I love decorating my home for the holidays and since I decorate in a Coastal & Beach theme, I often have to make my own holiday decor. Painting on large clam shells is one of my favorite hobbies and over the years I’ve painted over 200+ different designs.

One of the best things about painting on large seashells is that they’re free! Just collect them from the beach during a beach walk or while you’re on vacation. You’ll need to wash them up in hot, soapy water, rinse them clean, and then let them air dry for 2-3 days. All of the sand, debris and odors need to be removed before painting on them.

Hand Painted Peppermint Candy Seashell Holiday Decoration

Large 4″ to 5″ wide Clam Seashell
Acrylic Craft Paints
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towels
E6000 Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer, Glossy Finish

This one has a green background, so I used 2 coats of green acrylic craft paint for my base, allowing 35 minutes of drying time between coats.

Very simple design! Using white paint you want to make a large white circle in the center portion of the shell. I had to use 3 coats of white paint with 35 minutes of drying time between coats. Once dry, use red acrylic paint to make 5 arched swirls, leaving white space between each one. Let dry. After drying, add a thin arched red line in each white space and use the red paint to outline your white circle. Viola, you have a peppermint hard candy!

To add a little bit of more interest I dipped the end of my paint brush into paint and made polka dots around the edge of the shell. Underneath the shell I wrote my name and date. I like to autograph my work so I can remember when I made them or if I’m gifting them to loved ones.

Once it’s completely dry take it outside. I lay mine on an old plastic placemat that I picked up at the Dollar Tree. Spray them with 2 coats of E6000 Clear Acrylic Sealer. Allow for 1 hour of drying time between coats. Once dry, flip it over and spray the underside. Allow for another hour of drying time. That’s it, you’re done!

Spraying them protects the painted finish from chipping and cracking. You can now use them to decorate the inside or outside of your home. They look pretty displayed on a table or use them to line the steps up to your front door. Also very cute placed in flower beds!

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