This USA hand-painted seashell is a great way to show off your patriotic pride throughout the summer months and especially during the 4th of July. You can display them as yard art, place them on your front porch or use them as decorations for your next Independence Day celebration! They’re very easy to make!
* This post contains affiliate links.
We used 4″ and 5″ wide clam shells that we collected from the beach. You’ll want to thoroughly wash them with liquid dish soap to remove the sand, debris and fishy-smells. Lay seashells outside in the sunshine to dry for 1-2 days. Always use clean shells when crafting!
Patriotic USA Painted Seashell Garden Yard Art
Large Clam Shells Seashells
Navy Blue and Red Acrylic Craft Paint
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towels
White Medium-Tip Paint Pen
Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer, Glossy Finish
Paint the upper half of your clam shell with red paint. You’ll need 2 coats to get the needed coverage. Once dry paint the lower half with navy blue paint. Again, you’ll need 2 coats of paint. Let the entire thing dry for 2-3 hours or until no longer tacky.
Use a white acrylic paint pen for the design work. We used it to paint on the letters U.S.A. and then we added the white stars. You can add as many stars that you would like. It’s easier to do detailed work with a paint pen then using a paint brush…unless you’re an experienced artist which I’m not!
Once the shell is completely dry you’ll want to take it outside. Spray the 2 coats of clear acrylic spray sealer on each side of the seashell allowing 30 minutes of drying time between each coat. Make sure the first side is completely dry before you flip it over to coat the other side. Let it dry overnight.
You can now display your newly painted U.S.A. seashell indoors or outdoors! The sealer will help to protect your painted design from the weather elements. During the wintertime I pack mine away until next year. Before putting them back out I like to lightly add a new coat of sealer if the previous coat is looking dull & dingy.
* 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. Thank you!
I love all your shell art ideas. My grandsons are old enough to try doing some of them. This one is both patriotic and cute.
Haven’t seen your shell craft for a couple of months. This is cute and I’d have to use the paint pen instead of the brush.
I’m in a real USA mood. I have to make some of these with my grandson. Nice job!
This shell looks super pretty and one I would love to make. I would love to make several of these for the 4th of July picnic table decoration.
Another great ideal for shells! Great niece an I have been doing all kinds of stuff to shells. Zay (4) has a special place outside that she has plants and rocks and shells etc. And she loves to move them around and make up stores. Of course there are flowers there to
I love your shell art. The girls have fun doing what you have designed. I like that you have them for all events.