During the summer season I enjoy decorating my home with seashells. They’re easy to incorporate in just about any home decor style. If you don’t decorate for the summer season throughout your home…you can add just a few accents in a bathroom or place them outside on your front porch, back deck or around a swimming pool.

In this blog post I’ll be sharing 10 hand painted beach themed seashell designs that are perfect for summer. You will need to collect shells from a beach or purchase them from Amazon. The designs are easy enough for older kids to do and perfect for adults who don’t consider themselves to be artistic.

First photo shows the sun, a pair of flip-flops and a beach ball. No pattern or template was used. You’ll need to base coat each clam shell with 2 coats of acrylic craft paint. Once dry, use a pencil to lightly sketch on the design which is made by using simple shapes like circles and peanut-shapes. Then color in the design using Acrylic Paint Pen Markers. I personally use a set that I purchased from Amazon. Don’t use Sharpie markers or cheap kid’s markers!!!!

Second photo shows the beach hair, red crab, and a whale design. Again, you need to base coat the shells with acrylic craft paint. The whale design was done on a natural shell (no base coat). Use the Acrylic Paint Pen Markers to paint the design. All are simple and easy to do, nothing elaborate here!!!

Third photo shows an ocean design, a tropical fish, and a beach with a palm tree. The first two were painted on large clam shells. The palm tree was painted on a broken piece of a whelk shell. Hey…even broken seashells are perfect for painting on! The ocean design was made by my 14 year old granddaughter along with the tropical fish. I made the palm tree. We used Acrylic Paint Pen Markers for the design work.

Fourth photo shows a green turtle design and a red crab. Two iconic animals you often find at the beach. Use Acrylic Paint Pen Markers for the design work. If you want to outline the design or write wordage onto the seashell I suggest using Fine Point Acrylic Paint Pens. Don’t use Sharpie Markers!!! Those will run when sealed and don’t do well over time. Invest in Acrylic Paint Pen Markers and you’ll be happy with the results.

Once all of the painted seashells are done drying take them outside. Spray each side of the shell with 2 light coats of a Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer allowing for 1 hour of drying time between each coat. The sealer will protect the painted surface. You can then display them inside or outside of your home.

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For the past 12-13 years I’ve been publishing hundreds upon hundreds of arts and craft projects online. Over those years I’ve been asked numerous times the following question. “Shelly, What are your favorite acrylic paint pen markers for outlining and writing words on your arts and craft projects?” I’ve used at least 2 dozens different brands during those years and I find myself keep going back to my favorites.

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Hands-down my favorite extra fine tip Acrylic Paint Pen Markers are by Tooli-Art. I buy the bulk pack that contains only the white and black colors because I used those two colors a lot. How do I use them? They’re perfect for writing words onto your projects or for outlining the design. If you wish to color in larger areas…I recommend buying the medium tip.

Unlike regular markers these contain genuine acrylic paint. They need primed before using them for the first time (directions are on the box). There’s no foul odor with this paint and they dry fairly quickly…within an hour depending on the surface you’re working with. They can be used on wood, painted rocks, painting seashells, on glass, metal, etc. All kinds of different surfaces.

They’re a little more expensive than other brands but I really like the precision extra-fine tip and they’re easy-to-use. A high quality acrylic paint pen marker. I buy them in a bulk pack from Amazon. You can buy multi-colored packs, pastel colored packs, primary colors and of course…the bulk pack of the black and white colors.

Disclosure: The writer has personally purchased the product being featured in this post. He or She is sharing their 100% unbiased and honest opinion with the readers of the TCC blog. Your opinion may differ. This post contains affiliate links.