Every time we go down to the beach I spend hours, upon hours walking the beach and collecting seashells, driftwood, sea glass and other found treasures that wash up onto the shore. I have boxes upon boxes of treasures that I’ve collected over the years and many of them I use to decorate my home, use in various craft projects or give them away as gifts.
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Over the past 18 months I’ve shared many of my hand painted seashells and clam shell designs here on the TwoClassyChics blog. They are some of our most viewed posts and we got a LOT of re-pins over on Twitter too. Let’s just say…they’ve been popular! So, today I’m back again with 2 more quick and easy designs that are great for newbie crafters.
Design Template: Do a search through google for a Dolphin Template or Starfish Template. Tons of different designs will pop-up. Decide on the design that you want to use. Enlarge it or shrink it to fit onto your seashells and then print it out. Use scissors to cut out your paper template and you’re ready to go.
Craft Project: Painted Dolphin Seashell
Large Clam Shell
Metallic Turquoise Acrylic Paint
Metallic Silver Acrylic Paint
Medium-Tip Black Sharpie Marker
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towel
Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer – Glossy Finish
Paper Template (see above) and pencil
Our clam shells measure 5″ to 7″ in width. You’ll want to wash and air dry all seashells at least 2 days before starting this project. Make sure they are thoroughly dry before painting them!
Base coat your clam shell with 2 coats of turquoise colored acrylic paint. Let each coat dry for about 20 minutes before adding the second coat. Place your paper template down onto the front of the seashell and trace around it lightly with a pencil. Using silver metallic acrylic paint, paint the design, staying within your penciled-in lines. We only used one coat of paint and left it dry for 1 hour.
Use a Sharpie Marker (we used black) to trace around the outline of your chosen design. In our case, it’s a dolphin. Use that same marker to make facial features too! Sharpie Markers are quick-drying, so let it dry for about 15-20 minutes.
Take your complete project outside and lay it on newspaper. Use the clear acrylic spray sealer to give it a light coat. This will protect the painted finish from scratches and peeling and will allow you to display them outside if desired.
Craft Project: Painted Starfish Seashell
Large Clam Shell
Metallic Turquoise Acrylic Paint
Metallic Gold Acrylic Paint
Medium-Tip Black Sharpie Marker
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towel
Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer – Glossy Finish
Paper Template (see above) and pencil
Our clam shells measure 5″ to 7″ in width. You’ll want to wash and air dry all seashells at least 2 days before starting this project. Make sure they are thoroughly dry before painting them!
You’re going to follow the same process that is listed above for the dolphin design to make this adorable starfish design. You’re just using a different paper template and different colored paint. All of the steps are the same.
I love seeing these seashells displayed all around the home, on a front porch, back deck, around a swimming pool area or in your garden as yard art & garden decor. As long as you protect them with the clear acrylic spray sealer, they can be used inside and outside your home. A great way to use up some of those clam shells that you collected while on summer vacation. Don’t have seashells? You can do the same process on smooth river rocks too!
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site.
Finding seashells for your projects sounds like fun and good exercise. The turquoise color looks really pretty.
These are really cute. I think my favorite is the starfish.