Next weekend I’m hosting a fun backyard pool party for a few family members and friends. My decorating theme is summer items like flip flops, sunglasses, sun hats, pool towels, swim floats, etc. I needed a few table decorations to help set the mood so I whipped up these fun Summer Flip Flops themed clam shells. These are really easy to make, so keep reading to learn how!
You’ll need 4″ to 5″ wide clam shells. Make sure that they’ve been washed in Dawn Liquid Dishwashing Soap which is great for removing sand, debris and fishy odors. Air dry overnight.
Base coat each seashell in your desired color. I used orange and aqua acrylic craft paint. Each seashell got 2 coats of paint with 30 minutes of drying time between coats.
The flip flops are from the craft section at Dollar Tree. You get a pack of them in various sizes and colors. They’re made out of felt with self-adhesive backs. There’s a tiny little rhinestone on the strap of each one to add pizzazz. I peeled off the backing sheet and added a little bit of Gorilla Glue onto the back and then stuck them onto the shell. To hold them into place I clipped them down with a clothespin. Why Gorilla Glue? The adhesive on them isn’t strong enough to permanently hold them in place. Let dry for 2-3 hours.
Use a fine tip Acrylic Paint Marker to add whatever wordage that you would like. Here’s some ideas:
Beach Life
All you need is love and Flip Flops
Life is better in Flip Flops
Flip Flops hoarder
Addicted to Flip Flops
Live life in Flip Flops
Give me my flip flops
To protect the painted surface you want to seal the design. You can do that one of two different ways:
1. Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer
2. Clear Mod Podge Sealer – Glossy Finish
I like to give both sides of the decorated and painted clam shell 2 coats of clear sealer. Let dry for 2-3 hours or until it’s no longer tacky. These adorable summertime themed clam shells can be displayed inside or outside of the home. Great party favors too!
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