Does your child have a treasure trove of seashells collected on a recent beach trip? Are they itching to unleash their creativity? Look no further than these 20 seashell crafts for kids!
These crafts are perfect for a rainy day, a summer afternoon, or anytime you want to bring the magic of the ocean indoors.
Most of these crafts require minimal supplies and are suitable for a variety of ages.
Sparkling Seashell Necklaces:
Thread colorful beads onto elastic cord and alternate them with your child’s favorite seashells. This is a simple yet elegant way to showcase their beach treasures. For a more whimsical touch, consider adding starfish or small pieces of driftwood.
Seashell Earrings:
Drill a small hole (with adult supervision) near the top of two similar-sized shells. Thread a jump ring through the hole and attach an earring hook. Voila! Instant beach-inspired earrings.
Seashell Bracelets:
Similar to the necklace, string seashells onto elastic cord or yarn. This craft allows for more customization – kids can create a single-strand bracelet with various shells or get fancy with multiple strands in different colors.
Seashell Creatures:
Seashell Turtles:
Paint a large, flat shell green or brown for the turtle’s body. Use smaller shells for the head, legs, and tail. Googly eyes add a playful touch.
Seashell Crabs:
Find a large crab claw shell or use two similar-sized shells for the body. Smaller shells can be glued on for legs and claws. Pipe cleaners work great for crafting the delicate antennae.
Seashell Fish:
This is a fantastic opportunity to unleash your child’s artistic side! Paint a base shell in vibrant colors and use other shells for fins and details. Don’t forget the wiggly eyes!
Seashell Sea Serpent:
Line up multiple shells in a winding formation and glue them together. Paint the shells in blues, greens, and purples to create a mystical sea serpent. Pipe cleaners or yarn can be used for tentacles.
Seashell Mobiles:
Seashell Wind Chimes:
This craft is a beautiful addition to a child’s room. Hang various sized shells from a wooden dowel or embroidery hoop using fishing line or yarn. Small bells can be added for a gentle, tinkling sound.
Seashell Mobile with Sea Creatures:
Create a mobile using a branch or a hoop. Hang seashell sea creatures (like the ones made in project #4-#6) along with other ocean-themed decorations like cut-out fish or paper seahorses.
Seashell Dreamcatcher:
This craft combines the calming beauty of seashells with the dream-catching magic of a traditional dreamcatcher. Wrap yarn or embroidery floss around a hoop and weave a loose web. Decorate the web with seashells, feathers, and beads.
Seashell Home Décor:
Seashell Picture Frame:
Liven up a plain picture frame by gluing seashells of various sizes and shapes around the edges. This adds a coastal touch to cherished photos.
Seashell Mirror:
Similar to the picture frame, use seashells to create a decorative border around a small mirror. This is a perfect addition to a bathroom or bedroom.
Seashell Candle Holder:
For a safe and beautiful candle holder, use a large, sturdy shell as the base. Fill it with sand and place a small tealight candle on top. For extra ambiance, add a few smaller shells and colorful pebbles around the base.
Seashell Windsock:
This is a delightful way to add a touch of the beach to your child’s outdoor space. Cut a piece of fabric into a rectangle and sew the long edges together to create a tube. Decorate the fabric with seashells, paint, or fabric markers. Attach the tube to a hoop and hang it outside for a whimsical display.
Seashell Playtime Fun:
Seashell Matching Game:
This is a simple yet educational game for younger children. Paint the inside of two identical shells with the same color or symbol. Hide the shells around the house and have your child find the matching pairs.
Seashell Tic-Tac-Toe:
Find nine flat shells and paint them Paint them in alternating colors or with X’s and O’s. Draw a tic-tac-toe board on a piece of cardboard or fabric and use the shells as playing pieces.
Seashell Treasure Hunt:
Hide small toys or treats inside empty shells and scatter them around a room or backyard. Create a treasure map (optional) and let your child embark on a seashell adventure!
Seashell Sensory Play:
Seashell Sensory Bin:
Fill a plastic bin with sand, rice, or beans. Add the seashell collection, along with other ocean-themed toys like plastic sea creatures or small boats. This is a great way for children to explore textures and engage in imaginative play.
Seashell Counting and Sorting:
This activity is perfect for introducing basic math concepts to younger children. Let them sort the shells by size, color, or type. You can also use the shells for simple counting exercises.
Seashell Keepsakes:
Seashell Memory Box:
Decorate a small box with paint, glitter, and seashells. This box becomes a special place to store keepsakes from your beach trip – ticket stubs, small rocks, or even sand collected in a jar.
Bonus Project: Seashell Mosaic Artwork:
This project is a fantastic way to unleash your child’s creativity and create a unique piece of seashell art. Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or wood as the base. Glue the seashells onto the base in a mosaic pattern, creating designs, pictures, or even messages. For a polished look, paint the background or fill in any gaps between the shells with acrylic paint.
Safety Tips:
- Adult supervision is recommended for younger children, especially when using hot glue or sharp objects like drill bits.
- Be sure to wash the seashells thoroughly before crafting with them. Soak them in a mild saltwater solution for a few minutes, then rinse them with clean water and let them dry completely.
- Choose seashells that are appropriate for the project. For example, small, delicate shells might not be suitable for gluing or painting.
With a little imagination and these fun seashell crafts, you can transform a beach collection into lasting memories and creative keepsakes! So, gather your seashells, unleash your creativity, and get ready for some seaside fun at home!
