Now that summer is here and we have begun collecting shells, I've started to think about what else we could do with them.
Here are some ideas:
Decorate a picture frame - glue shells round the edges of a plain frame, and you could even add some sand and/or (washed and) dried seaweed from your trip to the beach. Perfect for framing a picture of your day at the beach! (We picked up some plain, wooden frames at Michael's last week for just $1 each, and we've also bought them at IKEA in the past.)
Make fridge magnets - attach a piece of magnetic strip to the back and use it as is, or decorate it with some googly eyes first to make a shell creature.
Make prints - paint the backs and press them onto paper (or use fabric paints and press them onto fabric to decorate t-shirts, pillow cases, kitchen towels, aprons, bags, etc.)
Paint them - make a pattern following the shell's natural shape and patterning, or if you have a big, flattish shell, you could even paint a picture or decorate inside it - get out the glitter glue to make it extra fun!
Make a memory game - if you have lots of the same kind of shell, you could turn them into a memory game by writing letters or numbers on the inside with a permanent marker.
Make a summer collage or picture - use sand, dried seaweed, pebbles, dried flowers, or anything else you like to create a unique summer-themed masterpiece!
Happy crafting!
Linking to: Summertime Fun at Little Wonders' Days, High Paw at Best Toys for Toddlers, For the Kids Fridays, The Play Academy, Home & Family Friday, ABC & 123, Classified Mom