I’ve been painting on seashells for the past 25+ years. I’ve painted on clam shells, oysters, scallops, whelks, conchs, snail shells, etc. You can paint on just about any seashell surface…including sand dollars and starfish. Enjoy painting on seashells? Check out the 300+ painted seashell projects on the TCC blog.
Razor Clam Shells are smaller than their counterparts the Atlantic Jackknife Clam. They’re smaller in length and bulkier in thickness. They’re a better surface to paint on than the Jack Knife which can be too thin and delicate. Razors are great for refrigerator magnets, holiday ornaments and gift package tie-ons because they’re smaller and light-weight.
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Today I’m sharing 3 easy designs that anyone can paint. You don’t need any type of artistic talent. Older kids, adults and a great craft project for those in senior centers. You’ll need some basic arts and craft supplies to get started.
Razor Clam Shells
Pack of Acrylic Paint Markers
Acrylic Craft Paint
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towel
Mod Podge Clear Sealer
Foam Paint Brush
You can make these designs or come up with your own by using JUST a pack of acrylic paint markers. I like to use the BETEM Acrylic Paint Markers that I purchase from Amazon. They have dual-ended tips (a medium and a fine tip), require no priming, no clogged tips, no drippy messes and no foul paint odors. Plus, they dry fast. If you decide to use them…you won’t need acrylic craft paint, brushes, etc.
Always start by applying your background colors first. Then layer all of the other elements of the design on top. I like to work on several seashells at a time…while a few are drying I’m working on others. You want to let the layers dry so that you’re not smearing around the paint. To get them to dry fast…I use a wireless table fan that blows on them. Speeds up the drying time!
Once all the paint has dried you need to seal them. I recommend using a foam brush and brushing on 1-2 light coats of Mod Podge Clear Sealer. Do the painted side first. Once that side is dry, flip them over and seal the other side. I recommend doing both sides to give the seashell more strength. Let them dry until no longer tacky.
Christmas Holiday Ornaments – Just glue a hanging cord on the backside of the seashells.
Refrigerator Magnets – Glue a commerical-grade magnet on the backside of the shell.
Most artists like painting on the large clam shells that they collect from the beach. I like to challenge myself and other artists to use some of the smaller, more unique seashells too!