Summer Vacation Memories – Hand Painted Beach Seashells

We spend a lot of time down at the beach, especially during the summer season. Every time we’re down there we will walk the beach for hours collecting seashells. I’ve been collecting shells for 40+ years and the ones that aren’t in my special collection are used in home decor projects and crafts.

One way to preserve your summer vacation memories is by collecting large clam shells from the beach. Once collected you’ll clean them and paint on them! The design featured today is easy-to-make and can be made by any skill level.

You’ll need large 4-5″ wide clam shells. Wash them in hot, soapy water with Dawn liquid dish soap. Use a toothbrush or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to losen any sand or debris. Rinse clean. Let them air dry for 2-3 days. They need to be 100% dry before painting.

Base coat the shell with a light blue color acrylic paint. It took 2 coats of paint to get the coverage that I needed. Let dry. Use a tan color to go along the bottom of the shell to represent a sandy beach. Again, 2 coats of paint were needed. Once dry you’ll layer on the darker blue to represent ocean water. Only 1 coat of acrylic craft paint was needed. Let dry.

Next…dip a paint brush into white paint but don’t overload it. Pounce the white along the sand and water line as shown in the photograph. It should be an uneven, swirly edge. Don’t make a flat line with it. 1 coat of paint will do. Use yellow paint to make the sun in one of the upper corners. Let dry.

Acrylic Paint Pens are great for adding details! Use a white one to make the seabirds (gulls) and an orange one to outline the sun. Let dry.

You’ll need E-6000 Adhesive Glue to attach tiny seashells onto your painted design. Make sure they’re clean and dry. Arrange them in a pattern that you like (I like a little cluster on one side and a single on the other side). Use a generous amount of the adhesive glue to adhere them. Let dry overnight.

Take your beautifully painted seashells outside. Spray each side with 2 coats of clear acrylic spray sealer. I like using one with a glossy finish. Let dry until no longer tacky. They can now be displayed inside or outside of your home. They look great on a front porch, back deck, in a flower garden, displayed around the swimming pool, etc.

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