Seashell & Sand Crafts

Seashells and sand make beautiful craft projects.

Many adults and children enjoy going to the beach to swim, soak up the sun and collect seashells. If you have an abundance of seashells and beach sand, use your imagination to create a variety of exciting crafts. Seashells and sand are also available at many craft stores. From a beach letter wall hanging to sport-themed sand art bottles, a few supplies are all you need to get started.

Beach Letter Wall Hanging

Purchase "B," "E," "A," "C" and "H" wood letters at the craft store. Use a paintbrush to paint a layer of wood glue on the front of the letters. Sprinkle sand all over the letters and allow time to dry. Shake off any excess sand once the letters dry. Hot glue seashells to the front of the letters for added decoration. Use a staple gun to attach a piece of ribbon to each letter and hang them on the wall.

Sand and Seashell Jar

For a basic sand and seashell craft, take a clear jar (mason jars work perfect) and fill it with beach sand. Put the lid on the jar and hot glue several seashells to the lid of the jar. Tie beach-themed ribbon around the mouth of the jar. Hot glue tiny seashells on the ribbon for more decoration.

Plaster Fish

Make a plaster fish by filling a large plastic bin with sand and adding a little water until it reaches sand castle-building consistency. Dig out the shape of a fish in the sand. Use seashells and pebbles to make an eye, mouth, fin and scales on the fish. Place the seashells and pebbles upside down. Mix 7 cups of plaster of Paris with 3 cups of water, which will make the consistency thick and creamy. Slowly pour the plaster over the pebbles and seashells until the "fish" is about 1/2 full. After an hour, easily dig around the outside of the plaster fish and slowly brush away any excess sand. Fix any flaws and allow the plaster to cure for at least 24 hours.

Sports-Themed Sand Art

Create sports-themed sand art bottles using a round plastic bottle for a baseball and a football-shaped bottle to make a football. Plastic football-shaped bottles are available at many retail stores and have soda in them. Rinse and clean the bottles. Fill the round plastic bottle with layers of white sand and a few red stripes in between to resemble a baseball. To create football sand art, fill the football shaped bottle with brown sand and a few white stripes.

References

• Completely Coastal: Decorative Seashell Craft Ideas
• Artists Helping Children: Sand Arts & Crafts
• Family Fun: Sand-cast Bass