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Seaside Kids - Beach Themed Crafts

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CREATE YOUR OWN OUTER BANKS SOUVENIRS

Whether you are having rainy weather during your week at your Outer Banks vacation home or you have an upcoming vacation and your kids just can't seem to keep their anticipation in check (we totally get it!), beach-themed crafts are a great way to stay connected to the beach and occupy little minds and hands while letting them explore their creativity! If you're looking for the perfect afternoon project, try one of these beach-themed crafts:

SEASHELL PICTURE FRAMES

Materials Needed:

  • Plain picture frame
  • Seashells (collected from the beach or purchased)
  • Hot glue gun
  • Sand (optional)
  • Mod Podge (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry the seashells.
2. Arrange the seashells around the edge of the picture frame.
3. Use the hot glue gun to attach the seashells to the frame.
4. Optional: For an added touch, brush Mod Podge on the frame and sprinkle with sand.
5. Let everything dry completely before using the frame to display your favorite beach photo.

BEACH MEMORY JARS

Materials Needed:

  • Clear glass jar
  • Sand
  • Small seashells
  • Beach memorabilia (e.g., small driftwood pieces, pebbles)
  • Ribbon or twine (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill the bottom of the jar with sand.
2. Layer in your seashells, pebbles, and other beach finds.
3. Seal the jar and decorate the lid with ribbon or twine for a finished look.
4. Display your memory jar as a reminder of your Outer Banks adventure.

PAINTED SHELLS

Materials Needed:

  • Seashells
  • Acrylic paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Sealant (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry the seashells.
2. Use acrylic paints to create colorful designs on the shells.
3. Let the paint dry completely.
4. Optional: Apply a clear sealant to protect the paint.
5. Use your painted shells as decorations, paperweights, or gifts.

DRIFTWOOD ART

Materials Needed:

  • Pieces of driftwood
  • Hot glue gun or wood glue
  • Paint (optional)
  • Twine (optional)

Instructions:

1. Arrange your driftwood pieces into a design (e.g., heart shape, star, abstract).
2. Use hot glue or wood glue to secure the pieces together.
3. Optional: Paint or decorate the driftwood pieces.
4. Attach a piece of twine to the back if you want to hang your artwork.

Seashell Critters

Materials Needed:

  • Assorted seashells
  • Googly eyes
  • Hot glue gun or strong craft glue
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Small beads
  • Acrylic paint and brushes
  • Glitter, stickers, and other extras

Instructions:

1. Gather Your Seashells: Take a walk along the beach and collect an assortment of seashells. Look for shells in different shapes and sizes – these will become the bodies of your critters. Make sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly before starting your craft.
2. Plan Your Critter: Lay out your seashells and plan what kind of critter you want to make. Will it be a cute crab, a silly snail, or a friendly fish? Get creative with your combinations!
3. Assemble the Body: Use the hot glue gun or strong craft glue to attach the seashells together. For example: For a crab, you might glue two similar-sized shells together to form the body and add smaller shells for claws. For a snail, glue a smaller shell onto a larger shell to create the body and the shell.
4. Add the Details: 

  • Googly Eyes: Glue googly eyes onto your critter to give it some personality.
  • Pipe Cleaners: Cut pipe cleaners to the desired length and glue them on for legs, antennae, or other appendages.
  • Beads: Use small beads to create additional details like noses or spots.

4. Paint and Decorate: If you want to add more color or detail, use acrylic paint to decorate your seashell critters. You can also add glitter, stickers, or any other embellishments to make them unique.
5. Let It Dry: Allow your seashell critters to dry completely before handling them. This ensures that all the parts stay securely in place.

Summer Journals

Materials Needed:

  • Plain journals with solid covers
  • Acrylic paint and brushes
  • Glue
  • Glitter
  • Markers
  • Foam shapes and stickers
  • Scrapbooking paper
  • Shells, sand, and other beach finds
  • Mod Podge/clear sealant

Instructions:

1. Gather all your supplies and set up a crafting area. Cover the workspace with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth for easy cleanup!
2. Design the cover: Paint, use glitter and glue, markers, or foam shapes and stickers. Use your imagination to go wild!
3. If you want to add a special touch from your Outer Banks trip, glue small shells, sand, or other beach finds to the cover. Make sure to use a strong adhesive and let it dry completely.
4. To protect the artwork and embellishments, you can apply a layer of Mod Podge or clear sealant over the cover. This step is optional but recommended for durability.
5. Once the journals are decorated, they’re ready to be filled with summer memories! Encourage the kids to write about their daily adventures, draw pictures, paste in photos, and collect mementos from their travels.

Summer Vacation Stationary

Materials Needed:

  • Blank sheets of stationary paper
  • Markers in various colors
  • Stickers
  • Rubber stamps and ink
  • Washi Tape
  • Envelopes

Instructions:

1. Gather all materials and set up a workspace. Lay down newspaper or a tablecloth for easy cleanup.
2. Let the kids get creative with their stationery! Here are some ideas:

  • Draw and Write: Use markers to draw borders, patterns, or images at the top or sides of the paper. Encourage them to add fun beach elements like waves, sun, or seashells.
  • Add Stickers: Let them choose stickers to embellish their stationery. Beach-themed stickers can make the notes extra special.
  • Stamp It: If you have rubber stamps, kids can create unique designs or add fun phrases. This is a great way to personalize their stationery further.
  • Washi Tape: Use washi tape to add decorative borders or designs. It’s easy to use and can be removed without tearing the paper.

3. If you want to go the extra mile, kids can decorate envelopes to match their stationery. They can use the same materials to create a cohesive look.
4. Once the stationery is ready, it’s time for the kids to write! Encourage them to:

  • Send letters to family or friends back home.
  • Record memories of their day-to-day adventures in the Outer Banks.
  • Create a letter for themselves to open in the future, reflecting on their summer experiences.

Mailing (Optional):*
If they want to send letters, make sure to check local postal service hours and procedures for mailing while on vacation.

Make Rainy Days Fun With Crafts

Rainy days don’t have to be a washout when you have these fun and creative beach crafts to enjoy. Gather your supplies, let your creativity flow, and make some lasting memories with these simple yet beautiful projects. Be sure to share your creations with us – we’d love to see your beach-inspired masterpieces! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.

We’ll see you at the beach.

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