Projects for Using Clamshells

Clamshells are something that beach combers always seem to find plenty of. But what can you do with these beauties that the sea has given you? Luckily there are several uses for clamshells and all sizes of them.

If you have a lot, I mean a whole lot, you can crush them up and make them into gravel to put on a pathway in your yard. Like I said, this would take a whole lot of clamshells, but it can be done.

If you have some pretty good size clamshells you can use them as paint palettes. Of course, this would have to be a project that is fairly small. But you could either use one for all the colors of paint you need or use several clamshells.

Large clamshells can be used for many things, probably more things than the smaller clamshells. They can be used as a trowel for transplanting plants in the garden or for a food and/or water bowl in an aquarium for hermit crabs. Clamshells can also be used as bake ware for seafood casseroles or even as interesting serving dishes.

A jewelry holder can be made by using a large clamshell and several smaller clamshells. Simply glue the smaller clamshells onto the larger one and the small clamshells can hold rings, earrings, necklaces and etc.

Making a wind chime out of clamshells is probably the most known use of the smaller clamshells that people pick up on the beach. With a stick, some fishing string and lots of clamshells this activity can keep children, both young and old, busy for quite awhile. It is also a creative way to use all those clamshells. A little paint or markers thrown in can also add to the project. Holes will need to be punched into each clamshell in order to run the string through them. Punching the holes will need to be done by an adult, but the rest of the project can be completed by children.

There are many more uses for clamshells than just these few listed here. This is just a good starting point for those who have had the joy and relaxation of walking down the beach and finding these beauties, then wondering what they are going to do with them once they get home. Before you leave the beach area, look around at what other people have done with them, there is surely something that will inspire you to use your treasures in a similar fashion.