Unique Seashell Crafts for Kids

Want to keep the kids occupied on a cold or rainy day? Break out the craft supplies and spend quality time together making any of the seashell crafts we've provided below. All you'll need are a few basic materials you already have at home, and clean seashells. If you live near the beach, you have an endless supply of seashells for these kids crafts! Otherwise, pre-cleaned seashells can be purchased at you local craft store.

A quick note about cleaning seashells - Before you can use your shells for crafting, they will need to be thoroughly cleaned if you have collected them from the beach. To do this, soak the shells in a deep bowl using one part water and one part bleach. Allow the shells to soak overnight. Then, use a soft toothbrush to gently remove any excess debris or sand. Rinse the shells with cold water and allow them to dry completely. Once your shells are clean and dry, they can be used for any of the seashell crafts below.

Seashell Pencil Cup - This seashell craft requires very little adult assistance and uses just a handful of supplies. This project will require the following materials:

- Empty can (a leftover can from canned vegetables or fruit works great)
- Popsicle sticks
- Tacky craft glue
- Acrylic paint or markers
- Clean seashells
- Spray glitter

Clean the can thoroughly and remove any paper. Allow your child to paint the popsicle sticks (or color them with markers). Paste the popsicle sticks in place all around the can. If the sticks are too long, trim them to fit accordingly. Once the sticks are glued in place, they can be sprayed with a touch of glitter. Glue several seashells in place around the bottom edge, or in any pattern that you find appealing.

Seashell Bracelet - Seashell bracelets aren't just for girls! Boys can wear them as friendship bracelets too. These seashell crafts will require some adult assistance and supervision, but they are not difficult to make. The following supplies are needed:

- Several seashells of varying shapes and sizes
- Handheld drill and small bit
- Clear bead wire
- Adult assistance and supervision

To make these crafts for kids, simply drill a small hole in each shell. Then, string together several different shells with clear bead wire. The bracelet will look best if it's full, and no wire is showing, so use many different shapes and sizes of shells. The same technique can be used to make shell necklaces too.

Seashell Checkers Game - Your child will enjoy playing a game of checkers with pieces that he made himself! When making these crafts for kids, adults won't have to do much more than watch, as this is something they should be able to do all on their own. The following materials are needed:

- Checkerboard
- Clean seashells
- Gold spray paint
- Silver spray paint
- Spray glitter (optional)

To make these fun kids crafts, your child need to collect twenty four same-size seashells. Then, he or she will spray paint the top of twelve shells with the gold paint and the other twelve with silver. Do not spray the bottom of the shells, as this will cause them to stick to surface areas. Allow the paint to dry completely before playing. Spray glitter can be added too for a pretty finish! When it comes time to 'King' another player, the shells can be tipped on their sides or turned upside down.

Seashell Mobile - These kids crafts are a little more advanced to make, and an adult will need to do much of the work. But the finished project will look pretty hanging on a patio, outdoor room, foyer, or even in the bedroom. The following supplies are needed:

- Clean seashells of varying sizes
- Handheld drill with small bit
- Clear bead wire or fishing line
- Small piece of wood
- 'S' hook
- Adult assistance and supervision

Drill a small hole in each seashell with a handheld drill or Dremel tool. You'll want to decide how many lines you want to hang from your seashell mobile and drill that many holes through the wood. Then, insert a piece of clear wire through each seashell hole and string the wire to hang roughly 12" long. You can hang as many seashells as want on each string, but you will need to tie a knot through each one to hold it in place. When you have all the strings threaded with seashells, insert the strings through the holes in the wood. Attach a small 'S' hook to the top of the wood and hang your finished seashell mobile in place.

Seashell Mirror - This seashell craft will require adult assistance and supervision, but it doesn't require any drilling or tool use. The supplies and directions needed to complete this project can be found in the following article. Beaded Mirror Craft Project - You will merely need to substitute seashells for beads.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

How to Make Clay Bead Jewelry for Kids

Unique Shoebox Crafts for Kids

Memory Box Craft Project

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge