Classy and Opinionated Lifestyle Mom Blog
Looking for a fun craft project to do with the kids? If so, we’ve got one for you today! Little girls can turn these designs into jewelry and little boys can turn them into refrigerator magnets. * This post contains affiliate links. See disclosure located …
How many of you have seashells that you’ve collected from a recent or past beach vacation? Heading to the beach for summer vacation this year? If you answered YES to either of those questions, you’re going to love our super-easy craft project this week! Matter …
I enjoy taking long walks on the beach and collecting seashells, drift wood and sea glass. I’ve amassed a large collection of beach found goodies over the years and I enjoy incorporating those found objects into some of our craft projects.
Today’s project is one that will cost you very little money! Matter of fact, you’ll just need a few basic craft supplies to make these adorable Seashell Crabs! Once they’ve been completed, you can use them to decorate inside and/or outside your home. I have a few of them sitting around the swimming pool and on our back deck. In just one afternoon, the Princess and I were able to make 6 of these adorable crabs!
Looking for more painted seashell designs? You’ll find a ton of them right here on the TwoClassyChics blog!!!
Craft Project: Seashell Crabs Yard Art
Large Clam Shells
Red or Dark Orange Pipe Cleaners
Red, Orange, Black and White Acrylic Paints
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towels
Newspaper
Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer, Glossy Finish
E6000 Adhesive Glue
Cover your work surface with a few sheets of old newspaper.
We used large clam shells that measure 5″ to 6″ in width. You’ll want to wash them and then let them thoroughly dry before starting the project.
Mix together the red and orange acrylic paint until you come up with a shade that resembles the color of a crab. We did this on a disposable plate. Paint the outside of the clam shell with the paint, let dry for 20 minutes and then add a second coat of paint. Let dry.
Time to make the eyes! Use white acrylic paint to make the outer portion of the eye. Let dry. Dip the end of a paint brush into black acrylic paint to make the inner eye. Let dry. Dip the end of the paint brush into white acrylic paint (or use a round toothpick) to make the white inner pupil. Let dry.
Take 2 sheets of newspaper and your painted seashells outside. Lay the clam shells on top of the newspaper and lightly spray them with the clear acrylic sealer. Let dry for 1 hour and then spray them with a second coat. Let dry.
You will need to “judge” the length you’ll need in regards to the pipe cleaner legs, which will depend on the size of your clam shells. For most of our’s, we cut them into thirds. Turn the shells upside down. Use the E6000 glue adhesive (have an adult use the glue) and glue the pipe cleaner legs onto the crabs. See photo for placement. The adhesive takes a few hours to dry. Once dry, bend the end of each leg into an “L” shape. That’s it, you’re done!
Note: If you plan on displaying your adorable crabs outside, you’ll want to spray the legs (pipe cleaners) with clear acrylic spray sealer too!
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site. Thank you!
Elmer’s, the crafting brand recognized for its kid-friendly and creativity-fueling crafting solutions, kicked off its first-ever Ooey Gluey Slime Games today. This series of slime making competitions challenges young people to create a video to show off their one-of-a-kind slime from now until September 16, …
Over the past 16 months we’ve shared numerous craft projects that use seashells in their design with you here on the blog. Well guess what? We’re back again today with another one! You can find a ton of painted seashell designs right here on the …
Twice a month my granddaughter, grandson and godson come over to my house for “Crafting with Nanny” play dates. These dates are my way of spending quality time with the kids, while teaching them fun skills that they can use throughout their lives.
* Complimentary Book Received for Review. Post contains affiliate links.
Recently we received the Make Your Own Press-Out Dragons Book by David Hawcock to review for all of you. The kids LOVED making these dragons and had a lot of fun assembling them. ISBN: 978-0486825045
The book contains the pieces to make 4 easy-to-assemble dragon figures. The fold-out pages allow kids to punch-out each of the pieces while leaving the rest of the book intact. Simple, colorfully illustrated text recounts dragon legends and lore, from the creatures’ preference for impenetrable forests and underwater caverns to their scaly anatomy and magical powers.
Kids will assemble and make 4 figures: Mythic Dragon, Chinese Dragon, Legendary Dragon and the Fierce Dragon. All of the pieces are made out of a sturdy cardstock-type of paper, so they will hold up to your children handling and playing with them. Each piece is perforated and easy to punch out…all you need to add is the glue!
My 9 year old granddaughter and 11 year old god-son had no problem reading the instructions and assembling these dragons on their own. In other words, no adult supervision is needed for that age group…however, younger children will need a little bit of assistance.
What a fun projects for the kids to enjoy. Now that their dragons are assembled, they’re left with a keepsake book that contains dragon facts and folklore. Fun for sure! I love these Press-Out Craft Books and had the pleasure of reviewing the Press-Out Spaceship Books back in June. They make great birthday and holiday gifts!!! Traveling? Pick up one of the books and pack a non-messy glue stick…a great activity to keep the kids busy while traveling too!
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site. Thank you!
Giveaway: One lucky winner is going to win the Make Your Own Press-Out Dragons Book from Dover Publications. Good Luck!!!
Giveaway Details: This giveaway is open to residents of the US ONLY age 18 and over. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy before entering. This giveaway will close on August 3rd, 2018 at 11:59 pm EST time. No purchase necessary to enter or win.
Disclaimer: Shelly received a complimentary product as featured in this blog post. No monetary compensation was received. Shelly’s thoughts and words are 100% her own unbiased opinion on the company & products being featured today. The Two Classy Chics are not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment. This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase an item through an affiliate link, we may receive a small commission which helps to support this site.
We spend a lot of time with both of our grandchildren and several times every month we have them over for arts & crafts play dates. We will work on all kinds of different projects that help to teach them new things and allow their …
It is officially summer vacation, and keeping your kids entertained for the whole day can be a challenge. How do teachers do it all day long? Today, this article would like to share a few paper-craft ideas that are easy for your kids to try …