcases your artistic flair.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the frame and glass as well – adding a few seashells around the rim can add an extra touch of whimsy.
Glam Clam or Oyster Shell Christmas Ornament
If you’re looking to expand on your seashell ornament collection, you can recreate the magic of last year’s Santa-themed masterpiece with oyster shells as your base. Simply grab these shells and get creative with your paint supplies. To maintain that beachy ambiance, consider hanging your ornaments using beaded twine, which adds an extra layer of visual interest. You can acquire beads from a variety of sources to create unique stringing patterns.
Don’t stop there – feel free to incorporate other coastal embellishments and danglers to take your ornaments to the next level.
Seashell Ornament
The excitement around those handmade oyster shell ornaments is palpable! It’s likely that the desire to create more has taken hold. Fortunately, this time around, regular scallop shells are fair game for crafting. And why not add a touch of glamour by hanging them from beaded string? To give your creations an extra sparkle, simply mix glitter with paint, opting for metallic hues or going all out with a rainbow of colors – the choice is yours!
Scallop Trinket Dish
When it comes to crafting, scallop shells are an underrated gem. Their unique shape makes them perfect for creating one-of-a-kind bowls and trinket dishes. This particular shell boasts a stunning copped coating that adds a touch of elegance to its already vibrant appearance. One of the best things about using scallop shells is that they can be easily paired with other decorative elements to create a three-piece set. Simply add some silver and gold painted shells to complete the look.
These unique pieces make thoughtful gifts for friends or can be used around the house to keep your accessories, keys, loose change, and more organized. For those who enjoy DIY crafts, scallop shells also lend themselves well to decoupage. With a few simple supplies – including mod podge from your craft stash – you can add a personal touch to this beautiful shell.
Sand Dollar Garland
Sand dollars are often misunderstood as being just shells, but they’re actually living creatures that burrow into sand and are related to sea urchins and starfish. When a sand dollar dies, its shell will bleach to white, leaving behind a skeleton-like appearance. Now that we’ve got the science out of the way, let’s dive into the fun part – creating! You can replicate this garland using artificial sand dollars, which can be found online or at craft stores.
DIY Seashell Ornaments
Why not revisit the timeless joy of creating seashell ornaments with our kids? While we’ve traditionally used beaded twine, consider swapping it out for a thin ribbon instead. Simply drill a hole at the top of each shell and thread the ribbon through. To add an extra layer of texture and visual interest, why not incorporate some decoupage magic into your project? This might just be the perfect excuse to stock up on Mod Podge in bulk!
Resin Door Knobs
DIY resin projects offer endless possibilities for creativity and preservation. But did you know that resin can be used to create functional items, such as door knobs? The key is to start with a silicone mold and choose the contents wisely. You can add a pop of color with food dye, some sparkle with glitter, and then introduce natural elements like seashells. Simply press the shell into the resin and let it set.
Alternatively, you could incorporate other beach treasures like sand dollars or starfish to create truly unique pieces.
Beach Seashell Necklace
Seashell necklaces are the epitome of beachy chic, and who says they’re just for kids? If you’ve ever wanted one but thought it was too juvenile, think again! Now that you’re all grown up, why not create your own unique piece to express your personal style? You can collect special shaped seashells to serve as the focal point of your necklace. To add some extra flair, thread a few beads onto cotton string before securing them with a knot.
This fun and easy craft is perfect for teens looking for a creative outlet.
Handprint Sand Clay Keepsake
Transforming memories of a sun-kissed summer into treasured keepsakes is now possible with homemade sand clay and a few seashells you collected during your beach escapade. Start by gathering sand from the shore, flour, salt, and water to create your unique mixture. Pay attention to the proportions as you blend the ingredients together, following the recipe to achieve the perfect consistency. Once you have your sand dough ready, it’s time to get creative!
Use the seashells you collected to add a touch of coastal charm to your artwork. Secure them in place with a dab of glue, and then seal your masterpiece with a layer of mod podge to ensure its durability and shine.
Seashell Fish In Aquarium
Create a stunning seashell craft with your little ones and adorn their nursery with it. This project is incredibly easy to execute, and you likely already possess all the required materials at home. Before starting, grab some paper plates from hereand a set of googly eyesfrom this link. Once you’ve gathered everything, remember to spread out newspaper to catch any paint spills. Having some paper napkins on hand wouldn’t hurt either.
If your kids enjoy crafting with popsicle sticks, be sure to check out this fish craft idea.
DIY Seashell Wreath
There’s something undeniably charming about creating a seashell wreath, especially when it comes to hanging it on your front door or porch during the summer months. Not only does it bring a touch of beachy charm to your entryway, but it also serves as a perfect way to embody the laid-back vibes of the season. With its sun-kissed connotations and promise of warm weather adventures, what better way to celebrate the start of summer than with a wreath that captures the essence of the sea?
To get started, simply pick up a wreath form from your favorite craft store, grab a hot glue gun, and begin arranging those seashells in a beautiful, beach-inspired pattern. If you’re looking for some extra help (or just want to involve the family in a fun DIY project), consider enlisting the assistance of your little ones – after all, it’s always more enjoyable with friends by your side!
For even more inspiration and ideas on creating stunning summer wreaths, be sure to check out these DIY tutorials.
Seashell Flower Garden
Combining the tranquility of seashells with the vibrant beauty of flowers is a perfect way to bring the essence of summer into your art. As spring arrives, our gardens come alive with colorful blooms, making it an ideal time to merge these two themes. To achieve this, we’ll use a canvas board or white cardstock as our canvas and combine different types of seashells, paint, and tack-its in creative ways. Before we start, let’s gather all the necessary materials.
Seashell Magnet
To truly transform your seashell collection, why not consider turning them into functional pieces that can be displayed proudly? While there are only so many places to showcase your treasured shells, a simple yet effective solution is to turn them into refrigerator magnets. This way, you can enjoy your shells’ beauty while keeping them within easy reach.
To make this happen, you can use clay to press magnets into the back of your shells or opt for a more straightforward approach using gorilla glue. Not only will this keep your shells organized and visible, but it’ll also add a touch of personality to your kitchen space. If you’re looking for even more creative inspiration, you might enjoy exploring the world of fingerprint magnets as well!
Seashell Butterfly
As the sun begins to shine brighter, so do our creative spirits! Seashells and butterflies are the quintessential symbols of summer’s warmth and beauty. To start this delightful project, gather your seashell collection, along with some vibrant pipe cleaners, paints, brushes, cardstock, adhesive tape, and any other embellishments that catch your eye. You can also add a touch of whimsy with flower stickers or explore more creative possibilities with these alternative pipe cleaner craft ideas.
DIY Seashell Wind Chime
Imagine yourself wrapped in the serenity of a summer evening at the beach. The gentle ocean breeze rustles your hair as you sit on the porch, savoring the refreshing taste of a cold beer. The aroma of saltwater and sun-kissed air envelops you, transporting you to a state of relaxation. But what’s lacking from this idyllic scene? That’s right – a wind chime that harmonizes with the coastal atmosphere!
Envision a melodious seashell wind chime gently swaying in the breeze, its soft clinking adding to the symphony of sounds and sensations. To create this masterpiece, simply gather some wooden dowels, an assortment of seashells, and twine. Let your creativity flow as you bring this beachy charm to life!
DIY Coral And Shell Resin Bangle
Running low on your resin supply? Don’t worry, simply head over here to stock up. With this tutorial, you’ll be making beautiful coral and seashell bangles in no time, and who wouldn’t want more than a dozen of these stunning creations? To give them an extra pop, consider adding a few drops of resin dye for a splash of color. The natural texture from the seashells is already impressive, but a bit of color will really bring out their beauty.
For added ease, use tweezers to carefully place and secure any shells or embellishments within the resin. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our collection of resin crafts – there’s plenty to love!
Beachy Picture Frame
Before using up all that resin, remember you’ll need more for this creative project. This unique upcycled keepsake picture frame is another way to preserve memories of your beach trip and put those collected shells and pebbles to good use. To create the design, carefully place the pebbles and any other embellishments within the frame using tweezers or a similar tool. Don’t be afraid to add some color or sparkle to give it an extra personal touch.
Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, let the epoxy set before admiring your handiwork. And if you love this project, consider creating easy paper frames for kids too.
DIY Sand Dollar Resin Coasters
As we explored the fascinating world of sand dollars earlier, you now have a solid understanding of what we’re working with. This foundational knowledge will serve as the perfect base for our creative endeavor – turning these flat and smooth natural wonders into coasters that are not only functional but also visually stunning.
To give your coasters an extra layer of protection and make them truly unique, you’ll need to encase the sand dollars in an epoxy solution.
This process allows the epoxy to harden and bond with the sand dollar, creating a durable and long-lasting coaster.
But that’s not all – you can also add some color to your coasters by mixing pigments into the epoxy or getting creative with paint directly on the sand dollar itself. The possibilities are endless, and it’s entirely up to you how you choose to decorate your coasters.
To get started, be sure to pick up a set of silicone coaster molds specifically designed for resin here!
Mermaid Tiaras
Transforming into a mermaid queen requires the perfect accessory – a stunning seashell tiara! To achieve this underwater glamour, start by either crafting your own masterpiece or acquiring one that exudes mermaid magic. After all, every little mermaid deserves to feel like royalty, whether in the ocean or on land. And what’s more enchanting than wearing a tiara on Halloween? For kids who want to channel their inner mermaid princess, it’s essential to make this dream come true.
To get started, gather your supplies: an assortment of colorful seashells, paints and brushes for decoration, a trusty hot glue gun, a plastic tiara base as the foundation, and some sparkly chenille stems to add that extra touch of mermaid allure.
DIY Seashell Ornaments
Add some coastal charm to your seashell collection with these sparkly ornaments. Not only are they adorable and unique, but you can also give them a personalized touch by swapping out the standard satin ribbon or twine for something more playful like raffia. This tropical-inspired material comes in a range of colors, which you can discover here.
Mermaid Wand
Your little Mer- fairy has fallen head over fins for her new mermaid tiara, and now she’s got her sights set on a matching wand. Who says mermaids don’t wield magic wands, right? To create this underwater masterpiece, gather all the colorful ribbons from your craft stash. If you’re running low, feel free to stock up on more here – you’ll need an abundance of ribbon to create the ‘trail’ effect. The core colors for this enchanting wand are a delightful mix of pink, purple, and blue hues.
To add some extra oomph, be sure to incorporate sparkles, shiny crystals, and beads into your design. With these magical ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a truly one-of-a-kind mermaid wand that’s sure to make your little Mer-fairy feel like the queen of the ocean.
Beach Ornaments For Christmas
Bring the warmth of the beach to your Christmas celebration by crafting beautiful seashell ornaments for your tree. The best part? It’s a fun and creative activity to enjoy with your kids, allowing you to relax and indulge in a well-deserved cup of coffee while they get crafty. Gather an assortment of seashells, sand dollars, starfish, and other beach-inspired embellishments to create unique and eye-catching decorations.
And if you’re feeling extra festive, don’t be afraid to add a conch shell or two for an added touch of whimsy. With this activity, you’ll not only be creating special holiday memories with your loved ones but also enjoying quality time together.
Tropical Seashell Fish Craft
The perfect harmony between seashells and fish crafts is indeed a curious phenomenon. When creating ocean-inspired art with kids, it’s as if the seashells were designed specifically for this purpose. Before getting started, prepare your workspace by laying out some newspapers to protect against any accidental paint spills or splatters. If little ones are involved, you can bet on some creative chaos breaking out!
Next, gather a few essential supplies: paint bottles, brushes, and those adorable googly eyes that add an extra layer of charm. As you work on your project, take note of the seashells’ unique shapes and how they resemble the fins of your fish. It’s truly remarkable how these natural wonders can be repurposed to create such a delightful craft. If you’re enjoying this creative endeavor, you might also appreciate our other fun fish craft ideas for kids!
DIY Jellyfish Seashell Craft
I’ll admit that my initial encounter with jellyfish left me unsettled. Reading about the first aid remedy for treating stings only reinforced this feeling. As a result, I’m more vigilant at the beach now. However, these crafty jellyfish aren’t menacing – their only potential threat is accidental paper cuts when crafting intricate designs. To add some flair, you’re free to incorporate plenty of sparkle. In fact, these sea-blue painted jellyfish might benefit from a dash of color and shine.
DIY Beach Tray
Seashell trays are a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. They’re not just useful as serving vessels but also serve as elegant display pieces for decorative trinkets, candles, essential oil diffusers, or trinket bowls. To get started, you’ll need to select the perfect tray for your needs. Consider browsing through a variety of shapes and styles, from round and square to rectangular and even unique honeycomb hexagon trays.
For inspiration, you can explore our collection of creative projects for adults.
Seashell Mirror
Seashell mirrors are a staple in many beachside homes, boasting a laid-back charm that’s equal parts surfer-cool and shabby-chic. While you can find pre-made versions at a premium price, making your own is not only more budget-friendly but also an opportunity to get creative. To create this coastal-inspired decor, simply gather the necessary materials – including a mirror of your desired dimensions, shells, paint, Mod Podge, white glue, and other embellishments found online or in craft stores.
As you apply the shells, take care not to scratch the glass surface with your gluing efforts.
Seashell Candle With Beeswax
When crafting seashell candles again, why not try something new and upgrade to beeswax? It’s an exceptional choice in terms of quality and eco-friendliness. I always opt for beeswax when making candles. You can source high-quality beeswax from here. For the wicks, you’ll need tea light ones; if they’re too large for your shells, simply trim them with scissors using this link as a reference. Additionally, consider exploring our DIY bottle cap candle-making guide while you’re at it.
Seashell Fish
When it comes to seashell crafts, the more the merrier applies – especially when it comes to adding seashell fish decorations. While having too many shells might be a problem, incorporating another seashell fish into your craft is always a great idea. The natural sandy, pastel hue of seashells makes them easy to work with, so feel free to get creative without worrying about painting them.
Simply add some googly eyes to give your fishes some personality and you’re ready to dive in and start crafting!
Paper Plate Seashell Craft For Preschoolers
When faced with a creative conundrum or lacking inspiration, I find that paper plate crafts are the perfect solution. They offer endless hours of entertainment for young toddlers and foster a sense of accomplishment as they work on their latest project. The best part? You likely already have the necessary materials at your fingertips.
Grab those paper plates and gather some seashells – you’ll be transforming them into seashell-shaped masterpieces!
Begin by having your little ones draw the pattern onto the plate, providing a chance for them to develop their cutting skills. Just remember to keep a watchful eye as they work their creative magic.
This engaging craft also happens to be an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about creativity and self-expression. And if you’re looking for more fun paper plate crafts, consider this alternative: the classic paper plate flower craft.
Candy Seashells
Planning a beach-themed birthday party? The perfect finishing touch is just around the corner! These remarkably lifelike candy seashells make ideal cake toppers for cupcakes, cookies, or cakes. To create these treasures, simply grab microwaveable bowls, a plastic or silicone seashell mold from your favorite online retailer, and your chosen chocolates and candies to melt and pour into the molds. For a smooth consistency, stir in any stubborn lumps with a popsicle stick before pouring.
With this simple recipe, you’ll be on your way to creating stunning beach-themed party treats that will leave your guests shell-shocked!
Crab And Turtle Shellfish Magnets
As a child, I was captivated by crustaceans. It wasn’t just the thrill of consuming them – although, I must admit, that was definitely a part of it. What truly fascinated me were the mysteries surrounding their shells. The question ‘what lies beneath?’ would often linger in my mind, leaving me intrigued.
If your kids are similarly enthralled by creatures like crabs and turtles, you have a golden opportunity to impart valuable knowledge through an engaging craft session.
To get started, gather a selection of seashells, paints, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners. With these materials at your disposal, the possibilities for creative expression are endless!
