Nature Crafts with Rocks and Shells

Any activity with rocks can also be made with shells and vice versa. So look at these ideas with an open mind.

Crafting with items found in nature is one of my favorite ways to keep crafting costs down, and to spark my daycare kids’ creativity, so we’ve made dozens of nature crafts here in my daycare over the years.

A nature craft is a great way to extend an activity like a nature hunt or a walk around the neighborhood and a fun way to create with the treasures your kids collect when they’re out and about.

Crafting with natural items encourages imagination and engages the senses in a way that a craft made with store-bought craft supplies cannot. The textures, physical appearance and scents of sticks, stones, pinecones, leaves, flowers and grasses are so much more interesting than factory-made craft supplies. And collecting these items gets the kids outside for fresh air and exercise, and provides them with an opportunity to learn about the natural world around them.

Children will learn new vocabulary as you discuss the names and physical characteristics of your found items, and they’ll have the opportunity to observe and explore various textures, shapes, weights and scents when exploring and creating with their treasures.

Not to mention, a nature craft doesn’t require a well-stocked craft cupboard. With scissors, glue and a few basics like yarn, paint and ribbon, you can almost always think of something to make with the treasures that are hiding in your own backyard.

So go on and get outside! Give your kids a bag or a basket and head off on a nature hunt.

Table Of Contents

Nature Crafts with Rocks and Shells        1

Easy Activities With Rocks A Container For Rock Collecting        17

Where can your kids find rocks?        18

Sorting and Classifying Rocks:
"10 Rock Activities"        26

Stained glass rocks        35

MY ROCK COLLECTION        56

HOW FUN AND SIMPLE IS THIS “MY ROCK COLLECTION” ACTIVITY?        59

HOW TO MAKE PAINTED ROCK FAIRY HOUSES - EASY ROCK PAINTING IDEAS        76

25 CREATIVE WAYS TO DISPLAY SEASHELLS
– HOW TO DISPLAY SEASHELLS        139

HOW DO YOU SUPPORT A CHILD'S NATURE COLLECTION AT HOME?        170

Easy Ways to Display and Store Rock & Nature Collections        173

DIY Framed Rock Display Case               50 Magical Crystal and Rock Display Ideas        177

Bringing Nature Inside

Nature Activities

Nature activities and Spring go hand in hand. Spring feels like it’s here and I’m ready for it! (Unfortunately, it’s only February now, and since I’m in New York I am sure it is short lived and will be gone just as quick.)

I can’t wait for the flowers to pop up and the leaves to bud, so I’m prepping us with a week of nature activities when nature is ready where you are.

How to plan activities for your kids:

I start with the gauging what my child is interested in (using the “My Child This Week” sheet of the xs). I fill one out for each of my kids and what they’re into at the moment. I use this as my guide to plan our activities accordingly.

Here’s where you can download the free activity planner.

With each of my kids’ interests, I brainstorm 7 activities to do that week. I jot them down on the simple ‘Activities To Do This Week’ planner. But for this one in particular, I wanted the ability to be able to focus in on one letter.

And of course, like always, I include a day of family time. I think the kids will especially love this family activity!

Rock Exploration Center

Ignite your child’s curiosity in geology with a rock exploration center! Collect some rocks from outside and gather a few materials, and you're ready to encourage all kinds of rock investigation. It’s such an easy and fun way to foster a love of science within young children!

I love setting up exploration centers for the kids based on their interests. (You can find all our (exploration centers here.) It’s a great way to allow children to explore various subjects at their own pace and make their own discoveries. And I love that exploration centers are perfect for any age- both Weston (age 4) and Lucy (age 7) have benefitted from them! They can be set up both at home and in the classroom.

Both kids have been showing a huge interest in rocks recently. Lucy has been learning about geology at school in second grade and has been sharing all her newly acquired information with me here at home. And Weston has been collecting rocks we’ve found on walks and making observations about them. So, the rock exploration center has been a huge hit here at home! (This post contains affiliate links.) 

 How to Set Up a Rock Exploration Center

Setting up a rock exploration center is super easy! Start by selecting a surface that’s accessible to the kids- like a table or countertop. Then place all the rocks you’ve found onto the table for kids to explore. We have rocks we’ve collected from walks, rocks Lucy has purchased to add to her rock collection over the years, and this rock set I found online.

 Next, add some tools to help kids better explore the rocks. We added a magnifying glass, a tabletop magnifying glass, and a mini flashlight.

Add anything else you think might make a great addition. I added some paper and colored pencils for kids to record their observations and some empty egg cartons for rock sorting. A book set would also make a great addition to the exploration center. Here’s a collection of our favorite fiction and nonfiction books about rocks!

 Using a Rock Exploration Center

Weston started by diving into the rock set. He loved that the rocks were numbered and quickly placed all the rocks in a line in numerical order. He then asked me to read him the names of each rock as we went down the line. We talked about different things we noticed about each rock as we went through them.

 Later, Weston enjoyed sorting the rocks in the egg cartons. He sorted by ‘rocks with spots’ and ‘rocks without spots’.

Both kids loved examining the rocks using the flashlight and magnifying glasses.

In the next few days I plan on adding some items like a nail and a copper penny for the kids to use when investigating rock hardness.

 Our rock exploration center has only been out a few days. I can’t wait to see what other discoveries the kids make throughout the week!

Easy Activities With Rocks
A Container For Rock Collecting

Use this free printable to transform an ordinary egg carton into a cool rock collection container.  

Print the covers, cut, cut them out on the dotted lines, and attach them to the egg cartons with a little glue or tape.  Tada….you are ready to create a rock collection. Add the collection to your science center.

Gather Rocks

I think that going out and finding rocks is a fun activity and I bet your kids will too.  Fancy rocks are not required at all….so this is a super inexpensive activity.

Who doesn’t love free learning materials?

Where can your kids find rocks?

• In their backyard: If none are visible, give them a trowel and challenge them to start digging.

• In their neighborhood: Kids can go on a rock hunt to find some.

• On the playground or at the park.

• By water: (beach, riverbed, creekbed).  Of course, they should be thoroughly supervised while searching.

Now that your kids have filled their collection box with their favorite rocks…the fun and learning can begin.  Here are some ideas.

WASH THE ROCKS

If you collected the rocks in nature, they probably need to be washed.  If they are already clean, kids will definitely have fun cleaning them again.

Fill a container with water and provide some soap and a toothbrush.  You can also provide a spray bottle filled with water for some extra fine motor practice.

Examine The Rocks

Rocks can be pretty interesting when you examine them….and there are many different ways to examine them.

Open-end Questions

• What happened when the rock got wet?

• How do the rocks look different after they have been cleaned?

EXAMINE THE APPEARANCE

Pick out a rock and really look at it.  Use a magnifying glass or a loupe if you have one….but you don’t need one.

Sorting and Classifying Rocks:
Geology for Kids

Sorting and classifying rocks is an easy science activity for toddlers, preschoolers, and grade school students.

In geology, rocks are typically classified into igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. This earth science activity does not classify rocks in this way. Instead, basic classifications are used so young children can easily complete it.

You may also like Rock balancing Stone Stacking Art for Kids 

Sorting and Classifying Rocks: Geology for Kids

To do this activity, you will first need to go on a nature hunt for rocks. Nature hunts are another fun and educational activity to do with your kids. Do your best to find a collection of different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors.

Materials for Sorting and Classifying Rocks: Geology for Kids

• A varied collection of rocks
• Magnifying Glass (optional)
• Rocks & Minerals Feild Guide or Everything Rocks and Minerals by National Geographic Kids (optional)
• Science notebook (optional)

DIRECTIONS FOR SORTING AND CLASSIFYING ROCKS: GEOLOGY FOR KIDS

1. Place rocks in a pile on a work surface.

2. Instead of telling your child(ren) how to sort the rocks, ask them if they see any differences in the rocks. If they are stumped encourage them to investigate them more closely by touching them or looking at them through a magnifying glass, etc. Sort the rocks based on their answers.

3. Add in a math component by asking your children to count the number of rocks they have placed in each category. Next, have them say how many of each category there are. As an example, your child might say there are 6 white rocks, 7 red rocks, 5 green rocks, and 10 gray rocks. Write this down in your science notebook or on a scrap of paper for them. You can create a graph of your results to extend the activity once you are finished sorting and classifying the rocks.

4. Place the rocks back into a pile and ask what other differences they see. Sort again based on their answer. You don’t need to sort every last rock each time. Some rocks may be difficult to sort depending on the classification.

5. Repeat until you run out of ways to sort and classify the rocks.

SORTING AND CLASSIFYING ROCKS PROCESS

For this activity, my 3-year-old daughter sorted and classified rocks based on size, color, texture, and shape. See photos below.

SORTING AND CLASSIFYING ROCKS BY SIZE

My daughter sorted extra small (pebbles), small, medium, and large rocks. Learning to sequence using natural items such as rocks is a common forest school learning activity.

 You don’t have to bring nature home in order to practice sorting and classifying. My daughter and I also enjoy sorting by size when we go on nature walks. We don’t collect the rocks when we do this. Instead, we point to pebbles, rocks, and boulders when we see them calling out what they are.

SORTING AND CLASSIFYING ROCKS BY COLOR

The colors you sort will depend on the rocks you collect. My daughter was able to sort white, red, green, and gray rocks.

 Next, she sorted the rocks based on whether or not they were one color, or had more than one color.

 SORTING AND CLASSIFYING ROCKS BY TEXTURE

My daughter sorted smooth and bumpy or rough rocks. If they had any roughness at all they were put into the rough category even if they had smooth sections. This is a great sensory activity.

 SORTING AND CLASSIFYING ROCKS BY SHAPE

My daughter sorted square and round rocks. Activities such as sorting and classifying rocks encourage children to focus attention on the characteristics of the objects: visual appearance, textures, weight, dimensions, color, relative size, etc. Counting the results is an easy way to add math to make it a STEM activity.

When doing this activity, children make decisions based on the information that they perceive. This decision-making activity helps establish new nerve pathways in the brain. These pathways pave the way to higher learning.

More Information on Rock Activities for Older Kids

Rock Balancing Stone Stacking Art for Kids
Get The Rock Collection Free Printable

10 Activities using rocks/stones

"10 Rock Activities"

Rocks are a favorite material at our place and are often used in a variety of sensory activities or imaginative play scenes. We have a large tub full of smooth black river rocks that we purchased for a few dollars from a place that sells garden supplies. Here in Australia places like Bunnings, The Reject Shop, Big W, etc. all stock them and won't set you back much for enough to play with. Here are a bunch of fun activities and ideas we found for playing and learning with rocks.

1. Alphabet Rocks from Thrive 360 Living

2. Cleaning rocks sensory play from Learn with Play at Home

3. Make a face emotion stones from Where Imagination Grows

4. Tumble painting with rocks  from Motherhood on a Dime

5. Rock Art project from Mosswood Connections

6. 5 little ducks. Nursery rhyme and rock craft. from Red Ted Art

7. Story stones from Happy Hooligans

8. Counting and sorting with love bugs from Where Imagination Grows 

9. Treasure Rocks from Learn with Play at Home 

10. Mini construction site from Squiggles and Bubbles

Creating Earth Art

Head outdoors and create some eco-friendly earth art using gathered natural materials and the sand or grass as a canvas.

This is a fun process art activity for all ages, and can also be a great collaborative art idea.

You might also like these nature craft ideas

We live in an area surrounded by natural bushland and far from the ocean but that doesn’t mean we can’t go to the beach. We’re lucky to have some nice river beaches in our local area and my kids love going there to swim and play in the coarse river sand, sometimes collecting the smooth flat rocks that can be found in abundance.

Last time we visited we decided to use some of these rocks to create earth art.

Earth art is a simple, fun and free nature craft for kids of any age – and maybe even for adults too. It’s creative, open-ended and environmentally friendly. There is definitely something about getting your fingers and toes in the sand that is soothing and relaxing, so don’t be afraid to have a dabble with it yourself!

Sand makes a great base for creating earth art, although of course you don’t need sand. You can create earth art anywhere outside using the earth as a canvas; it might be grass, dirt, leaves, mud, clay, you get the picture.

I started it off by idly making some rock faces whilst the kids were splashing in the water and my daughter joined in by drawing heads and bodies for my faces and together we added more rocks and sticks to the picture. We used pine needles for hair, small rocks for teeth, sticks for arms and bark for a nose. It’s pretty easy to get carried away with this activity.

Miss K requested I make her a mermaid tail like I’ve done once before, and we also created a giant flower using large rocks for the petals.

It was a sunny, rainy, cloudy sort of day and the kids were caught swimming in the rain but that just adds to the fun when you’re in the water anyway, doesn’t it?

Have you ever made earth art with your kids? It’s such a simple and enjoyable way to create, and it costs nothing at all.

More nature craft ideas

• Make a gorgeous nature crown using flowers and leaves gathered from your garden
• Kids will love making these simple Rock Chicks using rocks and feathers
• Create some nature art bugs using sticks and leaves on a recycled cardboard “canvas”
• You can make your own DIY construction kit using nature and a bit of blu-tack – there are so many fun things to make with it!
• Draw outside on the pavement using nature and chalk – a fun process art idea for all ages

Have you tried making melted crayon rocks?

Liking a rock the way they found it is Ok!!! Please don’t forget to ask a child if they want to paint their rocks that they collected. If they just want to make it shiny, a good layer of Mod-Podge works. Hope often just wanted to coat them with
glitter glue to make them sparkle.

The crayon melts over the surface of the hot rocks and creates a smooth, vibrant, colorful coating that hardens into a waxy shell. It is SO satisfying. A tad addictive even.

Open Ended Stone Mosaic

Open Ended Art is dedicated to mosaics the whole month of September. Each week is featuring a different item to be used in our mosaics. This weeks "theme" was pebbles.

I didn't want to buy a kit and I didn't want the little kids trying to glue pebbles to cardboard, so I came up with this idea. I made a batch of playdough in a "natural" color and then had the kids make their mosaics on this. It provided a great substance for the pebbles to "stick" too, and they could experiment with this technique over and over again.

Rainbow Rocks

HOW TO MAKE A PAINTED STONE RAINBOW

Supplies:

• river rocks
• paint in the color of the rainbow
• toddler paint brushes

Step 1: Gather your river rocks and set them up as a rainbow.

Step 2: Group the rocks by the color they will be painted. Prepare your paints and paintbrushes.

Step 3: Paint the rocks color by color. Little ones will need to do one color at a time So first try 3 purple pebbles, then move up the colors giving them one color paint at a time

Step 4:  Wait for them to dry. Turn them over and paint the other side with the same color.

Step 5: Arrange the stones as a rainbow starting with the purple layer.

NOTE 1: For Rock Blocks- Just paint however many you want- Remember to use different sizes. For toddlers- you might want to make cards with outlines. Just trace the stones and pebbles into different shapes.

Note 2: Rock Garden was painted by 700 students but man is it impressive to show students there is only one you. But when it is combined with others, it can make something beautiful.

More about Rock Blocks: Children will have fun with this construction and early learning manipulative. Ideal for developing fine motor skills, and for counting, sorting and creative design. How many pebbles can you stack before they topple over? Encourage visual perception, fine motor skills, sorting, counting, stacking, and more! The wonderful tactile experience of the smooth, or rough pebbles in six different colors will delight the senses.

Stained glass rocks

These Stained Glass Rocks are fun to make and so pretty!  They’re a great way to spruce up the garden or give as a gift to a friend!

It’s spring, the weather has been so nice lately and we’ve been spending a lot of time outside.  Our yard isn’t huge but it’s just the right size for the kids to play in and for me to plant flowers and vegetables.  We love making our backyard look beautiful and unique and these Stained Glass Rocks add the perfect touch!

I was inspired to make these Stained Glass Rocks after seeing a little glass lantern my son had made at his Waldorf class.  They took small glass jars, pasted tissue paper on them and then put a little candle inside.  They were so pretty and easy to make!  It got me thinking about what else I could paste tissue paper on and it turns out it great on rocks too!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THESE STAINED GLASS ROCKS

• Rocks – I live in the southwest and it seems like there are rocks everywhere around here!  I was able to find lots of smooth, roundish rocks just in our neighborhood.  You can use any shape or size you like though.
• Tissue Paper – I recently bought a pack of rainbow colored tissue paper and it worked great for these Stained Glass Rocks.  I’ve seen lots of different shades of colors out there though.  Tissue paper is important for this project because it gives that nice stained glass look that regular construction paper wouldn’t.  It’s also light enough to easily stick to the rocks.
• Glue & Water – You can create an easy glue-y liquid just by mixing gluten and water together.  You then use a paintbrush to brush it on the rocks and the tissue paper easily sticks to them.  
• Paintbrush – Any old paintbrush will do to paint the rocks with the glue mixture.  If you don’t have a paintbrush you can also dip the pieces of tissue paper in the glue mixture and then stick them on.
• Waterproof Sealer – If you’re putting these rocks outside you will want to coat them with a waterproof sealant.  You can find one at a hardware store or craft store.  

HOW TO MAKE A STAINED GLASS ROCK

1. You want to start by making sure your rock is clean.  I just give mine a rinse with water and let dry before decorating.
2. Mix your glue and water together.  I used about a half and half ratio but it doesn’t have to be exact.
3. Tear your tissue paper into small pieces.  It’s nice to have your tissue paper torn up before you start gluing it down.
4. Use a paintbrush to paint the glue mixture on the rock and then start pressing your tissue paper on.  The glue dries fast so you will have to reapply it a few times.  I also like to do one top coating of the glue once all the tissue paper is on.
5. Let rocks dry completely before putting on your waterproof sealer.  Allow the waterproof sealer to dry and then find the perfect place for your rock outside!

WHY WE LOVE THIS CREATIVE ACTIVITY

• You don’t need very many supplies – If your kids are into artwork, you probably already have all of these materials on hand!  All you need to do is go outside and find the perfect rock.
• It allows your children to play with colors – They can decide if they want to use all the colors to make a rainbow rock or they can choose just a few of their favorite colors.  They could even do all one color if they like!
• They will look great in your yard – My kids love being able to pick a special spot for their rocks.  They really liven things up and add a great pop of color.
• They’re great to use as gifts – They’re a really thoughtful gift that your child can make for a friend or family member.

STAINED GLASS ROCKS

active time: 20 MINUTES total time: 20 MINUTES difficulty: EASY estimated cost: $10

These Stained Glass Rocks are the perfect addition to your garden!

MATERIALS

• Rocks, smooth ones are best but you can use any size or shape
• Tissue paper
• Elmers glue
• Water
• Waterproof sealer such as polyurethane

TOOLS

• Paintbrush

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash your rock with water and let dry. To a small cup or bowl, add about 1/3 cup of water and 2 tablespoons elmers glue and mix until combined.
2. Tear your tissue paper into small pieces. Use a paintbrush to cover the rock with the glue mixture and start laying down your pieces of tissue paper. You will probably have to reapply the glue a few times. I also like to do one coat of glue on top of the tissue paper after you've finished.
3. Let the rocks dry completely and then apply a few coats of waterproof sealer. Let dry and then place them in your yard or garden!

Plaster Paris Mosaic

On Tuesday we made Roman mosaics.  First we used tiles and glass pebbles and painted rocks to make a design in the bottom of a pie plate or shallow plastic container.  which we had lined with cling film.  Then we poured plaster of Paris on top of the design and left it to set.  After half an hour or so we carefully lifted the cling film out of the tin and left the mosaic to dry out further.  To finish we used plastic tools to scrape out any extra plaster, and polished off the mosaics with an old toothbrush and some tissue.  Beautiful!

​Make cool bugs 

           Easy Pet rocks link                Animals Rock                      Love bugs link

What do I need?  

• Grab a few pebbles and some paint  
• Collect some leaves and twigs if you need them  
• Child-friendly glue  
• Paper
• Child friendly paint
• Colorful Sharpies
• Wikki Sticks (optional)

Start the activity showing children photos of a range of species and talk about them (How many legs do they have? Do they fly? Where do they live?). Ask children to paint their pebbles to look like mini beasts or design their own bugs; have a look at the ones in the photos. You could stick pebbles together to make a loooooong insect or use leaves and twigs to make features like wings and legs!

Why?

Here children can let their imagination free as they design their very own bug! They will be able to create a whole new species all to themselves and really experience a true sense of achievement.

Easy Rock Painting

We love rocks. They’re seriously one of my favorite things to craft with because they’re FREE! I love painting them, but that doesn’t always hold up when we put them in the garden outside. So, I found this glitter glue at the dollar store, and we’ve been painting all of our garden rocks to sparkle!

STONE AND ROCK CRAFTS:

Below you’ll find links to my favorite Nature Crafts for kids. Whether you have toddlers, preschoolers, elementary kids or tweens, you’ll find plenty of ways for your kids to make art, homemade gifts, and interesting crafts with stones, sticks, leaves, pinecones, seashells and more. Save money on craft supplies and spark your kids’ creativity with these fun and easy ideas.

Then come home and get creative with your findings.

STONE AND ROCK CRAFTS:

PAINTED STONE GARDEN MARKERS

These garden markers are great for marking vegetables and herbs in the garden. They make great gifts for parents and grandparents who like to garden.

Painted Rock Paper Weights

Rocks can be incorporated into craft time in many ways. Here, we’ve painted them to make homemade paper weights for the kids to give as gifts.

Good Luck Stones

Kids can easily turn smooth stones found on a nature walk into “good luck charms” for themselves or for friends.

Crystallized Stones

Kids can turn ordinary stones into colourful, crystallized paper weights with borax, water and liquid watercolours.

Worry Stones

Transform some small beach stones into “worry stones” that kids can keep in their pocket to squeeze whenever they’re feeling anxious or stressed.

Pour Painted Rocks

Pour painting is another terrific way to turn an ordinary stone found in nature into a homemade paper weight.

SEASHELL CRAFTS:

Seashell Angels

Bring some nature home from the beach and craft up some of these sweet angel ornaments. Kids can hang them on the Christmas tree or they’d make a lovely gift for someone special.

 Stone Faces

We've also shared our Painted Rock Faces craft, painting different facial features on rocks to create lots of funny faces. Add leaves, twigs, or flowers to create hair and eyebrows.

Stone art & craft ideas

• Make a cute ladybug stone - Fireflies and Mudpies
• Use our free printable to make simple story stones  - Messy Little Monster
• Make memory rocks - Learning and Exploring through Play
• Turn painted stones into garden markers - Adventures in a box
• Make a collection of stone creatures - Daisies and Pie
• Lay pebbles out in a frame to make a pebble art - Zing Zing Tree

Pressed Flower Pebbles

Try using a flower press to create these most beautiful pebbles. Press your flowers then attached them carefully with glue to your pebbles. Cover with varnish to secure the petals.

The Simplest Painted Rocks

For a simple craft activity to keep the kids busy in half term, we decided to do painting rocks and stones. I had seen some really lovely examples on pinterest, and although ours are maybe not as impressive as some (well the kids are only 4, 3 and 1 – and I am a bit “artistically challenged” shall we say!) they really enjoyed the activity and I think the results have come out quite well.

This is a really simple activity to do, all you need is some paints, some paintbrush, some quite large smooth stones, and any extras like glitter to decorate if you want.

We took the easy route and bought a kit with the stones in it from the works, but now that we have done this I will be looking out for any suitable looking stones and rocks when out in the garden or park, or a similar thing could be done with shells collected on a day out at the beach.

The nice thing about painting on stones is that it adds an extra sensory element to just normal painting on paper! It really got them more excited and kept their concentration.

This Painting Salted Rock Gems activity is an easy to prep, fun and exciting activity you can do with your kids in no time (besides freezing the rocks overnight!).

These Salted Rock Gems make a gorgeous color mixing activity. Create beautiful color combinations by using the dropper to paint the rocks, melting away the salt! It’s super fun and time consuming. Both of which makes the kiddos and mama happy. 🙂

RELATED: Story Stones

MATERIALS FOR PAINTING SALTED ROCKS GEMS:

• Rocks (we found some around our house)

• Glue

• Salt

• Dropper

• Washable kids paint

• Bowls with water

 INSTRUCTIONS:

• The day before doing this craft, cover the rocks in glue and rock in salt. Place on a plate and pop in the freezer to freeze overnight.

• Once frozen, prep the paint by placing a small amount of desired paint into a bowl and add a bit of water, mix.

• Arrange the paints with droppers and take out the salted rocks out of the freezer, last minute. Now you’re ready to paint the salted rock gems!

WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING AND IMPROVING?

• Creativity (choosing the colors, creating little gems)

• Fine motor (pinching the dropper, releasing it, holding the small end of the dropper)

• Hand-eye coordination (filling the droppers with paint, releasing the dropper over the small rocks)

• Independency

• Focus and concentration

(after painting their rock gems they continued to have fun with the color mixing that kept them happy and busy!)

MY ROCK COLLECTION

Enjoy the outdoors with this My Rock Collection Activity! It’s a super quick and easy, low prep kids activity that works on both gross and fine motor skills.

You’ll only need an egg carton and markers to make this fun activity happen! I prepped this in under a minute and told my kids we’re going on a rock hunt outside. They absolutely love hunting activities (that’s why we do them so often) and they were totally thrilled looking around the whole neighborhood for different rocks. We found many different ones, many varied in color and size and the whole hunting experience was an eye opener, in a sense. They had so much fun learning about them. Afterwards, we brought them inside to “inspect”. I brought in a flashlight and a small magnifying glass to take a closer look and the kiddos felt so special observing the rocks like they’re some sort of scientists!

Take a closer look at the areas of development kids are learning and improving below!

 MORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE:

• Wildflower Hunt

• Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

• Outdoor Play-dough Invitation to Create

MATERIALS FOR MY ROCK COLLECTION ACTIVITY:

• Egg carton

• Colored permanent markers

 INSTRUCTIONS:

• Inside, at the top of the egg carton write “My Rock Collection”. I used different colors of permanent markers to make it more fun!

• Now head outdoors with your little ones on a fun, outdoor hunt for rocks!

 WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING AND IMPROVING?

• Gross motor skills (children are running around, walking, bending over to pick up the rocks, exercising and strengthening their lower part of the body such as thighs, legs, ankles, feet)

• Fine motor skills (using their fingers to pick up the small, or large rocks)

• Creativity

• Cognitive skills (kids are thinking, matching, comparing, analyzing each rock/object)

TIP- when doing this activity with your children, discuss each rock, its color, shape, size, weight.

 HOW FUN AND SIMPLE IS THIS “MY ROCK COLLECTION” ACTIVITY?

LEAF PRINTS ON STONES CRAFT

Make lovely prints with this Leaf Prints on Stones Craft this Autumn with your kids. It’s a perfect, fun and fairly easy craft idea that will let you see all of the distinct and beautiful features of the leaves. This craft requires no fancy materials, meaning you can do this today, without heading to the store…my favorite type of craft :).

My kiddos loved this idea. Painting stones is always fun, but creating these gorgeous leaf prints is even more exciting! We brought the stones we used for these leaf prints from our vacation in Cape Cod over the summer and have been using them in various ways all this time, which makes it so special. We made Story Stones with some as well, which kids love to play with still.

Keep reading to see how easy these Leaf Prints on Stones are to create!

MORE STAMPING AND PRINTING IDEAS

• Leaf Stamping

• DIY Play-dough Stamps

Rock Painting {a summer favorite}

Painted Name Rocks

Back in early spring while hanging out down by the river, we stumbled upon a new-to-us rock beach area begging to be explored.  While Miss G enjoyed throwing rocks into the water, I sort of randomly began filling my pockets with particularly smooth, nicely-shaped stones with some sort of craft project in mind (crazy mom… Read More

Simple Fun: Rock Painting

 My Baba, (grandmother)who is probably one of the most talented, creative, do-it-all women I know, always made sure we had adventures to go on, activities to… Read More

Make your own Pebble Pets

After looking through her ever growing collection of pebbles Minnie decided to give some of them a little personality. She grabbed the googly eyes we'd been using for another craft, some art pens for ceramics, & set to work creating her pebble pets!

She decided her creations needed a home, so gathered together these sections of wood for the pebble pets, who were soon developing names & characteristics!

She added a few leaves & autumn nature finds from a recent woodland walk, & the pebble pets' home was complete. This play set up has been played with frequently, & the pebble pets have been taken on numerous adventures around the house & garden.

Individually they're also a perfect size to pop into a pocket, & one of the pebbles has been taken to school in the bottom of her school bag every day this week. (Great for providing a little reassurance & a link between home & school.)

Love this simple nature based activity which encourages creativity, imagination, storytelling & more.

Outside Rock Garden and Water Fountains

Rock Garden

All those rocks that you found outdoors on your rockhounding adventures? You can keep them outside and still enjoy them! Add them to your landscaping. You can even place them on the top of the soil surrounding your potted plants. I have some larger, quartz clusters that had some damage to the tips.  As they weren't precious to me or even expensive, these have found a home in a landscaping bed in my yard.

 Water Fountain

Have a water feature outside? Add some of your rocks to it for decor! You can even buy a kit from the hardware store to make your own miniature water fountain for the indoors. Add some small rocks and water safe crystals. This is an easy way to enjoy your pretty rocks every day, not to mention the soothing sounds of the running water.

5 Simple Steps; How to Build a Stunning DIY Solar Water Fountain

How to Build a Homemade Water Fountain With Terracotta Plant Pots

Create a Water Fountain For Your Garden in 15 Minutes!

DIY Water Fountain

DIY Water Fountain and Bird Bath Using A Tree Stump

One of the Easiest (and Coolest) DIY Rock and Water Features

Incredible Rock Projects to Do with Kids

It’s the perfect time of year for rock projects! When was the last time you made your own pet rock? Or collected river rocks to paint? This is an awesome collection of rock crafts, activities, and science for kids that includes making beautiful garden stones and rock play.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Rocks are all around us… Just begging to be picked up, played with, and learned from! First up are some rock crafts, then rock play activities, and rock science. Just don’t steal them from your neighbor’s yard ;)

Rock Crafts

Rocks are an amazing arts and crafts supply. They are one of our favorites because you can find them everywhere!

Pour Painted Rock Garden Markers || Left Brain Craft Brain – These rocks are so fun to make and really look great in any garden. They make a great gift, too!

They’re a sneak peek into the STEAM Explorers Garden Ebook. The kids will love creating art for the garden, exploring the magic of vegetables (really!), and capturing critters in their garden journal! You’ll love the helpful standards-based learning, printables, and tools that make STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, & math) exploration easy!

Earth Melted Crayon Rocks for Kids || Left Brain Craft Brain – We have created some really amazing rock projects in the past, but this is one of my favorites!

How to Make Story Stones || A Crafty Living – These planet-themed story stones and galaxy play dough are so easy to make and even more fun to play with.

Puffy Painted Rocks || Babble Dabble Do – This is your next go-to craft project! It’s a simple setup and makes beautifully painted rocks.

A Garden Treasure Hunt with Painted Rocks || One Perfect Day – Create your own treasure hunt with painted rocks!

Make Your Own “Rock” Band || Fantastic Fun and Learning – Give your kids a chance to make their own rock band. They are going to love it!

Pet Rocks || Living Well Mom – I’m a sucker for DIY projects. Pet rocks have been one of my favorite things to create since I was a kid!

We will rock you…with googly eyes! | Little Moments to Embrace– This is adorable! Put a fun twist on your next pet rock.

Earth Day for Kids – Stone Painting || Twitchetts– Make earth day for your kids more exciting and knowledgeable by allowing them to paint rocks and learn about the texture of the earth.

Chalk Rocks || Babble Dabble Do – Your kids are going to love this one. Make your own chalk rocks!

Rock Activities

Add a little play to your rock game with these fun rock activities.

Buildable Rock Slime || Left Brain Craft Brain – Your kids are going to LOVE this DIY rock project! Grab a couple of your favorite trucks and have fun exploring. Check it out in action here.

The Rock Collection || Inspiration Laboratories –  Kids love collecting rocks! Give them a fun way to explore their new rock collection.

Letter Stones  || Buggy & Buddy – Have you tried making letter stones? It’s the perfect learning activity!

Rock Memory Game || Spell Outloud – Make a fun rock memory game next time you’re hanging out outdoors.

Play Dough Petroglyphs || Left Brain Craft Brain – Try adding a little history to your next creative, hands-on lesson.

Stone Craft: Build Towers || Inspiration Laboratories– Building towers are one common activity that kids love to do with their collection of rocks.

Rock Balancing Activity || Rhythms of Play – Wow! This will be one of your go-to rock projects. It’s a great DIY rock project your kids can create independently!

Rock Science

It’s so important that kids learn the science of the rocks they see every day. Here are some fun ways to do it.

Make a Chocolate Rock Cycle with Chocolate Rocks || Left Brain Craft Brain… Learn about the different types of rocks with this delicious activity. Plus we whipped up a rock cycle diagram for you that includes a fill-in-the-blank version for kids to do at school or home. Want a printable version of this rock cycle diagram? Simply fill out the form below and we’ll email it to you!

Rock Demo Science Fun for Kids || Fantastic Fun and Learning – Make learning about rocks and their properties fun!

Rock Testing Experiment || KC Edventures – Have you tried testing rocks with your kids? This is a great article to get started!

How to Make a Rock with Kids || Fantastic Fun and Learning– Unleash the creative side of your kid by making your own rocks.

Constellation Art With Rocks and Sidewalk Chalk || Creekside Learning– Help introduce your kids to constellations with rock art and sidewalk chalk.

Sorting and Classifying Rocks: Geology for Kids || Rhythms of Play– Your kids are going to love learning variations of rocks while they sort!

Lava Toffee || STEAM Powered Family –  This is a delicious way to learn about igneous rocks!

Rocks are a great thing to study for Earth Day. Check out these other Earth Day Science Projects for Kids!

Mix & Match Painted Rock Faces

Painted rock faces are a wonderful nature craft to do as we are nearing Earth Day!

We had so much fun making these painted rock faces- and they were so easy to make!
How to Make the Painted Rock Faces:

To start, we went outside and collected some mostly flat rocks. Then we washed them off and let them dry in the sunshine. We are lucky to live in a rocky area, so rocks are easy to come by. (Perks of living on a mountain!)

Next, we put out some newspaper and began painting the rocks into our silly little faces. We used an acrylic paint to make them more durable.  My kids had fun coming up with different facial features and ideas for the painted rock faces. You can really get creative here!

For the eyes, try to find some rocks that are similar sizes and make a pair of eyes that match. Make a variety of shapes, colors and expressions so that you can have lots of fun mixing the facial features around.

When the rocks are dry, start building faces with them.  It’s like a giant never ending puzzle or art project!  Use other parts of nature to make the hair and the heads. We used leaves, twigs, brush, grass, moss, and more! We really enjoyed assembling the faces and adding leaves or moss or twigs for hair.

What was fun about this project is that my kids then began making up silly stories about the characters they created with their rock faces. It really go their creative juices flowing.

Aren’t these Painted Rock Faces adorable?  I really love the way my kids painted these faces!  You could glaze them with a varnish to make them last a lot longer, too.

HOW TO MAKE PAINTED ROCK FAIRY HOUSES - EASY ROCK PAINTING IDEAS

If you are looking for easy rock painting ideas for kids you will love these painted rock fairy houses. Follow our step by step instructions to learn how to make painted rock fairy houses using a few simple rock painting supplies. Kids will love this easy painted rock craft which will leave them with a fairy garden full of colorful painted rock houses. Even toddlers and preschoolers can get involved with making and then playing with this fun fairy garden idea.

Rock painting and pebble painting has become such a big thing! We have been painting, hiding and finding painted rocks everywhere this summer, so I am very excited to share this easy painted rock craft with you.

If you have any spare rocks or pebbles left after making these painted rock fairy houses take a look at our funny face rocks (these mix and match stones are lots of fun) or our 'Old MacDonald' nursery rhyme stones, or alternatively check out our collection of rock painting ideas.

The fairy house rock painting idea that we are sharing today was made for our own garden rather than for hiding and Brooke (aged 3) has had lots of fun playing with them. If you know any toddlers or preschoolers that love fairies (or of course older children too,) you might want to take a look at our cardboard tube fairy houses, our plant pot fairy houses or our craft stick fairy doors.

We made our fairy house painted rocks using paint pens (more details on the best paint pens for rock painting below).

Rock painting using paint pens means that even really young children can get involved and create painted rocks that they are proud of. It also means that there is far less mess than if you use paints. Another benefit of using paint pens for rock painting and pebble painting is that they dry really quickly so you are easily able to layer colors on top of each other. We made a set of rock fish using paint pens too!

Rock Painting Supplies

I've supplied links to Amazon for easy purchasing! Just click the links below to be taken to the product pages!

• Acrylic Paint Pens (I would recommend using acrylic paint pens for painting on rocks. They are easy to use and last well. We used a set of standard thickness paint pens to make our rock fairy houses, but if you want to add more fine details you may need to purchase a set of fine acrylic pens too)
• Rocks or pebbles
• Sealer Spray

How to make painted rock fairy houses - easy rock painting ideas

STEP 1: Find your rocks, stones or pebbles

Finding the rocks, stones or pebbles that you want to use for this painted rock craft can be as much fun as the painting! Whether you go to the beach, to the woods or you end up having to go to the garden center, have fun choosing the perfect rocks. If you can't find any rocks suitable for painting you can get your rocks to paint from amazon. Think about the shapes and sizes that you want your fairy houses to be when picking your rocks.

STEP 2: Clean the rocks

Give the rocks that you have collected a wash with a little soapy water so that you have a smooth and clean surface to paint on.

STEP 3: Add color to the rocks using acrylic paint pens

Now it's time to add a little color! Begin by coloring the bottom half of the rocks using one of your acrylic paint pens. If you use a lighter color you may have to color a second coat of your chosen color, but this is easy to do as the acrylic paint pens dry really quickly. Once you have added color to the bottom half of all the rocks choose a contrasting color for the top half, this will create the roof of your rock fairy houses.

You could make all the rocks the same color or use a selection of bright colors like we did.

STEP 4: Add details to your painted rock fairy house

Once the base color has dried it's time to have fun adding details to this fun painted rock craft. Add windows, doors, roof tiles or just have fun adding patterns.

You really can't go wrong. Even toddlers and preschoolers can have fun mark making on the rocks to create their own fairy houses.

STEP 5: Seal your painted rocks

If you want your painted rocks craft to be weather proof you will need to seal your painted rocks. We have added a clear spray sealer that works well for sealing rocks to our rock painting supplies list above. You will need to spray your painted rock fairy houses outside in a well ventilated area. We sprayed a couple of coats to make sure they were totally weather proof.

The painted rocks will feel a little tacky for a while after they have been sealed, so it may be a good idea to leave them overnight before playing with them.

STEP 6: Create a rock fairy house village

It's fun to make a whole collection of these painted rock fairy houses. You could either place all of the rock fairy houses in one place to create a fairy village or spread them out across the garden.

We even added house numbers to some of our rock fairy houses.

STEP 7: Engage in fairy themed small world play

If you are making this painted rock craft for preschoolers or toddlers they will have SO MUCH fun engaging in small world play once the fairy houses have been painted.

Brooke (aged 3) loved setting up her painted rocks in the sand pit. She had loads of fun moving the painted rock fairy houses about in the sand to set up different villages and she loved bringing her fairies and other small world animals into her play.

It was lovely watching her use her imagination, we had fairies moving house, getting new pets and even a sand storm!

We hope that you enjoy making and playing with this painted rock craft as much as we have! Kids of all ages from toddlers and preschoolers upwards will love making a fairy garden using a set of these painted rock fairy houses.

If you want to try more easy rock painting ideas for kids take a look at our fun rock faces and painted rock fish.

More Hands-on Fun for Kids

Looking for some more STEAM inspiration that you can use right now? Instant gratification style? Check out STEAM Explorers!! The coolest creative experience for kids is here! It's a digital book of the month club filled with tons of fun stuff for the kids to do and learn. All engineer, teacher, and mom-approved. And most definitely KID APPROVED!⁣

GLITTERY SEASHELLS & ROCKS

This Glittery Seashells Craft is the perfect summer craft! They’re easy to make, colorful, glittery and kids will love the process!

MATERIALS:

• Seashells
• Glue
• Paintbrush
• Glitter (we used two kinds/colors)
• Tray with rim
• Spoon to scoop

 INSTRUCTIONS:

Start by placing the glitter into the tray. You can “layer” the glitter by alternating the colors, you can mix the glitter together to create a new color or you can even “draw” something with glitter. You’ll be stamping the seashells into the glitter, so get creative! Next, paint the seashells with the paintbrush and glue, making sure to get every corner nice and evenly. Now, stamp the seashell into the prepared glitter, using the spoon to help scoop the glitter onto the empty spots and let dry completely.

DIY Car Track That Rocks

DIY car track with cars, gas station, some street signs, trees and a house is finally in our sandbox and on the blog of course for you to see.

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on plastic car tracks (that will be broken and lost in no time) you and the kids can create something that will last you a lifetime (and longer). It's a perfect craft which turns into even more perfect toy. Can it get any better?

I love that every rock gives a child many creative challenges such as: different shape, texture, size.

The story behind today's craft and activity

Our little baby toddler is turning into a real boyish boy. He loves cars, actually anything that has wheels. He would try to imitate car with about anything.  And then one day he picked up a rock that really reminded a shape of a real car and start playing with it...

As it happens with most of our crafts and activities, the inspiration moment has happened and mama is heading for some paint, brushes and more rocks.

Later on we went on a  hike and picked some rocks of different shapes. While we were "shopping" for the rocks Sofia decided that we should make a road for them. Suddenly, our rock basket became "slightly" heavier.

Since we were making the road, we decided to add some road signs, gas station and a house with some trees.

How we painted the rocks

1. We washed them and dried them in the sun.

2. We used acrylic paint.

3. We tried to work in stages: first we colored rocks with the base color, then waited it to dry and then on top we added other colors if needed.

Remember

You don't have to do it in one day. We didn't. We painted some and continued on next day and next day. I think it took us maybe 4 different times to finish them up. It's all about fun, isn't.

Why this toy is amazing

I am not a bragger, but this one is really a 'killer' around our house (sandbox) now.

I love this DIY car track set for many reasons.

1. It's portable. After kids done playing they can just put everything in the box, so the sun and the rain won't damage them. It's also perfect to take it to the beach (if you can convince your husband to carry those 50 rocks).

2. You can customize it. Kids can build a new set every time. By changing up locations, turns, stops and traffic lights. It's a part of the game for them.

3. It's very easy to add on and expand this set. Add more road, houses and you have yourself a whole rock town. You could even add people rocks.

4. Playing it on the sand is so much fun. We experimented with the relief by making little hills from sand and digging holes for rivers and lakes.

5. It's easy to position the rocks in the sand.

6. But I guess the best part about this DIY car track is that it will never brake. Literally. The color might ware off after some time but the shape will stay.

7. Painting rocks is very relaxing. And addictive. It truly is. You should definitely try it.

You might notice that we are slightly obsessed  with rocks. We had this very colorful storytelling activity that literally rocked, then kids had an awesome free play with rocks, where they came up with 5 rock activities.

Fun Rock Activities for Kids for outdoor play

Have you ever thought of fun free games like rock activities for kids? Summer is officially here in our part of the world and we are more than excited to tell you more about this!

We are so happy to get into playing outdoors all day everyday, so we decided start new series on our blog. It's a challenge our family will take. I will name it FREE PLAY: it's free to your wallet and it's free to the kids, meaning I will try direct and suggest and set up as least as possible. Free play encourages creativity, team work, imagination and problem solving.

Fun Rock Activities For Kids

Every day I will give my kids one item to play with. The item will be either something from nature (a rock, wooden stick, water) or a household item (straws, pots, buckets, rope).

I will try my best and not interrupt by suggesting what should they play. I am really curious and excited to see what will they come up with.

Let the free play begin...

Today is the first day and we decided to start with fun ROCK activities for kids

So basically we collected a big pile of rocks from our farm property and talked a little about how to play safely with them. The most important rule was "no throwing rocks".

Then, I sat and watched. With my camera in hands.

Here are some of the Rock Activities For Kids I captured:

5 Rock Activities For Kids

1. ROCK JUMPING. Place the rocks in curved line on the ground (preferably grass). Space them out at the size of average child's step. The activity is to jump from rock to rock (on one feet or both feet) without falling off the rock.

It's a great physical activity that will encourage jumping and improve self coordination.

To make it educational you can suggest your children to write letters or numbers on the rocks and yell them out when one steps on the rock.

2. ROCK MAZE. Kids made the maze from rocks. They made a circle shape, but it could be any shape. The bigger the maze the more fun is to play with. My kids tried to jump on feet and get out of the maze, they also tried to go through it with closed eyes.

My toddler had the most fun with it. He was going rounds and rounds and couldn't get out of maze. There were a lot of laughs.

3. ROCK HUNTING. Mark or color the rock, hide it and let the other kids find it. Kids tried to play this game with clues.

4. ROCK ROLLING. Neighbor boy came to visit us today and he showed his favorite rock game. Both kids divided rocks into 2 equal parts. Then put 1 rock in the middle of the table and tried to hit it and move it by rolling other rocks (from their piles) into it. There were more rules of this game but I didn't get all of them yet.

5. STORYTELLING WITH ROCKS. For a more quiet  time kids can color the rocks and have a Story Telling Activity.

Few tips

• don't expect kids to play with rocks all day. They may play a game or two and move on to other activity. And that's OK.
• if you see they are loosing interest of they have lack of ideas on what to play, try adding another item to help them with the ideas.

Kids had a blast playing and were pretty surprised with how fun and easy was to play with rocks. Mostly, they were amazed by the activities they came up with.

Exploring the Beach for Shells

From babies to adults and seniors, all people will want to explore the the colors and textures of the shells on the beach. So connect with each ones unique qualities through your senses and the joy that attracted you to each shell that you pick up.

Kids can learn quite a bit from starting a seashell collection.

• Discuss the size and shape of various shells and who might have lived there
• Talk about the color and how that might help the animal to hide if they are in danger
• Compare thickness and feel of the shells
• Try to identify your shells — here’s a great guide to seashells to help you
• And of course, put a shell to your ear to see what you hear 

Want to start a collection? Here are some tips for starting & organizing a mini nature collection.

The Teen and Adult Bucket List for Beach Play (60 Activities)

Tips for Beach Combing and Foraging

I know it seems simple, you go to the beach, look for shiny things, put them in your pocket, then continue on your merry way. You could do it that way, but if you follow this guide to beach combing, you will get the most out of your experience.

Step 1: Gear

You will need:
Proper foot wear
Flip flops will suffice, but I wear my felt bottomed scuba booties because they provide excellent protection against sharp objects, plus they grip slippery surfaces.
Containers
I try to take two bags with me. One plastic shopping bag and one canvas bag. You'll see the reasoning behind this later.

Sun Screen or protective clothing
Just do it. It won't kill you to wear it. It could kill you to not. This holds true even if you don't live in the tropics or sub-tropics.

Camera (optional)
It needs to have a neck strap or fit in your pocket. You don't want to drop it while you're bending over to pick up your treasures.

Metal Detector (optional)

Step 2: The Rules

Rule 1: 
Absolutely NEVER should you kill or take a live animal with you. This includes starfish, crabs, fish, turtles, etc. If it's already dead, then go ahead. Also, be aware of your state's endangered species restrictions. If you're not sure what it is, then don't mess with it. This includes some plants. THIS is why you brought your camera along. Take only pictures from the beach.

Rule 2:
Exercise caution! Please be aware of wild life, hazardous trash,slippery surfaces, weather, the sea condition, etc...

Rule 3: 
If you're going to take something, please make sure that object isn't someone's home. You'd be surprised at what crabs like to make their little houses out of. I've even seen them use plastic sports bottle caps. (I did NOT have my camera on me, sadly.)

Rule 4: 
Do you remember that plastic grocery bag I mentioned? While you're digging for treasure, you will most likely come across some trash. If you simply pick up whatever garbage you find, you'll be leaving that beach more beautiful and safe than it was when you got there. What a nice feeling!

Step 3: When?

Ideal conditions for beach combing are as follows:

during the winter
early in the morning
a low or receding tide
right after a storm

I know it's not always possible to combine all 4 ideal conditions. The most important of these guidelines is that you get there first. It's like going to the flea market. If you get there before everyone else, you've got the best selection. If a storm happened to pass the night before, it probably churned up a lot of interesting and rarer things for you to see. During low tide, there is much more sand to scour, plus you've got a "fresh" selection to choose from. When the weather is least desirable in the winter months, you may happen upon a spot that hasn't been perused by humans in days or weeks.

Safety Reminder:
When beach combing after a storm, use caution and common sense. If the ocean looks rough, don't go anywhere near the water. Even if you think you're keeping a safe distance, you never know when a rogue wave can come along and knock you into some rocks, or worse, drag you in. Please check your local weather forecast for the sea condition if you're unsure. I know that if you live near the ocean, you probably know this already, but for the tourists, I want to make it clear that the ocean is extremely powerful.

Step 4: All You!

The rest is all up to you. It's preferable that you "take only pictures and leave only foot prints", but so long as you abide by "the rules" and come prepared, you're in good shape.

Personally, I'm attracted to Sea Glass. It's technically trash, so I don't feel bad for taking almost every piece I see. I have also been known to grab various shells, drift wood, urchin skeletons, and I recently found my first dead starfish. One of these days I'll make something out of my collection and post an instructable on that too. I promise no glitter and googly eyes.

How To Make Beautiful Land Art
With Your Kids

I love collecting things. I always have. My collected world, sitting in rows up on shelves or at my desk, made me feel safe.

As an adult, I still love to collect natures treasures. Pinecones have been my theme over the past six months. I had no idea you could find pinecones all year round, did you? I always thought they were an Autumn thing, but I was wrong.

It’s a great family project and you’ll be amazed by your kids creativity and ideas.
All you need is your imagination and some found natural materials.

Land art is easy and fun and can be done by anyone. Basically it involves making sculptures and art from things you might find in nature, such as pebbles, rocks, twigs, sand, pine cones, shells, seed heads, leaves. These things can be made into mandalas, spirals, shapes, animals, or patterns…. the possibilities are endless.

• Learn about nature; explore its wonders, and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnection of creation and your place within it.
• Get outside and away from technology for a while.
• Exercise your creativity and imagination.

But best of all it will help you s-l-o-w down the pace of life and enjoy some time in the fresh air as a family. As you create art together you will have many opportunities to connect and build memories. It is also free!

You will need

• Your imagination
• A camera is nice, but not necessary.
• Somewhere to explore: a park, the woods, a beach, or even your backyard.

 Instructions

1. Explore your chosen location. Take a good look at all the different shapes, colors and textures you see.
2. Collect materials to create your art. Depending on your location these might include pebbles, small rocks, shells, seaweed, driftwood, leaves fir cones, acorns, sticks, dandelions, daisies, leaves and anything else you come across.
3. Find an interesting place to make your art.
4. Look at the materials you have collected and let your imagination run free. Remember there are no rules in land art.
5. Create some art by arranging your treasures in different ways. I usually start at the center with items that I don’t have many of then outward based on how much I have with each item. or make a outline
6. If you have a camera with you take pictures to record your creations.
   

Although you will be working on this project together, I would strongly encourage you to let your children take the lead. Try to focus on the process rather than the end result. The most important thing is that you all have fun together and build happy memories.

Nature Mandalas are an beautiful from of land art.

Check out our step by step guide to creating one.

I hope the photographs I have enclosed will provide lots of inspiration. I would also encourage you to visit the website Nature Whispering  to look at their pictures.

Are you looking for a fun nature activity to enjoy with your children?

Discover a new way to connect with nature while giving your children an experience they will never forget! Our printable Nature Journal provides the perfect activity for exploring and documenting your observations. Our journal features beautifully designed pages to foster your children’s creativity, observation skills, and love of nature.  Read this to learn more about nature journaling with kids.

YOUR TURN

Have you ever made any Land Art with your children? What materials did you use?

Need more inspiration for sand art CLICK HERE

Shell Art & Craft Ideas

• Make a shell keepsake frame to display a special holiday photograph - Teach Me Mommy
• Use shells and beach glass to make a fish collage - Adventures in a Box
• Dye seashells to make ladybugs - Still playing Schools
• Make a seashell decoration - Crafts on Sea
• Have fun making and playing with shell puppets - Zing Zing Tree
• Make a shell pendant - Red Ted Art

10 Fun Craft Ideas to Showcase Your Sea Shell Collection

If you are like us, we love collecting shells, but we usually put them in a ziploc bag and never really do anything special with them. I did some research and found many fun shell craft ideas to display your collection to relive the memories every day when you look at your craft projects. All of these ideas have step-by-step instructions included to get you on your way to making memories with sea shell crafts.

Collage Shell Crafts

A collage can be a wonderful shell craft idea to display your found treasures. With just a wood backdrop and glue, you can really make a show piece. In addition, to showing off your shells, you can add a quote or location as text to make a memory. This a great shell craft to make.

Mosaic Beach Tabletop

Make an old piece of furniture shine by using your collected beach shells as a mosaic tabletop. Use bits of shells, whole shells, and sea glass to make a beautiful design that will be treasured, used, and a conversation piece.

Beach Shell Wreath

If you are able to collect bigger shells, a shell summer wreath can be created using a wreath form found at any craft store. This wreath is the perfect memento that can be displayed and will quickly get you back into the beach mode – and ready for your next vacation!

This method can be used for lots of different beach souvenirs: sea glass, drift wood, and other types of items collected on the beach.

Shell Wind Chimes

By turning your shells into a wind chime, you can see and hear your memories of your vacation every time the wind blows. Using a couple of pieces of drift wood at the top and other beachy items (like sea glass) will really bring it all together.

Mosaic Mason Jar Shell Crafts

Dress up a mason jar to hold a candle with your shells from your beach vacation. In this craft, it is best to use your smaller shells and can be done using similar colored shells or to do a colorful mosaic.

Shell Craft Ideas with Shadow Boxes

Fill up a shadow box with the shells, sea glass, or other treasures that you collected on the beach and display it on the wall or a tabletop. Add a little cardstock sign at the bottom or on the glass listing the beach location for a fun memory.

Resin Shell Coasters

Layering your small shells in a silicone mold and pouring epoxy resin to make drink coasters is another good way to display treasures and memories. Add a little label inside the epoxy with the date/location and make one from each of your beach vacations.

Painted Shells

In any of these project, you can add visual interest or make it more cohesive by painting the shells before you add them to your shell crafts. You can also just display these in a jar or pretty glass bowl.

Shell Covered Planters

Make some fun planters by gluing shells on to a terracotta or plastic planter and bring your beach vacation memories to to the back porch or window sill. These are great ways to show both off your collected shells and your plants.

Shell Craft Ornament

My favorite way to display vacation memories is to make an ornament to hang on your tree. Add some decorative writing on the ornament to mark dates and locations. An easy way to show off your shell crafts and have fun remembering them each year when they are taken out for the tree.

This Glittery Seashells Craft is the perfect summer craft! They’re easy to make, colorful, glittery and kids will love the process!

Painting is always a fun activity for the little ones, but have you ever painted seashells…and made them glittery too? My kids enjoyed this craft so much, maybe it’s using the glitter of course.

These Glittery Seashells make a great craft idea if you are learning about the ocean or perhaps you went to the beach with the kiddos and found some of these ocean treasures, like us. Last week we went to our favorite spot at the ocean and as we searched the beach to find more seashells, we talked about what seashells are, the many shapes and colors they can be and how beautiful God’s creation is. They’re fascinated by all the creatures living in the vast ocean (I remember I was too when I was their age). Once we came home and brought our seashells with us, I was trying to find something unique to make with them. Making them glittery sounded perfect!

Read below to see how we’ve made these!

 All activities should be supervised by an adult.

MATERIALS:

• Seashells
• Glue
• Paintbrush
• Glitter (we used two kinds/colors)
• Tray with rim
• Spoon to scoop

 INSTRUCTIONS:

Start by placing the glitter into the tray. You can “layer” the glitter by alternating the colors, you can mix the glitter together to create a new color or you can even “draw” something with glitter. You’ll be stamping the seashells into the glitter, so get creative! Next, paint the seashells with the paintbrush and glue, making sure to get every corner nice and evenly. Now, stamp the seashell into the prepared glitter, using the spoon to help scoop the glitter onto the empty spots and let dry completely.

 WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING AND IMPROVING?

• Creativity (choosing the colors and patters of the glitter and using imagination)
• Fine motor skills (holding the paintbrush and seashells as the child paints)
• Colors (you can name the color of glitter and ask them to repeat after you for better memorization)

This is a great activity for exercising diligence and effort. Kids need to be careful and attentive to what they’re doing (after all it’s glitter we’re working on here!). Ask the child to work gently and slowly, making every effort to concentrate on what they’re doing and not to get the glitter out of the tray. If they do, it’s okay of course. At the end of every craft I like to thank my kids for being careful and working so hard. It helps with their self-esteem and makes them do even better next time, plus positive praise is always a good idea when working and crafting together!

 MAKE THESE BEAUTIFUL SEASHELLS WITH YOUR KIDS!

Shell Crystal Craft

Summer means the ocean and seashells to us! We like to get creative with our summer science experiments, so we had to try this seashell crystal craft. This is the perfect, quick and easy science experiment to set up and forget! Mix the solution and set it aside. Over 24 hours, you can observe some neat changes! Make crystals on seashells with borax is a fantastic STEAM project for kids!

Grow Crystal Seashells Overnight!

For summer science, we experimented with growing borax crystals on seashells. Our seashells come from a beach, but you can easily pick up a bag of shells to try at home if you don’t live near the beach.

Make science exciting for kids by finding fun ways to introduce science learning. Growing crystals is perfect for an easy chemistry experiment at home or in the classroom. Learn about saturated solutions, suspension liquids, ratios, and crystals!

Things to Do with Seashells

This crystal seashells activity makes a fun science craft you can display. These crystals are pretty hardy, even for little hands. Due to the chemicals involved, this isn’t a very hands-on science activity for young kids, but it’s great for practicing observation skills.

You can always try growing salt crystals as a safe alternative for the younger scientist!

To make this crystal craft, you only need two ingredients, water and powdered borax {found in the laundry detergent aisle}. Additionally, you will need a handful of shells and a flat container. The seashells should not touch each other.

Check out the bottom of this page for alternative ways to grow crystals with kids! While you’re at it with seashells, try this quick ocean acidification experiment dissolving seashells.

You can also set up this simple ocean sensory bin with the extra seashells!

Next time you are at a beach, bring a handful of shells home. Craft stores also sell seashells by the bag. An ocean theme crystal craft is perfect early learning science with excellent visual results!

How To Make A Crystal Shell Craft

Supplies:

• Borax Powder
• Water
• Measuring Cups and a Tablespoon
• Spoon
• Mason Jars or Glass Containers
• Seashells

Making a Saturated Solution to Grow Crystals

The most important part of growing these fun crystal seashells is mixing up a saturated solution. The saturated solution will allow the crystals to form slowly and correctly. A saturated solution is a liquid filled with particles until it can no longer hold more of the solid.

TIP: Get your water hot first to make the best saturated solution. As the water heats up, the molecules move away from each other, allowing the solution to hold more of the borax powder. This is a great opportunity to do an experiment and test cold water too!

STEP 1: Boil Water

STEP 2: Add 3-4 Tablespoons of borax powder per 1 cup of water.

If you do several seashells, make a 3-cup solution to get started. When mixing the solution, you will still see a tiny bit of the powder floating around and settling to the bottom. That means it’s saturated!

STEP 3: Place your seashells in glass containers (glass prevents the solution from cooling down too quickly)

STEP 4: Add the solution to the glass containers and cover the shells entirely.

STEP 5: Put it aside and observe what happens.

The Science of Growing Borax Crystals

This seashell crystal craft is also a suspension science experiment for incredible chemistry. When the borax is mixed with hot water, it remains as solid particles. As the water cools, the particles settle and form the crystals.

Pipe cleaners also work well for growing crystals. Check out how we made a crystal rainbow with pipe cleaners.

As the solution cools down, the water molecules come back together, forcing the particles out of the solution. They land on the nearest surfaces and continually build up to form the perfectly shaped crystals you see. Make sure to note whether the borax crystals look the same or different from each other.

If the solution cools down too quickly, the crystals form irregularly because they don’t have a chance to reject the impurities also contained in the solution. You should try to leave the crystals untouched for about 24 hours.

TIP: Set the container in a quiet area where kids can check on the crystals without moving the containers. You do not want to jostle the mixture.

After 24 hours, you can take the crystal seashells out and dry them on paper towels. Set up an observation station for the kids to look at the crystals. Have them describe what they look like and even draw them!

Did you know you can also Dissolve A Seashell for more cool chemistry?
Click here.

Our seashell crystal craft still looks lovely after a few weeks if left undisturbed. My son still enjoys examining the crystal seashells from time to time. He also shows them off to guests when we have company!

More Crystal Craft Ideas To Try

You can make a different crystal craft for each season, and it’s easiest to use pipe cleaners to create fun seasonal or holiday themes!

• Crystal Flowers
• Salt Crystal Leaves

Seashell Creatures

Photo Credit: thedecoratedcookie.com

Use air-dry clay, shells, and paint to make these cute seashell creatures. A great summer shell craft for kids or grown-ups.

Galaxy Painted Shells

Photo Credit: colormadehappy.com

Turn your found shells into mini galaxies using alcohol inks and acrylic paint. No two shells will be the same!

Sand Cast Heart with Sea Shells

Why bother making beach art?  Throughout the day, I often walk past the beach decor I've created and it truly does lift my spirits.  Sometimes I stare at it and then close my eyes to remember that peaceful ocean feeling and days spent with loved ones at the beach.   Putting memories on your walls is so much more meaningful than buying a cheap piece of art you care little about.  Life is like that as well.  Decorate your life with memories. How? By cherishing the people around you and really living in the moment. Don't let "The tyranny of the urgent" take over. We can spend a million minutes of time on things that matter little while the family we love so much gets left behind.  So pick up that phone, call your sister or that old, dear friend. That is how you fill your life with memories that matter.

Materials:  Sand, Plaster of Paris, shells., sea glass, paperclips or bent wire (for hangers). Make sure your sand is slightly moist, enough to hold it's shape when manipulated.draw a heart in the sand with a knife.

Subscribe for a FREE monthly craft giveaway and new tutorials! No spam and never more than once a month!

Take the back edge of a spoon and dig out a 1/2" to 1" deep impression within the heart.  Don't go to much deeper than this as the heart can become extremely heavy.  Make sure your edges are upright and firm.

Next, put the shells, sea glass and star fish - pretty side DOWN.  experiment with this process.  The shells should be pretty flat against the sand.

Now mix up the plaster according to the directions on the package, you will need about 4 cups for this size heart.  Spread the plaster evenly into the sand mold, about an inch thick, and place two paper clips or 2 bent wires into the heart before it starts to dry (this heart is very heavy and almost impossible to glue onto something, you need hangers!). Wait about an hours for it to dry.

Carefully lift the heart out of the sand and brush off the excess.  You can add shells, if you feel it didn't have enough, with a thick tacky glue (Aleene's). If you have to shave a bit of plaster off the edges...do it carefully!  

Easy Seashell Crafts for Kids to Preserve
Those Beach Memories Forever!

Spread the love

Capture your memories from the beach this summer by turning your shells into wall hangings or mermaid earrings!

Easy Seashell Crafts for Kids

There is just something about spending time on the beach that means you have to come home with pockets full of shells, pebbles and sea glass.

This year, instead of sticking them in a jar on the window why not spend some family time together and make some of these easy seashell crafts for kids.

We have everything from lady bugs and wall hangings to mermaid earrings!

If you need help identifying the seashells you have found be sure to get these free printables.

Bird Seashell Christmas Ornaments for Kids to Make

 via Happy Hooligans

I would never have thought to use seashells to make Christmas ornaments, but these little feathered birds are so cute!

Watercolor Seashell Frame

 via Glued to My Crafts

You’ll need to help out with this craft because there’s a hot glue gun involved but your kids can get creative with the watercolors to make a pretty frame. This would make a perfect homemade gift with a photo inside don’t you think?

Seashell Ladybug Craft

 via Still Playing School

Here’s another seashell crafts for your children to make using liquid watercolors, to turn them into a rainbow family of ladybugs!

Sea Shell Salt Dough Pretties

 via Teach Mama

Sometimes the simplest of crafts are the most effective. Your child can learn so much just making salt dough, and then add their seashells to make something simple and pretty. If you added a hole you could hang them up as decorations to remind you of the summer.

Beach Memento Wind Chime

 via Mama Miss

I love this, some driftwood, string and your collection of shells can easily be transformed into a beautiful wind chime!

Sea Shell Necklace

 via Kid’s Activities Blog

Here’s a great craft idea for a group of friends to make after a trip to the beach, a lovely sea shell necklace they can wear for the rest of the summer.

DIY Seashell Earrings

 via Moms and Crafters

This is a craft for the older children in your family (or for you) but I had to include it because those mermaid earrings are just beautiful!

Clay and Seashell Craft for Kids

 via B Inspired Mama

If you’ve got some air dry clay and you’re not sure what to have the kids make with it try a seashell sculpture!

Shell Painting

 via Fun a Day

Seashell crafts don’t need to be complicated, just grab some paint and get creative!

Seashell Wall Hanging

 via Crafts on Sea

Here’s another craft that uses driftwood, a beautiful seashell wall hanging.

Seashell Decorations

 via Crafts on Sea

And just to show there’s more than one way to make decorations using shells how about these lovely star shapes?

Seashell Collage

 via Adventure in a Box

Even the littlest artist can get involved with this collage craft!

Seashell Puppets

 via Blue Bear Wood

Or how about using those seashells to make a set of puppets and then put on a show!

If you enjoyed this collection of Seashell Crafts why not check out our other Art and Craft for Kids ideas, including out owl crafts and flower craft collections too!

25 CREATIVE WAYS TO DISPLAY SEASHELLS
– HOW TO DISPLAY SEASHELLS

Photo by: @seashelladdict

If you love collecting seashells on your long beach walks, then I can assume you probably have quite a gnarly collection by now. I don't blame you, when you come across that "perfect" seashell you can't help but slip it into your pocket.

And, over time you start having more and more seashells than you know what to do with. And, you're left with the never ending question - what do I do with them?

Well, definitely NOT stuff them in a shoebox in the closet! Display them in your home for a true touch of seaside charm.

P.S. if you love seashells as much as I do, then you are going to want to put these seashell gift ideas on your wish list!

How To Display Seashells

DIY Collection Displays

1. Seashell Collection Box

Buy On Amazon

If you're looking for a super easy but still really cute way to display your seashells, consider a seashell collection box. After a trip to the beach, just drop your newest finds into the box, and soon you'll have a beautiful collection!

You can use a decorative box or thrift a vintage option for added character.

Tips:

• Group similar shells by color for a monochromatic look or by type (conch shells, scallops, etc.)
• Choose a vintage box with a nautical theme or a decorative box with a seashell motif
• Add a layer of sand or faux sea glass at the bottom of the box for some added interest

2. Create a seashell shadow box with labels

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Buy On Amazon

A shadow box is such a cute display idea for your seashells! I especially love the setup of this one because each type of seashell is labeled. It's like having a little beach museum in your own home, and you hand-picked every piece.

This is a great way to showcase your favorite shells and show off all of the different varieties you’ve found.

Tips:

• Choose a shadow box with a neutral background that won't compete with your shells
• Use small cards with handwritten labels or printed fonts to add the shells’ names
• Arrange the shells in a pattern like a spiral or a wave formation

Related Post: 14 Coastal Home Decor Ideas You Cannot Resist

3. Fill your bedside lamp with seashells

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Buy On Amazon

Filling up a clear vase-like lamp is a clever way to display all of your seashells. Not only does it look super cute, but it's also practical for lighting up a room! You could choose to add it to your sofa side table, nightstand, or entryway table.

Tips:

• For a clean and modern look, use large conch shells or chunky coral specimens
• For a more beachy feel, mix up shell sizes, add some starfish and a strand of fairy lights for an extra little something
• Choose a lampshade that complements the coastal theme, such as woven seagrass or linen

4. Use a tray seashell display

If you're looking for a more "professional" display idea for your seashells, then you're going to love this super organized wall display. Repurpose a vintage printer's tray to create a unique showcase for your seashells.

You can show off all of your favorites and individually give them the spotlight they deserve!

Tips:

• Arrange your shells by size within each compartment for an organized look
• Create a cascading effect by placing the largest shells in the back compartments and graduating to smaller shells towards the front
• For a vintage touch, use a worn printer's tray with chipped paint

5. Display a Marble Tray with Seashell Figurines

Shop Now

If you are looking for a modern twist on your seashell display, then you are going to love these flower shaped marble trays. You can choose to display your own real seashells on these or combine it with these marble seashell figurines for a sleek coastal aesthetic.

Style this on your coffee table, night stand, bathroom counter, or entryway table!

6. Use a boho woven tray

Buy On Amazon

Fill up jars with seashells

Recreate a similar seashell display:

One of the easiest ways to display your seashells is to simply fill up a few cute glass jars! You can place them all over your home, from the mantel to the kitchen counter. This is a great option when you need a quick and easy solution.

Fill apothecary jars or any glass container with seashells for a simple and elegant display.

Tips:

Instead of just filling the jar with seashells, create a layered look with sand, different sizes, and textures.

• Add some colored sand for a pop of color that matches your home decor.
• Choose the jar and its contents to suit the location. Use frosted glass jars and seashells in calming shades of blue and green for a bathroom. For a living room, opt for clear glass jars and seashells in brighter colors or a mix of colors.

• Use different colored sands to create layers that represent the ocean floor
• Add other nautical elements like small driftwood pieces, miniature seahorses, or a tiny sailboat
• Finish the jar with decorative netting for a rustic touch

10. Fill a coastal woven jar

Buy On Amazon

Instead of filling a plain clear vase with your seashells, fill a couple of coastal woven jars. This is a perfect way to had more of a nautical element to your space while showing off your hand selected seashells!

Plus, you add a small battery tea light candle to the center to add some mood lighting your space.

11. Display your seashells on floating shelves

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Buy On Amazon

Elevate your seashells by displaying them on floating shelves. This is a great space-saving option for seashell collection and keeps your surfaces clutter-free.

This display idea would work best if you have larger seashells to display. But you could also choose to display your tiny seashells in glass jars and then place them on these floating shelves.

Tips:

• Install floating shelves at varying heights for a more dynamic display
• Arrange clusters of shells together or scatter them individually for a more casual look
• Add other coastal elements like starfish, sea glass, or framed photos from your beach vacations

SEND THEM MY WAY!

12. Make art out of your seashells

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Unfinished Wood for Crafts

Buy On Amazon

If you have a large number of seashells, then you may want to consider doing a fun little DIY art project! There are so many adorable ways to make your seashells into art. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Arrange seashells on a canvas to create a seascape, a mosaic depicting a sea creature, or simply an abstract design. You can glue the shells down for a permanent piece or use double-sided tape for a more temporary option.

Tips:

• Before gluing anything down, use a pencil to lightly sketch your design on the canvas
• For a more complete look, use crushed seashells or small pebbles to fill in any gaps between the larger shells in your design
• Seashell art doesn't have to be flat. Experiment with creating a dimensional seascape by layering shells and gluing them at different heights.

13. Make your own seashell frame

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Buy On Amazon

Why buy a seashell frame when you can make your own? If you have a ton of small seashells, then this is one of the best ways to use and display them. Finding a place for your extra small seashells can be tricky, so this is a convenient way to make them look cute!

Use a variety of shell sizes and textures for a visually interesting look, and choose shells that complement the colors in the artwork you'll be framing.

Tips:

• Larger shells can create a bold statement, while smaller shells can add a delicate touch
• Use white and cream-colored shells for a beachy feel, or go bolder with brightly colored shells to add a pop of color
• Embrace the natural imperfections of the seashells. Don't shy away from chipped edges or slight variations in color

14. Make a Mosaic

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Use crushed seashells to create a mosaic tabletop, a bathroom accent piece, or decorative wall art. You can create a specific design or embrace a more abstract approach. Experiment with different shell colors and textures to add visual interest to your mosaic masterpiece.

Tips:

The color of your grout can impact the overall look of your mosaic. For a natural look, choose a grout color that complements the colors of your seashells.

• Don't feel limited to just using whole seashells. Crush seashells into smaller pieces to create intricate details.
• Once your mosaic is complete, apply a sealant to protect it from moisture and wear.

Related Post: 9 Beach Cottage Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Beach Home Feel Like Paradise

15. Decorate A Jewelry or Gift Box

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Shop Now

Revamp a plain jewelry box by gluing seashells onto the lid or sides. Choose seashells in complementary colors and patterns to create a beautiful and functional piece. This is a thoughtful and unique gift idea for anyone who loves the beach.

Tips:

• For a truly unique gift, personalize each jewelry box with the recipient's initials or a small seashell charm attached to the clasp.
• Line the inside of the jewelry box with a fabric that reflects the beach theme.
• You could also go beyond seashells and use small starfish, sand dollars, or even pieces of driftwood.

16. Make a heart out of seashells

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Jute Rope 1 in x 10 ft Natural Hemp Rope Twisted

Buy On Amazon

This is another art project idea that is super simple and cute! Arrange seashells in a heart shape on a canvas or glue them onto a wooden cutout. Adding a rope border ties in the coastal aesthetic and would be perfect for the bathroom, entryway table, or leaning against the kitchen backsplash.

Tips:

• Don't limit yourself to a flat design. Use seashells of varying heights and thicknesses to create a dimensional heart shape.
• Paint the canvas a light blue or turquoise for a classic beachy feel. You could also use a piece of driftwood as the background for a more rustic touch.
• Use a decorative ribbon or twine instead of plain wire for hanging.

Unique Seashell Decor Ideas

17. Resin Coasters

This is a unique way to display your seashell collection, preserving special seashells from a memorable trip for years to come. For an extra touch of personalization, consider adding small pebbles or other beach mementos before pouring the resin.

Or, if you are like me and don't want to mess if the trouble of making it . . . here is a cute product option!

Tips:

• For a modern twist, arrange the seashells in a geometric pattern before pouring the resin.
• Consider using colored resin or adding some metallic flakes for a little sparkle.
• Think beyond just seashells. Get creative and incorporate other beach mementos into your resin coasters.

18. Seashell String Lights

String fairy lights with small drilled seashells for a magical, beachy glow. This is a fun addition to a beach-themed bedroom or a patio for entertaining during warm summer nights.

Drill holes carefully near the tops of the shells and string them with fairy lights. Just drill slowly and carefully! You don’t want to risk breaking your shells.

Tips:

• Use different-sized shells. This will create a more dynamic look and allow the light to shine through different parts of the shells.
• Warm white lights will provide a soft and cozy glow, while cool white lights will create a more energetic atmosphere.
• Instead of stringing the lights in a straight line, drape them loosely over branches or a piece of driftwood for a more natural look.

19. Seashell Terrarium

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Buy On Amazon

Fill a terrarium with sand, small plants like succulents, and seashells to create a miniature beach scene. This creative way to bring a touch of the coast indoors and requires minimal maintenance.

Tips:

• Create layers of sand in different colors to represent a beach scene.
• Choose succulents and other low-maintenance plants that thrive in dry environments. Air plants are a great option.
• Select seashells in complementary colors and textures to the plants you choose

20. Mobile or Wind Chimes

Hang seashells from a mobile or make wind chimes to create a tinkling beach melody. You can use seashells in their original colors. Or, if you prefer a more colorful approach, you can carefully paint the seashells before hanging them.

Tips:

• Hang larger, statement shells at the bottom and smaller, more delicate shells towards the top for better balance.
• Incorporate other beachy elements like starfish, pieces of colored sea glass, or even small driftwood pieces.
• For wind chimes, choose seashells that create a pleasing sound. A lot of smaller lightweight shells close together tend to make for the best wind chimes.

21. Seashell Frame Mirror

If you have a lot of larger shells that you are looking to display, creating a frame for a mirror can be a fun way to go. Adhere seashells around a mirror frame for a truly unique statement piece. This adds some elevated coastal elegance to your bathroom or entryway. I’m loving the Little Mermaid vibes!

Tips:

• For a more refined look, arrange the seashells in a specific pattern or you can free-hand it to create a more eclectic look.
• Consider the overall size and style of your mirror when selecting seashells.
• If the mirror frame is ornate or has a dark finish, consider painting it a light color like white or light blue before adhering your seashells.

22. Seashell Curtain Tie Tassels

Here is a unique way to display some of your smaller shells. String your shells together with some neutral color twine (or go colorful if you want!) to create some beautiful and functional curtain tie tassels.

You don’t just have to limit these to tying back your curtains. You can hang them from door knobs, hooks, or dresser drawers to add a little interest to every room.

Tips:

• Choose a fabric for the base of the tassel that complements coastal colors like light blue or turquoise.
• Groups of smaller to medium-sized shells work best for this type of project. But you could use one large shell as the focal point for your tassel.
• Incorporate other nautical elements like beads or sea urchin shells at the base of the tassel.

 Seashell Pots

Recreate a similar seashell display:

Shop Now

Dress up your planter pots by gluing seashells around the rim or on the surface. This adds a touch of coastal flair to your indoor plants or outdoor potted flowers. For a little extra, you can choose shell colors that complement your plants.

Tips:

• Instead of gluing seashells individually around the rim, create small clusters of shells in different sizes and textures.
• For green foliage, consider using white, cream, or light-colored seashells. For brightly colored flowers, opt for seashells in bolder hues or with interesting patterns.
• You can arrange seashells in a mosaic pattern on the surface of the pot for a more elaborate design. This works particularly well for larger, flatter pots.

24. Seashell Appetizer Skewers

Finding out uses for those cute little seashells can be tricky, but I love this idea from Martha Stewart! Attach small seashells to the ends of appetizer skewers for an elegant and beachy touch for your next get-together.

This is a perfect way to add a little something special to hors d'oeuvres served at a beach-themed party or any casual gathering. Just be sure to have a little collection dish, so your guests don’t toss them!

Tips:

• Choose seashells with a small opening that you can easily wedge a skewer into.
• A touch of hot glue or crazy glue will make sure they stay put.
• Select appetizer foods that go with your beachy theme, like shrimp cocktail or mini crab cakes.

25. Decoupaged Seashells

Did you know you can use ModPodge and paper cocktail napkins to create these beautiful seashells? It’s actually really easy!

Look for seashells with a flat surface area that are easier to decoupage. This is a fun and creative way to showcase seashells and can result in truly one-of-a-kind pieces that are perfect for holding your jewelry and other trinkets.

Tips:

• Experiment with different decoupage papers or napkins with different patterns and colors that complement each other.
• Consider decoupaging only part of the seashell and leaving the rest of the natural shell exposed. This will create a dimensional effect and showcase the natural texture of the shell.
• After decoupaging your seashells, apply a coat of clear sealant to protect the design and make them more durable.

26. Seashell Wreath

Create a classic coastal wreath using seashells, starfish, and fishing net for a beachy front door. This is a welcoming way to greet guests and instantly sets the tone for a home with a coastal vibe.

Tips:

• Don't just use a random assortment of seashells. Stick to three or four types of shells that are similar in size. This will make it easier to accommodate the round shape of the wreath.
• Starfish can be a beautiful addition to a seashell wreath, but use them sparingly. Avoid overcrowding the wreath with too many starfish. Instead, use one or two starfish as focal points and arrange them to balance the overall design.
• Fishing net can add a touch of rustic charm. Wrap the fishing net loosely around the base of the wreath to create a textural element without overwhelming the seashells.

27. Seashell Drawer Knobs

Buy On Amazon

Replace drawer pulls with unique seashells for an unexpected and delightful surprise. Choose seashells that are a comfortable size and shape for pulling open drawers.

Sometimes, shells may not be durable enough to withstand daily use, so you can also opt for these wooden versions that look just as cute but you won’t risk breaking.

Tips:

• Choose seashells that are a comfortable size and shape for pulling open drawers. Avoid using overly large or bulky shells that would be difficult to grip.
• You will need to drill a small hole through the center of the seashell to attach it to the drawer. Be sure to drill carefully and use a drill bit size appropriate for the shell's thickness.
• Since the seashells themselves are unique statement pieces, opt for simple hardware to attach them to the drawers.

FAQs

What are some unique ways to display seashells in my home?

There are a lot of creative ways to showcase your seashell collection, including:

Glass Containers: Place seashells in glass vases, bowls, or lanterns for a simple yet stunning display.

Flower Arrangements: Sprinkle shells at the bottom of your vase before you add your arrangement. The shells will help keep your flowers in place.

Seashell Ornaments: Create holiday ornaments by gluing seashells onto backs or filling glass balls with tiny shells.

Cake Stands: Use cake platters or pedestals to elegantly display your favorite seashells.

Can I make functional items out of seashells?

Yes! Seashells can be transformed into functional items such as:

Seashell Soap Dishes: Use large seashells to create beautiful, usable soap dishes for a coastal-themed bathroom.

Seashell Candle Holders: Attach seashells to glass candle holders, possibly adding pearls and glitter for extra decoration.

Handmade Shell Candles: Scallop seashells make perfect vessels for DIY candles. Just attach pre-waxed wicks and fill them with melted wax.

How can I make wall art from seashells?

Seashells are a beautiful and natural material that can be used to create stunning wall art. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Seashell Shadow Box:

• Find a shadow box frame in a size you like.
• Use cardstock or paint the back of the frame to create a background color that compliments your seashells.
• Arrange your seashells on the background. You can create a specific design or go for a more natural look.
• Once you're happy with the arrangement, glue the seashells in place.

Seashell Wall Hanging:

• This is a great option for driftwood you might have collected at the beach.
• You can tie fishing line or twine to the driftwood and thread seashells onto the lines at varying lengths.

Seashell Mosaic Art:

• You can use a canvas, wood plaque, or any other flat surface as your base.
• Glue the seashells directly onto the surface, creating a mosaic pattern or picture.
• You can also paint the background or seashells before gluing them on for a more customized look.

Tips:

Clean your seashells: Before you start crafting, wash your seashells with warm, soapy water and let them dry completely.

Sort your seashells: Sort your seashells by size, color, and shape. This will make it easier to arrange them for your project.

Get creative: You can use other beach finds like starfish, sand dollars, or pebbles in your artwork.

Consider painting your seashells: Spray painting your seashells with metallic or pastel colors can add a unique touch.

Are there any innovative display ideas for larger seashell collections?

Display Stands: Use stands to create varying heights among larger seashells for an elegant display.

Aquariums and Antique Boxes: Place your collection in unique containers like an antique aquarium or a display box.

Floating Shelves: Utilize rustic farmhouse floating shelves to showcase larger seashells or tiny shells in glass jars.

Displaying
Nature Collections Inside

I get asked a lot about what kind of science work I do with my kids. Or, what kind of work parents should do for their kids. And if I have any ideas for science shelves.

One of the easiest answers to those types of questions is to look to nature. The natural world provides so many amazing opportunities for small children to learn that we don’t even have to create anything elaborate.we just have to observe and give our children time with nature. And often, a collection or two will spring up out of this time together.

HOW DO YOU SUPPORT A CHILD'S NATURE COLLECTION AT HOME?

1. Provide containers, baskets, trays, or other places to safely store a collection
2. Do lots of  outdoor exploration experiences WITH them
3. Clear some space - dedicate a nature table or desk
4. Bring a lunch bag or large ziplock with you when you’re outside
5. Look closely with your child - share their excitement
6. Keep it local - doesn’t have to be a vacation thing
7. Teach your child responsible collection techniques - we don't take living objects for example

Children are attracted to the beauty of the natural world and seem to find it everywhere so it’s no surprise that nature collections seem to be a natural part of childhood. Supporting that collection can give children so many possibilities for work that you don’t have to add much else to your shelves.

At our house, an interest in dead beetles last summer has changed into an interest in all dead bugs. Sara looks for them everywhere. Our collection has grown to include several moths, butterflies, dragonflies, a wasp, and several beetles. Recently, her interests have expanded to a toad skin she found while biking. Somewhere a long the way feathers have been added to the things she eagerly collects and shoves into her pockets.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A NATURE COLLECTION?

1. read about related topics
2. compare textures
3. measure and weigh 
4. examine under a microscope or magnifying glass
5. tracings, rubbings, and other art projects
6. just talk and connect over the items - share in your child's joy
7. share information about the items with siblings, friends, or classmates
8. organize or preserve items - I love these ideas for preserving bugs 
9. search for more!
10. visit a local museum where you can learn more about the objects collected
11. decorate the area together - Sara's favorite in summer is adding fresh flowers

We keep them in these wonderful boxes. I love them because they help to keep the specimens safe while also keeping them out of other little mouths. The only downside of these boxes is that it is harder to look at the insects under a microscope once they are in the box and they are a bit of a splurge. But, they can be removed and replaced, and provide nice practical life work in opening and closing.

I hope Sara's desire to expand her nature collection doesn't stop anytime soon. The joy she gets when adding to her collection is absolutely contagious. And, I love these glimpses into her world and the things she finds interesting!

Does your child have a nature collection?

How do you cultivate and protect that interest?

How do you use the collection?

Easy Ways to Display and Store
Rock & Nature Collections

Now that we are all in the midst of collecting rocks for our rock collections, I want to share my Favorite Ways to Display Rock Collections. There are ways of attractively displaying your rocks and still leave them available for inspection and closer observation. Most of the methods do not require big investments of money since you can recycle containers and other materials needed. I like keeping our rocks out in the open because it does encourage our children to look at them and I have found visitors to our how stop to take a look and ask about them as well. This gives us a chance to share what we know about our rocks...love that kind of learning and sharing.

Jar - We love this simple way of collecting rocks when we are traveling. I simply bring along a container or two with lids (look for them at your local dollar store). I prefer plastic to glass for obvious reasons. If you wanted to you would collect the rocks in the plastic jars and then when you got home you could transfer them to pretty glass containers. I use a Sharpie marker to label the top for future reference.

Tray - Placing rocks on a tray on our nature table makes it super easy to view them, study them, and keep them organized. I have found that using a tray is much easier if you place a cloth or placemat on top before adding your rocks. This keeps the rocks from rattling around and sliding onto the floor. You can rotate the rocks on the tray to spark interest. I also add a magnifying lens or loupe to the tray so we can take a closer look at our rocks.

Window Sills - This was our method of displaying rocks when we wanted them handy for study. My sons would gather the rocks from our collections and then place them all in a line on the windowsill. The secret advantage to this method of displaying rocks is that you are limited to the space on the window sill. If you want to add a rock and the sill is full, you must remove a rock.

Vases - Many of the rocks we collect are found at the river's edge or at the seashore. They look so very pretty when they are wet, showing the variations in color and composition. By the time we get them home, they are dry and dull and sometimes I even wonder what attracted us to a certain rock. But, I have found that if you get them wet again your see the beauty shine through. Using the rocks in the bottom of a clear glass vase, filling it with water, and then adding a splash of flowers is one of my favorite ways to bring those rocks alive again.

Shelf - In the past we have dedicated a shelf to our rock collections. The collections were either contained in nice specimen boxes or in other recycled boxes with labels. I found this the least attractive of the methods of displaying rocks because it does not really let you see the rocks easily. But, if you have younger ones who collect lots of rocks, you may for a time, need to display your rock collections in this way. I also have a shelf that has a collection of very unattractive shoe boxes with rocks stacked inside....not shown in the images above...not a preferred method.

Tiered Make-up (or tackle) Organizer- Need a portable way to store your crystals? One of my favorite crystal educators, Hibiscus Moon, shared a method from one of her healers, Lexi, that I absolutely love. Lexi used a collapsible makeup box to keep her crystals safe, organized, and dust free. Each category has a separate compartment to prevent scratches and chips.

DIY Framed Rock Display Case               50 Magical Crystal and Rock Display Ideas

 
Shadow boxes                                     Shelf on a fence display

Bringing Nature Inside
Make A Terrarium To Bring Nature Indoors

Using a glass bowl, jar or other container you could make one of these amazing terrariums.

They can be any size or shape, and are mostly self watering.

Check out morningchores.com for some fantastic terrarium ideas

Set up a collectors box or rack.

This idea from photoshop.com is a great way to display anything the kids love to collect when they’re outside. This works great for treasures to be used in art.

Encourage the kids to collect all sorts of pretty bits.

•  Pinecones
• Feathers
• Leaves.
• Twigs etc.

Then display them indoors where the kids can play and explore with them.

A tray of conkers and pinecones, recently became a feeding tray for a group of zoo animals the kids were playing with.

You could display your nature ‘bits’ in a small basket,

I have also used cutlery tray inners and a muffin tray before. Have fun with it.

So, I hope you have found a few ideas you can try.

Bringing nature indoors can be so rewarding.

Start an indoor nature treasure shelf

Start a ‘treasure shelf’ where kids can display their outdoor finds like rocks, leaves, pine cones, etc. Instead of them ending up in the washing machine… encourage your kids to leave them on the treasure shelf instead!  Consider leaving a magnifying glass or kid’s microscope like this one on this or this shelf or on a nearby table.

Here’s our nature treasure shelf!

Nature Treasure Boxes

Preschoolers and toddlers usually really enjoy playing with random loose parts. You can make them a nature-themed bin full of all sorts of natural treasures for them to build and play with.

Consider filling a small tub with smaller containers that they need to open and explore and fill and empty. Think shells, pretty stones, pieces of drift wood, maybe some paint brushes and small scoops too.

For an added task, give them some water to paint these treasures and watch how their colors and textures change.

Or, for the older kids, you could pull out the nature field guides and let them identify rocks or shells from their collections.

Checking out Grandma and Grandpa’s shell collection!

Make DIY Nature Jars

Shells and rocks can be displayed as part of a indoor fairy or pirate garden.

Nature is perfect as loose parts  in the building blocks center

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vToAsE4OI5Cuw62KSCmoE2Y27tyj1_cloBYeXReFswvXTKbm3RZQEdObTYHnbexk11Wi6fIHsQnQNwx/pub