This handpainted Ladybug seashell paper weight was made by my 13 1/2 year old granddaughter. Isn’t she cute? I think so…and she did a great job making it! She didn’t use any template or pattern. A great little gift for mom, grandma, a school teacher, or place them outside in your garden as yard art.
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She painted the design onto a 4 1/2″ wide clam seashell that we collected from the beach. Wash ll shells in soapy water and rinse clean. Let them air dry for 2-3 days before painting on them. If they have a fishy odor to them…wash with Dawn Liquid Dish Soap which does an amazing job at removing odors, debris, and sand.
The background was painted with 2 coats of sky blue acrylic paint, allowing for 30 minutes of drying time between coats. The body of the ladybug was made using red acrylic paint in a tear drop shape. She added the black round head on top. Let dry.
After the paint is no longer tacky you want to add the accents like the black separation of the wings, the black polka dots, and antannae. Then add the little white dots for eyes. Outline the lady bug with black and let fully dry.
You can accent the design even further by adding a polka dot border if desired. She did her border in a red and black color scheme. Once the seashell is completely dry take it outside and spray it with 1-2 light coats of a clear acrylic spray sealer. Let dry for 4-6 hours. This will protect the painted finished.
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This is another cute craft. I shall see if my granddaighter would like to make it.
Another great craft project for my great niece. She loves painting shells and place them in her flower beds.