The holiday season is upon us and I’ve been busy in my craft room whipping up some new Christmas decorations. I decorate my home in a coastal theme, so I love to incorporate seashells into my decorating theme.
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To make these painted Santa Claus Clam Shells you’ll just need some basic craft supplies and a little bit of time. I made 6 of them over the course of 2 afternoons. Make sure you wash and thoroughly dry all seashells before beginning this project.
If you enjoy painting on seashells or crafting with seashells…you’ll find over 70+ seashell craft projects right here on the Two Classy Chics blog! We will be sharing more seashell craft projects in the future too!
Painted Santa Claus Clam Shells Christmas Decorations
Large Clam Shells
Red, White, Fleshtone, Pink and Black Paint
Textured White Faux Snow Paint
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towels
Small White Pom-Poms
Round Wood Toothpick
Quick-Drying Craft Glue
Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer, Glossy Finish
Base coat your clam shells with 2 coats of white acrylic craft paint and let dry. Using the red color you’ll make a triangular shape across the pointy end of the seashell to serve as his hat. Use the fleshtone color to paint a u-shape face. Let dry for 30 minutes.
To add texture we opted to use white textured faux snow paint to add the band around Santa’s hat. Dip the end of your paint brush (non-bristle end) into black paint and dot on his 2 eyes. Use white paint to add his mustache and eye brows. Dip the end of a round wood toothpick into white paint and dot on his inner eyes. Dip the other end of the toothpick into pink paint and dot on his rosy-pink nose. To finish up, glue on a white pom-pom to the top of his Santa hat. Let dry.
Take the painted seashells outside and lay them down onto old newspaper or an old plastic placemat. Lightly spray each seashell with 1-2 coats of clear acrylic spray sealer. Let dry for 2-3 hours. That’s it, you’re done!
You can use your new Santa Claus Painted Clam Shells all around your home to decorate for Christmas and the holiday season. Place them on bookshelves, your mantle, the holiday table, etc. If you don’t want them to lie flat, display them on little clear plastic easels that you can pick up at your local craft supply store. You can paint guest’s names on the back of each seashell & give them away to your dinner guests. A fun and unique holiday party favor!
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This is one of my favorite shell decorations. It might take a little more work, but it us definitely worth the effort.
I like how you are sealing them now. These are darling and it is nice with sealer you will know th paint isnt goingto chip off as quickly. Wouldnt these be fun scattered about i your home or even a group ina bowl . I could also see something like this used for names a place settings.
This seashell is way too cute. I love the santa hat that is so clever. I love seeing these posts they always make me smile thanks for sharing.
This craft shows just how versatile these shells can be. They are just right for making Santas.
This is so cute. I like that you used textured faux snow paint. I was wondering how you did that.
Every time I think I have seen the lastest shell decoration, I think, this one is my favorite. However, this time, I know the Santa Claus Clam Shell is my favorite! Such a cute craft and I like the idea of using it as a place card.