Make this pretty beach craft and bring a little of the ocean's calm into your home. Gather seashells, starfish, and some sand from your beach vacation this summer, and make this lovely keepsake to hang on your wall.
What You Need
oval paper mache hanging plaque
acrylic paint, antique white
acrylic paint, tan
black craft or Sharpie pen
assorted sea shells and starfish
sand
1 large starfish
scruffy paintbrush
flat paintbrush
hot glue gun
white craft glue
water
acrylic sealer spray, matte
Using the flat brush, paint plaque with antique white. Repeat with a second coat and let dry.
Hot glue the large starfish to the left side of the plaque, and glue the seashells and remaining starfish around the right side and bottom of the plaque. Refer to photo for placement. Pull excess strings off left over from hot glue.
In the center of the plaque, use black craft pen to write "gone swimming".
Mix together a nickel size amount of white craft glue and a little water, just enough to thin the glue out and make it "paintable". Using the flat brush, paint on the glue mixture wherever you would like the sand to stick. This must be done in about 3-4 sections so that the glue doesn't dry before you add the sand. Start at the top of the plaque and work your way to the left, painting the glue mixture around the large starfish. Pour sand over the glue, let sit for a moment, then tap off the excess. Repeat this process around the shells and other starfish, wiping off any glue that may get on the tops of the starfish or shells (before adding the sand).
Dip scruffy brush into tan paint and dab off all excess onto a paper towel. Paint brush should be almost dry. Add tan touches around the words and along the edges of the sand.
Spray entire surface with acrylic sealer and allow to dry completely. Hang!
Note: Live creatures should never be removed from their natural habitat. Only collect shells that are empty and starfish that have expired. You can also purchase everything you need for this craft (including decorative sand) from your local craft supply store.
About the Author:
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She is the Chief Editor of FamilyCorner.com Magazine. Visit her blog by clicking here. Subscribe to her free newsletter by clicking "sign up" below.
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