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. You can also leave these painted memorial seashells in your flower garden at home. They’re easy-to make and only take 1 afternoon to make them.

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You don’t need to be a professional artist! These designs are easy…no template or pattern is needed. Here’s the list of supplies that you’ll need to make them.

4″ to 5″ wide Clam Shells
White Acrylic Craft Paint
Paint Brushes, Water Dish and Paper Towels
Betem Acrylic Paint Markers (see note below)
Mod Podge Clear Sealer, Glossy Finish
Foam Brush
Pencil with Eraser

Wash all seashells in warm, soapy water using Dawn Liquid Dish Soap. I use Dawn because it’s the best at removing sand, debris and fishy odors. Rinse with clean water. Air dry overnight.

Base coat each shell with 2 coats of white acrylic craft paint using a paint brush. Allow for 45 minutes of druing time between coats. After the paint has dried…move on to the next step.

Use a pencil to lightly sketch a heart shape onto the seashells. The bottom right of the heart should extend down past the point a little bit. See the photograph for reference.

To keep things easy…I use BETEM Acrylic Paint Markers. They’re different than kiddie markers! They contain acrylic paint. They have dual-ended tips (a fine tip and a medium tip), come in beautiful colors, don’t need priming, don’t leak or clog and there’s no foul paint odors. PLUS, they dry quickly!!! Use the photograh to color in the heart on one side and make the feathers on the other side.

You can leave the outer edge blank or trim it out using the gold metallic paint marker in the BETEM marker pack. My photograph shows it done both ways. You can use the black paint marker to write on the back of the seashell. The person’s name, date of birth, date of death, a lovely quote or whatever message that you would like.

Once all of the paint is dry…you need to seal the design. Brush-on 1-2 light coats of Clear Mod Podge Sealer with a glossy finish using a foam brush. Let it dry overnight. It will dry clear.

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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