How to Create Seashell Wind Chimes
Kids love beachcombing and gathering treasures. If your last family trip to the beach netted buckets of lovely seashells, put them to good use. Encourage your child to choose a few of his favorite shells, and help him create a seashell wind chime. It's an easy family project requiring only a few simple materials, and each time the wind blows, you'll be reminded of ocean breezes and fun days at the seashore.
Things You'll Need
- Eight seashells
- Plastic cottage cheese or margarine container
- Pencil
- Paper punch
- Craft paint
- Colored markers or stickers (optional)
- Twine or string
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
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1
Ask your child to choose eight of her favorite seashells. The shells should be of somewhat uniform sizes. Smaller shells will work best. Wash the shells in warm, soapy water and lay them on a towel to dry.
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2
Mark eight equally spaced dots along the open edge of the plastic cottage cheese or margarine container. Use a paper punch to create a hole at each dot.
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3
Paint the plastic container with craft paint and allow it to dry. You can also decorate it with colored markers or decorative stickers.
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4
Cut eight pieces of sturdy twine or string into identical lengths about 12 inches long. Using a hot glue gun, attach a piece of twine or string to each shell. Tie each seashell to the plastic container. Cut one more piece of string or twine and use it to hang the seashell wind chime.
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Tips & Warnings
If young children are making a seashell wind chime, use craft glue to connect the yarn to the shells. Hot glue guns can be dangerous, so be sure older children are supervised. If you would rather not glue the shells, you can drill a hole in each one, using a small drill bit.
