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Looking for an arts and crafts project to do with the kids? Love zoo animals? If so, check out these easy-to-make painted seashells! You’ll need a variety of clam shells, oyster shells and other type’s of seashells to make them. If you don’t live near …
I have a friend who is into sailboats. They love to get out on the open water to do some sailing. They like to compete in various races and participate in boating parades. Me…not so much. I sadly get motion sickness! Anyway, he asked me …
Looking for an inexpensive craft project? If so, we have one for you today! These hand-painted seashells with Inspirational Sayings are the perfect give to gift to a loved one or to keep for yourself. You don’t need any artistic ability to make them! Don’t have large clam shells or seashells available? You can make these same designs on smooth river rocks too!
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We used 4″ and 5″ wide clam shells for this project. Wash them with soapy water and then rinse clean. Let them air dry overnight.
You can paint the background a solid color or do a paint pour like we did. I’ll explain it below.
Paint Pour Method – You’ll need a few bottles of acrylic craft paint and a bottle of paint pouring medium. I like mixing in a small plastic medicine cup that I can toss away when I’m done. In the medicine cup I add a 3-4 nice sized drops of Paint Pouring Medium (it’s a liquid) I then add in my desired paint colors. Don’t stir them together! Slightly move the medicine cup around in a swirling motion to get some of those colors to lightly blend together.
Hold the seashell over a bucket or your kitchen sink. Pour that paint slowly all over the shell. Yes, it will be messy! You want to pour it in different directions until you get the cup emptied out. Then move the shell all around in different directions to get the paint to run in different patterns across the top of the shell. Let the excess paint drip into the sink. You can easily wash it down the drain when you’re done. Once you’re happy with the design…lay them out on a sheet of aluminum foil to dry. It will take several hours.
Decorating the Shells – I used a pack of Tooli-Art Acrylic Paint Markers with a fine tip to write the words out onto the shells. You can do fancy lettering or just classic block letters like I did. If you want the letters to “POP” outline the letters with a different color. I used black and white. Let dry.
Finishing – Once all the paint is dry you need to seal them. I like to brush 1-2 light coats of clear Mod Podge Sealer in a glossy finish across the top. You’ll need to allow 45 minutes of drying time between coats. This will protect the painted finish. You can now display them inside or outside of the home.
5 years ago I started hand painting clam shell memorial markers every time a loved one passed away. I like to place them at the gravesite when I visit them. Just a nice way to let everyone know that they were loved…remembered and not forgotten. …
One of my favorite hobbies is to paint seashells and kindness rocks. I enjoy sitting down for a few hours and just letting my creativity flow. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy this hobby. Matter of fact, it’s a great beginner’s hobby …
What is the one thing you might do to your home to make it truly speak for you? The answer is simple: art, art, art! Art transforms walls into pieces of self-expression, filling every nook with personality, color, and emotion. If you have no idea where to begin, don’t worry because this guide is here to help. So, keep reading and discover how to turn your home into a stunning reflection of your personality with the power of art.
1. Make a Statement with Oversized Wall Art
There is no design element quite so eye-catching as massive wall art. It’s dramatic, it’s beautiful, and it’s the perfect way to have a say without ever having to speak a word. Consider walking into a space and being greeted with an amazing work that completely sets the whole mood—be it a dash of abstract color, a calming landscape, or a chic geometric pattern.
Big art doesn’t just contribute to a wall; it changes the whole space. It fills empty areas with personality, creates a focal point, and sparks conversations. If you’re searching for that perfect piece to make your walls stand out, click here to explore oversized wall art that will turn any room into a masterpiece waiting to be admired.
2. Create a Gallery Wall for a Personal Touch
A gallery wall is like a scrapbook for your walls—without the glue messes and with a lot more sophistication. It’s your chance to showcase everything you love. Start by selecting a theme or simply go wild with a mix-and-match scenario.
Experiment with arrangements on the floor prior to hanging, and don’t worry too much about perfection—a bit of imperfection can add character. Vary frame sizes, colors, and styles to keep it interesting. A thoughtful gallery wall shares your story, infuses personality into any space, and provides guests with lots to look at.
3. Light Up Your Space with Colorful Abstract Art
Bright abstract art is the caffeine of home decor—it instantly energizes any space. Splashes of bright color, zany shapes, and unexpected patterns add a fun spirit that can’t be ignored. Hanging a bright abstract above your sofa or bed instantly adds personality without requiring a complete overhaul. Collections of smaller pieces together can have an artsy vibe that’s fresh and cool.
The abstract is wonderful for minimalist rooms that need a pop of color or eclectic rooms that already sway to their own beat. Embrace the chaos of color and let your walls tell their story – the rest of your home will thank you with a shot of new life.
4. Add Timeless Sophistication with Black and White Photography
Black and white photography has that ageless chic that will never go out of style. Something about the restraint of monochrome seems to be inherently cool. Cityscapes capture the energy of bustling streets, portraits convey emotion in its most direct expression, and landscape scenes guarantee a peaceful mood in any particular space.
Hang a dramatic black and white piece in your living room for a sophisticated, modern look, or place a collection of smaller prints in your hallway for a gallery effect. Mixing and matching varying sizes creates visual interest without being overwhelming. This style works well with any style, adding sophistication and depth without the hassle.
5. Make Your Space Personal with Custom Artwork
Custom art is where your walls and your imagination intersect. It’s having a piece of your history hanging out there for everyone to see. Maybe it’s a portrait of your beloved pet, an image of your favorite city, or a painting based on a memory you cherish, but custom art is what gives you a personal connection that you can’t find with store-bought art.
Collaborating with an artist to create your vision makes the experience even more intimate. Picture entering a room and seeing a work that truly feels like it was created for you—because it was. Custom artwork is a statement about what most resonates with you. It makes your space feel unmistakably yours, and that’s not easily beat.
Conclusion
Decorating with art is one of the most exciting ways to make your home feel like, well, yours. Whether you’re drawn to bold oversized pieces, love the charm of a gallery wall, or prefer the timeless feel of black and white photography, each choice adds something special. Abstract art injects energy, while custom pieces bring personal stories to life. Remember, there is no right or wrong about using artwork in your home!
These hand-painted red crab clam shells would make a great decoration during a backyard barbecue, pool party or if you live near the beach…paint them up and add them to your garden for a pop of color. Each one was made using a 4″ to …
Two weeks ago I sat down and hand-painted some Valentine’s Day themed seashells for my granddaughter’s upcoming Valentine’s Day party. She wanted to use them as part of the table decor and party favors. In addition, she requested that I make them in non-traditional Valentine’s …