Beach Time Memories with Seashells

Maybe your family had a vacation trip to the beach recently or are planning to go before summer's end. Either way, seashell collecting becomes a tradition that spans all age groups. You may even have boxes, bags, or jars filled with shells collected from prior trips to the beach. You may have even said, "These shells will make beautiful crafts someday," but just haven't found the time to make anything with them. Why not consider having some quality "family time" using your collection of seashells to make a few decorative crafts for your home or gifts for family members. MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED • small, flat, wooden picture frame • small wooden or cardboard boxes (vary the shapes and sizes for multiple crafts) • jelly jars, baby food jars, and/or canning jars • small clay pots • white glue and/or glue gun (only under adult supervision with small children) • varying sizes, colors, and shapes of seashell collections • craft supplies, such as: wiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, fuzzy balls 1. Large SEASHELLS • A large seashell can be transformed into an imaginary creature by gluing wiggly eyes, fuzzy ball for nose, and making antennae and legs out of pipe cleaners. Glue smaller shells to the pipe cleaner legs for little feet. • If you have a large conch shell, it is beautiful by itself and can be displayed on a shelf or table for others to view. 2. Medium SEASHELLS • Using the flat, wooden picture frame, glue the medium shells around the perimeter of the frame. Use smaller shells to fill in the spaces between the shells to completely cover the frames' surface. The finished product will be the perfect frame to display a family portrait of your recent beach vacation. 3. Small SEASHELLS • Using the wooden boxes, glue the smaller seashells to the sides and top of the box. This decorative box will become the perfect storage place for jewelry, coins, and other small treasures. 4. Combination of ALL Size SEASHELLS • Use the jar collections to display your varied sizes, shapes, and colors for the remaining shells. Display the jars throughout your home to remind you of the fun time you experienced at the beach with your family. Which ever craft idea you and your child decide to make doesn't matter. Just take advantage to this quality time spent with your child to enjoy seeing his/her creativity blossom with theses shells. Reflect on your beach vacation and share memories that will form lasting images in your child's mind. The seashell crafts will become a reminder of wonderful days spent at the beach with your family.