Love dogs or know someone who does? Looking for something handcrafted and unique to give to that dog lover in your life? These hand painted clam shells seashells make the perfect gift for anyone on your list! They can be used a decorative art accents in the home, as a paper weight on a desk or place them outside in your garden as yard art. All 4 designs are easy to make and require no artistic skills!
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You’ll need to collect 4 large clam shells from the beach. We used 4″ to 5″ wide clam seashells. Wash them with Dawn Liquid Dish Soap (let soak in the soapy water for 30 minutes) and then rinse clean. Let air dry. Why Dawn? It does the best job at removing debris, sand and fishy odors.
Base coat the clam shells in the desired color. You can copy our designs or add your own unique twist. We used 2 coats of acrylic paint for the background allowing for 30 minutes of drying time between coats.
Now it’s time to decorate them! I recommend that use you Acrylic Paint Markers. My preferred inexpensive brand is BETEM Acrylic Paint Markers. They require no priming, no drippy messes and no foul odors! Plus, the acrylic paint dries quickly which is always an added bonus!!! Don’t use children’s markers which run and bleed!
Dog Sayings We Used:
My Windows Aren’t Dirty that is Nose Art
This Home is Full of Wags and Wiggles
Love has Four Paws
Live Love Bark
Use the acrylic paint markers to add the wordage first. Then add the decorations around the words. You can add hearts, paw prints, bones, etc. Decorate them however you like. My photos will give you some great guidance. Let all of the paint dry overnight.
To protect the painted surface you need to brush on 1-2 coats of clear Mod Podge Sealer. I used one that has a glossy finish which I really like the shine that it adds to the shells. This will help to protect the painted finish. You can display them inside or outside once you’ve sealed them (seal both sides of the seashell if displaying them outside). Let dry overnight.
Love painting clam shells or crafting with seashells? We have over 100 seashell arts and craft projects on the TCC blog. Check them all out while you’re here!
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