Have you ever wondered what to do with seashells? Well, these sea shell creatures are a super easy craft you and/or the kids can do, similar to these adorable sea shell fish. Gather some shells, air-dry clay, paint, glue, and your imagination and let’s get started!
Sea Shell Creatures
If you want smooth, perfect shells, you can purchase a bag from your local craft store instead of gathering them from the beach. And the bonus of store-bought shells? No need to clean them. Air-dry, white clay is so user-friendly and easy to use, but keep in mind the clay shapes do have to dry overnight before painting and assembling with the shells, so add that time into your plans.
If kids will be working with the glue, they may want to use regular glue instead of hot glue, but it will take longer to set. I like to keep the shells in their original state, unpainted, but you can certainly paint the shells for a different look.
You can also make these sea shell creatures as decor for a beach-themed party. Need some sweets too? Make sea creature candy pops or make shells from candy clay.
What you need to make sea shell creatures:
- shells in various shapes and sizes
- white air-dry clay
- craft paint in desired colors
- paint brushes
- hot glue gun
Plan each of your sea shell creatures first. Sketch designs and play around with the clay and shells to come up with creatures. Roll, pinch, and shape the air-dry clay into the necessary parts of the creatures to hold the shells. Let dry overnight.
Paint the clay parts desired colors, adding googly eyes with white and black dots of paint. Let dry.
Assemble the creatures with hot glue.
To make the creatures shown, here are the clay parts and shells needed.
To make a turtle:
To make a snail:
To make a hermit crab:
To make a clam:
These sea shell creatures are cute, they are an easy craft for kids to make, and a great reminder of days at the beach.
There is so much room for creativity with these shell crafts. What are some more crafts with seashells that you’ve created? Share them in the comments section below!
Create any of the creatures here, or come up with your own. You can also set a scene in a large, glass jar for a more permanent display.
Looking for more crafts for kids or beach crafts for kids? Well, we’ve got plenty! Be sure to stop by and see all the fun crafts you can make with your little ones, or visit our roundup of Colorful Kids Craft for some great inspiration.
Sea Shell Creatures
Supplies
- Shells in various shapes and sizes
- White air-dry clay
- Craft paint in desired colors
- Paint brushes
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
- Plan each of your sea shell creatures first. Sketch designs and play around with the clay and shells to come up with creatures.
- Roll, pinch, and shape the air-dry clay into the necessary parts of the creatures to hold the shells. Let dry overnight.
- Paint the clay parts desired colors, adding googly eyes with white and black dots of paint. Let dry.
- Assemble the creatures with hot glue.
This post was originally published on this blog on July 21, 2017.
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Olga says
Those are amazing! You’re very creative!
Rosemary Millar says
Love this idea – thank you for posting
Joan says
What a great idea! We have quite a few fresh water clam shells in our irrigation system. The shells come in from the large canal. Most shells are very small but some are quarter size and very pretty. I’m hoping to make some cute critters.
Natasha says
These little guys are so cute! My husband has recently gotten very into making octopus with polymer clay – I bet he’d really like to make a creature crawling out of a shell!