Last summer we strolled the beaches of Florida with four generations of our family. It was the first time our entire clan vacationed together without a wedding, reunion, or other momentous occasion dictating our schedule. That meant that every day was full of lots of sand, leisurely reading and relaxing on the beach, and a daily jog. One of those jogs lead us along a new stretch of coastline that was littered with shells. Many of them still had little critters living inside, calling the shells homes. Others had already been vacated by inhabitants who outgrew their mobile homes.
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My kids, niece, and nephew were all so proud of their finds. You better believe we brought a bunch of those empty shells home. We stored them in glass jars on my older girl’s desk to protect them, but now we’re ready to find something fun to do with them. After cruising the web, I realize the possibilities extend far beyond piling them into a glass jar. Here, I’ve gathered fifteen great summer seashell crafts for kids that I found.
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15 Summer Seashell Crafts
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Sharpie Seashells
After a long beach day, let the kids decorate their shells so you can prep the grill in peace.
source and photo: Creative in Chicago
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Starfish Chandelier
All that glitters isn't gold. Especially when this crystal-studded, show-stopping chandelier is in the room.
photo and tutorial: Debi's Design Diary
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Beachcomber Candleholder
Inside or out, a big candle and shell-adorned holder create ambiance for any gathering.
photo and tutorial: Running with Sisters
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Gilded Seashells
Metallic shells are a luxe twist on these natural wonders.
photo and tutorial: Atta Girl Says
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Coastal Wreaths
Welcome guests into your coastal state of mind, er, home with a beach-y wreath.
photo and tutorial: The Graphics Fairy
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Seashell Tealights
Shells make adorable, teeny tiny tealights to set the mood for outdoor dining.
photo and tutorial: Garden Therapy
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Seashell Mantel Garland
Give your mantel a little swag with a shell-adorned garland.
photo and tutorial: Finding Home Farms
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Seashell Monogram
A family vacation deserves a monogrammed reminder, right?
photo and tutorial: Purple Hues and Me
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Seashell Wall Art
Bring the sea back with you by hanging this DIY wall art over the bed.
photo and tutorial: Sand & Sisal
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Seashell Peacock
Combine a kid's love of clay with shells and bright colors, and they're bound to be busy for hours.
photo and tutorial: Crafty Morning
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Seashell Wind Chimes
The clink of shells in the wind is more than enough reason to sleep with the windows open.
photo and tutorial: Home Sweet Homemade
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Dyed Pastel Seashells
Soft, subtle colored dye helps these otherwise vanilla shells stand out from most beach finds.
photo and tutorial: Rainy Day Mum
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Mermaid Seashell Crown
Whether your girl is obsessed with mermaids or you just want to channel a sea goddess for Halloween, this crown will do the trick.
photo and tutorial: Running with Sisters
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Sand Art Seashells
Cream- and ivory-hued shells get a splash of color when kids decorate them with bright sand.
photo and tutorial: Mess for Less
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Silver Leaf Shell Necklace
This dainty, simple pendant makes a lovely gift to commemorate a girlfriend beach getaway.
photo and tutorial: Lovely, Etc.
