Looking to add a pop of color to your garden this year? If so…check out these beautiful lady bag painted clam shells aka seashells that are easy to make! You’ll need to collect small and medium sized clam shells from the beach. You’ll need a few additional supplies (all readily available) to make them. In one weekend you can make several of them!’

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Supplies Needed

Medium Clam Shells
Very Small Clam Shells
Acrylic Craft Paints
Paint Brush, Paper Towels, Water Dish
Gorilla Glue
Rub-on Flower Transfers-Decals
Mod Podge Clear Sealer, Glossy Finish

Wash the seashells in warm, soapy water using Dawn Liquid Dish Soap. Dawn does the best job at removing sand, debris and fishy odors. Rinse with clean water. Air dry overnight.

Base coat each seashell with 1-2 coats of acrylic craft paint. I used a metallic green and a metallic blue for my base coats as I wanted a bright color for the background. If you’re looking for a great set of metallic acrylic paints…check out THIS SET over on Amazon. I use those metallic paints all of the time. Let dry.

The small clam shells need to be painted with red acrylic paint. Once dry, you need to paint the black face, wing spreader and add the tiny dots for the lady bug’s body. Once dry, you’ll need to add the white and black dots for the eyes. Let the paint dry.

I purchased rub-on floral flower decals from Amazon. They’re so easy to use! Just cut out the transfer and rub it onto the shell. I added yellow flowers onto both of the seashells. What’s nice about the rub-on transfers is that you don’t have to wait for paint to dry! They’re an affordable way to really add some cool elements to your painted seashells.

When it comes to adhering seashells together you need to use Gorilla Glue or E6000 Adhesive. Don’t use hot glue because it’s not permenant and things will fall off quickly. Take the time to use the proper glue please!!! I used Gorilla Glue to attach the lady bug shell on top of the larger clam shell. You’ll need to hold it in place for 3-4 minutes just to allow the glue to start setting up. Then let them dry for 2-3 hours to allow that glue to really take hold.

Protect the painted design by brushing on 1-2 light coats of Clear Mod Podge Sealer. I used one with a glossy finish. It goes on white but will dry crystal clear. This will allow you to display your new work’s of art inside or outside! Let the sealer dry for at least 2 days before placing the shells outside.

If you enjoy painting on seashells or crafting with seashells…you’ll find over 150+ seashell craft projects right here on the Two Classy Chics blog! We will be sharing more seashell craft projects in the future too!

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