My easy seashell frame craft idea is the perfect thing to make with all the collected seashells you find at the beach. The best part is it even doubles as a way to preserve all those family beach vacation memories.
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We just got home from a wonderful family beach vacation and I’m already jonesing to get back. Between the pandemic and my husband’s crazy work schedule, we were only able to sneak away for three days and nights which just isn’t long enough in my opinion. I really need a good week by the ocean to get my fix in! Who else is with me?
We ventured a little northeast from where we are here in Orlando to St. Augustine Beach. St. Augustine is one of our favorite places to visit but we’d never stayed on the actual beach. We have some friends who live out that way so they recommended a great hotel for us to stay. It was right on the beach and had a gorgeous pool area too.
Sunday our friends took us out on their boat for the day which was beyond amazing of them. We were given the grand tour of the area. We had a fabulous day and got to see parts of St. Augustine we’d never seen before. It was the perfect day!
Although I’m a beach bum at heart, “The Boys” aren’t necessarily thrilled with the idea of vegging at the pool or beach all day. We specifically picked St. Augustine Beach for our family vacation so we could all get a little bit of what we loved on the trip. I got beach time and the boys got some time to walk around, eat, see some history and even shop for comic books. Everyone left St. Augustine happy!
So Monday morning we woke up and got ourselves ready to head down to the beach. The plan was for us to spend the early part of the day by the ocean and pool before heading out later on in the day to the historic district of St. Augustine. The hotel provided chairs and an umbrella to rent, and we claimed our spot on the beach. We spent a few hours by the water jumping through the waves and soaking up the rays. It was glorious!
Tuesday morning we got up even earlier to try and get some time at the beach before checking out. The hotel offered late check-out so we were able to stay down by the water until 11 am before heading back to the room to shower and leave by noon.
The sun wasn’t shining as brightly on Tuesday, but that didn’t stop us from strolling up and down the beach. We took some more pictures in between searching for seashells along the shoreline. We finished up our morning at the beach lounging in our chairs, listening to some country music, and hearing the waves crashing. It was perfect in every way!
When we made it home last night, we immediately started unpacking. I even threw in a load of laundry. Do you unpack as soon as you get home from vacation? We always do, even if it’s at 1 am. We’re crazy like that!
Once unpacked, “The Boys” started going through the comic books they purchased while in St. Augustine. With Patrick and Zach knee-deep in their comic book world, I sat down to look at the pictures I took while we were away and began dreaming of being back on the beach. And then a thought came to me…
What can I do with all the collected seashells we found at the beach? What crafts can I make with seashells?
After a glance through my craft room, I quickly came up with the idea of making a seashell frame as a way to document our family beach vacation. I shockingly had everything I needed on hand except the family picture. I could’ve technically printed it on my printer but decided to send it to Walgreens last night instead. It was done by the time I woke up this morning so I headed out first thing to grab it. It gave me an excuse to make a Dunkin’ Donuts run on the way back!
In no time at all, I was able to make an adorable beach-themed craft that not only looked amazing but also helped preserve some of our fun family vacation memories.
Easy Seashell Frame Craft Idea
Wooden frame, paint (any color you’d like), paintbrush, seashells, hot glue gun, permanent marker
For this seashell craft, I used a cheap $0.99 wooden frame from Michaels. I tend to buy these and keep them on hand for easy crafts like these.
I also have a ton of acrylic paints in my craft room but decided to use these two for my frame. The color combination screamed coastal vibes to me!
I started by painting a rough coat onto the wooden frame. Don’t worry about being perfect here since you’ll be painting a second coat.
I waited about five minutes before painting a second coat on the frame. Notice how much better the coverage is now. I was happy with two coats because I knew I was going to add a layer of glitter paint to the frame, but feel free to do another coat if you think your paint isn’t doing a good enough job for you.
After a good 10 minutes, I painted a layer of my glitter paint on the frame.
While the frame was drying completely, I pulled out my laminator and ran my photo through it. This is an optional step but I did it as a protective layer for the photo.
Next, grab your seashells and start playing around with how you want to place them on your frame. I opted to just put a few shells two corners. You could do all four corners or even the entire border of the frame. This step is completely and totally up to you.
Once I was happy with the design, I used my hot glue gun to secure the seashells to the wooden frame.
I grabbed my laminated picture and cut it out before placing it in the frame.
Using my permanent marker, I wrote the name of the beach and the year on the back of the frame so I can always remember this special time my family had together.
I’m beyond thrilled with the way this easy seashell frame craft idea came together. With just a few simple craft supplies, you can easily make a seashell craft to document your own family vacation memories. Don’t let those beautiful seashells go to waste ever again!
Easy Seashell Frame Craft Idea
My easy seashell frame craft idea is the perfect thing to make with all the collected seashells you find at the beach. The best part is it even doubles as a way to preserve all those family beach vacation memories.
Materials
- Wooden frame, paint (any color you’d like), paintbrush, seashells, hot glue gun, permanent marker
Tools
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
- For this seashell craft, I used a cheap $0.99 wooden frame from Michaels. I tend to buy these and keep them on hand for easy crafts like these.
- I also have a ton of acrylic paints in my craft room but decided to use these two for my frame. The color combination screamed coastal vibes to me!
- I started by painting a rough coat onto the wooden frame. Don’t worry about being perfect here since you’ll be painting a second coat.
- I waited about five minutes before painting a second coat on the frame. Notice how much better the coverage is now. I was happy with two coats because I knew I was going to add a layer of glitter paint to the frame, but feel free to do another coat if you think your paint isn’t doing a good enough job for you.
- After a good 10 minutes, I painted a layer of my glitter paint on the frame.
- While the frame was drying completely, I pulled out my laminator and ran my photo through it. This is an optional step but I did it as a protective layer for the photo.
- Next, grab your seashells and start playing around with how you want to place them on your frame. I opted to just put a few shells in two corners. You could do all four corners or even the entire border of the frame. This step is completely and totally up to you.
- Once I was happy with the design, I used my hot glue gun to secure the seashells to the wooden frame.
- I grabbed my laminated picture and cut it out before placing it in the frame.
- Using my permanent marker, I wrote the name of the beach and the year on the back of the frame so I can always remember this special time my family had together.
Notes
Feel free to use any paint colors you choose. Also, add as little or as many seashells to your frame that your little heart desires!
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Holley says
I love this craft!!! I want to do this with Caroline! What a great idea! Looks like you guys had a great time in St. Augustine! I haven’t been there in so long. It is on our do it again Florida bucket list lol!
lakelifestateofmind@gmail.com says
You can easily do this with Caroline. She would love it! I can’t wait to see it if you do 💗
Sharlene Habermeyer says
First, your trip to St. Augustine’s sounds amazing! And the pictures of the beach are spectacular! Thank you for sharing that! I love your photo frame–and you make everything look so easy! It came just at the right time–my grandkids and I have been dyeing seashells for an art project we’re doing–but I’m going to check out Michael’s and see if they have anymore of these frames. It would be another fun project I think they would enjoy. Thank you again for the great tutorials–you make everything look so doable!
lakelifestateofmind@gmail.com says
Our trip was amazing, thank you!! The beach was wonderful and it was a much-needed break. I think these frames would look spectacular with dyed seashells. I am always able to find these frames at Michaels so you should easily be able to snag some there. I can’t wait to see the final products. I’ve loved following along with you and your grandchildren this summer!