First, of course, we’ll use the shells in our homeschool–cleaning, sorting, identifying, labeling, and displaying them. We’ve got big plans for studying the life cycle and anatomy of the bivalve, and the ocean biome in general, and so you can’t have too many shells for that! In my house, however, homeschooling only just barely wins out over crafting in terms of priorities, and so you can bet that at least half of our seashells are going to end up sacrificed to the greater good that is the handmade project. Do you have a seashell collection just burning a hole in whatever closet you stuffed it in after your last vacation? Put those souvenirs to use, and create a handmade object that will forever remind you of your special vacation. Here are five crafty projects to get you started: A good way to show off an entire collection (and a good way to use up a whole bunch of shells at one time), is this seashell display box, tutorial courtesy of Craftlicious, turns a boring plain shadow box into a work of art with embellishment. The key here is to use stash paints and scrapbook supplies to really personalize your shadow box–you could also use photos or postcards from your vacation to make this project really special. If you don’t already have an old shadow box taking up room somewhere in your house, haunt this summer’s garage sales, or use the kind of windowed box that some store-bought items come in. [The image on this page is the property of Craftlicious.] Next » As a party decoration or in a beach-themed room, a seashell garland, like this one from Completely Coastal, is a simple accent. And if your shells don’t already have holes in them (most of these holes come from carnivorous mollusks that secrete an acid that dissolves the shell so that they can get into the tasty insides–just sayin’), then you get to use power tools! Honestly, I wouldn’t rule out using this garland on my Christmas tree this year. It’s that cute. [The image on this page is the property of Completely Coastal.] Next » To make something useful out of your teeny-tiny, most picturesque shells, check out this seashell napkin ring tutorial from Crafts for All Seasons. It uses jute, which is thick enough to maintain its structure without a liner. The best part of this craft is that it’s genuinely useful–sure, these napkin rings are cute for parties, but they would also make an excellent everyday setting for a summertime table. [The image on this page is the property of Crafts for All Seasons.] Next » Of course, kids don’t want to glue their seashell treasures to a napkin ring–they want to play with them! This kid-made seashell treasure box, tutorial courtesy of Joyababy blog, is easy to do by upcycling any small box. Give the kids some craft paints or some Mod Podge and magazines, and before long they’ll have the perfect hiding place for their beach treasures. [The image on this page is the property of Joyababy blog.] Next » While on Sanibel Island, my girls and I went to the Bailey Matthews Shell Museum and gazed in awe at the sailor’s valentines, and yes, I’m going to have my own particular take on that particular craft at some point in the future, but in the meantime, if you’re burning to make your own sailor’s valentine shell mosaic designs, then you must check out this sailor’s valentine box tutorial from Amanda of 32NorthSupplies, featured on the Etsy Supply Street Team blog. A sailor’s valentine-type box would make a lovely keepsake, but I’m also imagining a completely over-the-top Christmas here, with every gift housed in its own handmade keepsake box. Too much? [The image on this page is the property of Amanda of 32NorthSupplies.]
