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Let’s shellabrate!

Shelling out some fun: Ideas for making crafts from coconut shells and more

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Shells of all sorts make great material for craft projects. Learn to make crafts with coconut shells, seashells, eggshells, even shells from nuts. They are so versatile and look great. Plus, they are readily available. Tap into this forgotten resource for DIY crafts and hours of fun.

Why crafts from shells?

Shells are nature’s perfect construction material. They are strong and can be sanded and painted or varnished for a shiny finished look. Once prepared, glue many different types of objects to them and create a wide range of effects. They will last for years and can be mounted on a base or hung from a wall or ceiling.

Craft ideas with shells—here are some ideas to get you started

Move over macaroni masterpiece! Shells can be used to create an endless variety of craft projects your kids will love! Here are a few to get you started.

Crafts with coconut shells

  • Coconut shell turtle: clean out half a coconut shell and place it open side down on a piece of wood or cardboard. Find a smaller shell that can be the head of the turtle. Maybe a walnut shell or use a few shells glued to a ball of Styrofoam or other material. Form the tail and legs out of small shells like pistachio nuts or other material. Glue all this down to your base and paint it. You now have a shell turtle.
  • Candy dish out of half a coconut shell: cut the half shell to the desired shape (the rim of the bowl doesn’t have to be flat). Sand the inner and outer part of the shell. Paint with appropriate paint.

Crafts with seashells

  • Make a wreath of seashells using a Styrofoam or similar wreath base and then gluing shells to the wreath. Some craft stores also have other bases shaped like fish, sea horses, or other aquatic creatures that make a nice background to glue seashells to.

Crafts with pistachio shells

  • Pistachio shells are also great for crafts because they are small, easily glued in place, and also smooth and ready to paint. Glue them to wood, plastic, or a cardboard base and they can be used to make flowers, bird feathers, or almost any kind of design. Start with a challenge like a star shape and let your creativity take over!

DIY crafts with shells—choosing the right materials

The great thing about making crafts from shells is that a large part of your materials are free … or leftover from something you ate! So rather than throw them away, start saving all types of shells for future projects.

You will need the right glue to hold your creations together. For many projects, Loctite Extreme Glue is an excellent choice. It is a true all-purpose glue that is ideal for DIY repairs and modeling work in and around the house. It is compatible with many porous and non-porous materials such as ceramic, glass, wood, cork, leather, linen, paper, cardboard, stone, and yes, shells. It dries crystal clear, does not wrinkle paper, and sets without clamping.

Products used

  • loctite extreme glue 1.75oz tube
    Loctite Extreme Glue

    Non-Foaming, extremely strong all-purpose glue for any project in around the house.

Expert Tip

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