Use your collection of shells from the beach to make a school of seashell fish in all different shapes, colors, and sizes. Add magnets to the back or place them in a decorated shadowbox for display!
Why we love this project
These seashell fish are really simple to make with a little glue, your collection of shells, and some googly eyes. You can even paint them like we do with our tropical seashell fish!
No trip to the beach this summer? Doesn’t matter! Seashells are readily available at craft stores, but you can also find them at garage sales, thrift stores, and even flea markets. Often times they are sold in big bags, which is how I found most of mine. I always look for them when I’m out at garage sales though! You can easily glue a magnet to the back of them to put on your fridge or add them to a shadowbox to hang on your wall.
Related: If you don’t make it to the beach this summer, that’s okay! Try our paper plate sand dollars with the kids, or these super cute Rainbow Jellyfish!
How To Make Seashell Fish
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!
To make these fish, you’ll need seashells in assorted sizes; big ones for the bodies, and smaller ones for the fins. You’ll also need googly eyes and some hot glue. You can also use instant grab glue if you prefer not to use a hot glue gun with the kids. White craft glue is a little more difficult because it takes longer to dry and the shells may not stay put, so look for a fast-drying type.
Lay the shells out first, deciding how you want your fish to look.
Then simply glue them together and add your googly eyes!
More Related Crafts
Be sure to check out more of our beach crafts for summer or below, or visit the following links for all of our adult crafts or kids crafts!
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How to Make Seashell Fish
Supplies
- Assorted seashells
- Googly eyes various sizes
- Hot glue gun or instant grab glue
Instructions
- Lay out your shells first, choosing smaller shells for dorsal fins, tail and side fins.
- Once you have chosen which shells go with which, go ahead and glue them together.
- Glue googly eyes onto your fish.
- To display, try adding some blue cellophane to a piece of foam core board and gluing the fish to your faux sea.
This post was originally published on this blog on Jun 15, 2013.
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Sharon Klein says
Do you have a current link for the assorted shells? The one in the post directs me to hot glue.
Fransie says
So cute Amanda!!!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you so much Fransie!
Sherri Osborn says
What a wonderful way to use the sea shells the kids find on the beach. I think we will try this fun vacation memento. :-)
Amanda Formaro says
We needs lots more ways to use seashells don’t we?? :)
Lisa says
What a cute idea! Love these
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Lisa, they are definitely fun!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
How cute is this!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Lana!
Rena says
SO cute!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Rena!
Bombones says
I really love this handcraft! Thank you for sharing! We Aldo got inspires by summer. Do you want to have a look?
http://elblogdebombones.com/2013/06/11/el-fondo-del-mar-para-mi-mamita-pintamos-con-los-dedos/
… summer’s no the air… :-)
Terri Betz says
You’ve done it again Amanda! This is so cute! Thanks so much for this!
Margaret Miller says
Your Crafts are remarkable and usually so easy to make. Your materials are also easy to obtain. Thank you for sharing all you do. M Miller
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Margaret, that is so nice of you to say!