When you go to the beach in summer, you sometimes pick up seashells to take home as souvenirs, right?
I think many people want to make something using those shells.
In this article, we’ll introduce craft ideas you can make with seashells.
They’re perfect not only as home decor but also for elementary school craft projects.
Use these ideas when you’re wondering what to make for a summer vacation project.
You can also buy seashells online, so if you want a variety of shells, be sure to check them out.
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Fun craft ideas using seashells. Turn your summer memories into crafts! (1–10)
snow globe
How about making a charming snow globe filled with summer memories? With a small store-bought jar and seashells you picked up at the beach, you can easily create an original snow globe.
Just attach your favorite shells to the inside of the lid, then fill the jar with distilled water, glycerin, and glitter.
Give it a shake, and the shimmering glitter will swirl, making you feel as if you’re under the sea.
It’s a fun activity to do with kids and makes a perfect gift for someone special.
Changing the types of shells gives it a different vibe each time.
Why not turn your summer memories into a lovely piece of home decor?
Aquarium-style air freshener
Let’s make an air freshener that looks like a cool, aquarium-like display by using seashells you have on hand.
You’ll need an ice pack (gel), glass sand, aroma oil, decorative items like beads, and a glass container to put them in.
You might already have a spare glass container and ice pack at home.
Put the contents of the ice pack into the glass and use a bamboo skewer to level the surface, then spread a layer of glass sand on top.
Add another layer of the ice pack gel, building up several layers, and place in the seashells and beads as you go.
Finish with a few drops of aroma oil, and it’s done.
It should make a lovely accent for your room or entryway.
photo frame
If you’re wondering how to use the seashells you have at home, why not make a photo stand using a 100-yen shop photo frame? All you need is a photo frame, seashells, and wood glue.
The method is simply to glue the shells onto the surface of the frame with wood glue, but instead of sticking them on right away, first place the shells on the frame to simulate the arrangement and check their sizes and balance.
Once you’ve decided where to place them, apply wood glue to the back of each shell and stick them onto the photo frame.
You can also paint the photo frame first with acrylic paint, if you like.
interior box
How about making an interior decor box using a lidded box from a 100-yen shop? Line the inside of the box with a fabric you like using wood glue, then use a glue gun to attach anything you like on top of the fabric—such as seashells, beads, glass sand, or pearl beads.
Not only seashells—if you also enclose mementos from that time, it could become a keepsake box that preserves your memories.
You can also make use of other stylish accessories and items sold at 100-yen shops!
Summer seaside arrangement using magical water
Why not try making a summer beach-inspired arrangement using Magical Water, a colorless, crystal-clear resin that looks just like real water? You’ll need a glass container, glass sand or colored sand, beads, seashells, and so on.
First, fill the glass container with your choice of sand, such as glass sand or colored sand.
Place the seashells on top, then pour in the Magical Water.
Since Magical Water doesn’t harden immediately, you can use a bamboo skewer to adjust the position of the shells, and even add beads from above.
It’s a summery piece that looks cool and elegant on display.
mobile
How about turning seashells into a mobile so you can enjoy them as interior decor? Decide the order to hang them and consider the shell sizes so you can arrange them in a balanced way.
Use twine to connect the shells—pierce holes in thin shells with an awl, and for shells that are hard to drill, wrap and tie the twine around them.
If you have driftwood, try using it for a beautiful finish.
Hang the mobile from the ceiling to enjoy a cool, breezy atmosphere.
Seashell Art
Since you went to the trouble of collecting them at the beach, why not turn the shells into shell art and put them on display? If you’re short on time, simply writing the date and place you found them on the white part of the shells will make for a nice memory.
If you’d like to add a touch of creativity, how about coloring them with nail polish? It could look glamorous to arrange beads or old earrings and rings before the polish dries.
If you love masking tape, it might be fun to stick on short pieces of different kinds of washi tape.
Even just adding your initials will leave your name on them—and that personal touch means a lot!