We enjoy taking our grandchildren to visit various zoos and aquariums across the east coast. Every time we’re at one they’re always drawn to those adorable black and white penguins. Matter of fact, penguins are one of their favorite animals to see!
For part of our winter season decor we decided to paint a few large clam seashells and turn them into these adorable penguins! For this craft project you’ll need a large clam shell and some craft paint. Aren’t they cute? I think so!
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DIY Painted Penguin Large Clam Seashells
4″ to 6″ Wide Clam Shell
Black Acrylic Craft Paint
White Acrylic Craft Paint
Yellow or Orange Acrylic Craft Paint
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towels
Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer, Glossy Finish
Note: You can decide ahead of time if you want your penguin to have a bright yellow or an orange beak. We’ve made them both ways.
Base coat your large clam seashell with 2 coats of black acrylic craft paint, let dry for 30-45 minutes. Make 2 large ovals with your white acrylic craft paint to serve as the eyes. Use the orange or yellow acrylic craft paint to make a triangular-shaped beak. You will want your beak to have arc-shape corners. Let dry for 30 minutes.
Use the black acrylic craft paint to make 2 smaller oval shapes inside the white ovals to serve as the inner eyes. Make 2 small black dots inside his beak. See photo for placement. Let dry for 30-45 minutes.
Take your painted seashells outside and lay them down onto newspaper or an old plastic placemat. Lightly spray 1-2 coats of clear acrylic spray sealer on each seashell and let dry for 2-3 hours. That’s it you’re done!
I always recommend spraying your painted seashells with the clear acrylic sealer which will protect your painted finish from cracking, chipping or from the color fading. It also allows you to display them indoors or outdoors.
These penguin shells are great for kids to make with some supervision. They are very cute.
I like you little penguins. This would be nice and easy! I wonder if it would work with those ‘googly eyes’ ? I would be horrid painting eyes, I would be so tempted to go with the googly ones.
These penguin shells are precious! It is interesting how the penguin exhibits are usually one of the biggest attractions at a zoo. Thank you for another wonderful painted shell craft.