DIY Seashell Crabs
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Welcome to a fun and beachy crafting adventure that transforms ordinary seashells into charming little crabs! This project is perfect for craft enthusiasts of all ages, offering a great way to spend quality time with family while creating something fun and decorative.
DIY Seashell Crabs Craft Tutorial
Whether you’ve collected shells from the beach or picked up a bag from your local craft store, this craft is an excellent way to bring a bit of the ocean into your home. Let’s get started!
Supplies needed to Make A DIY Seashell Crabs
- Small seashells
- Red paint
- Red sparkly pipe cleaners
- Red cardstock
- Googly eyes
- Glue (hot glue recommended for adults for a stronger hold)
- Scissors
How To Make DIY Seashell Crabs
Step 1: Paint Your Seashells
Begin by painting your seashells red. Depending on the opacity of the paint and the natural color of the shells, you may need to apply two coats to achieve a vibrant red. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats and before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare The Crab Legs
While the shells are drying, cut six legs for each crab from the red sparkly pipe cleaners. Each leg should be about 2 inches long, but you can adjust the length based on the size of your seashells.
Step 3: Attach The Legs
Once the shells are dry, glue the pipe cleaner legs to the inside rim of the shell, spacing them evenly. Bend them slightly to create a more realistic crab-like appearance.
Step 3: Add The Pincers and Eyes
Cut out two pincer shapes from the red cardstock for each crab. These don’t have to be perfect, just a simple claw shape will do.
Attach the pincers to the front inside of the shell, positioning them so they look like they are coming out of the front of the crab.
Cut two strips of red cardstock for mounting the googly eyes.
Glue the googly eyes onto these red cardstock pieces and then attach them to the inside front of the shell so they stick up over the edge, giving your crab a quirky and cute look.
This seashell crab craft is not only simple and inexpensive but also incredibly versatile and fun. It’s a fantastic project for beach-themed parties, summer camps, or as a creative way to keep the kids entertained. Each finished crab is sure to be as unique as its creator, making this a truly special craft that might just become a new favorite. So grab your supplies, unleash your creativity, and let’s make some adorable seashell crabs!
Crafty Tips:
- Color Variations: While red is traditional for crabs, feel free to experiment with other colors. Blue, green, or even multicolored crabs can be a fun twist.
- Googly Eye Sizes: Play around with different sizes of googly eyes to give each crab its own personality.
- Decorative Ideas: These crabs can be used to embellish picture frames, mirrors, or can be made into magnets by attaching a small magnet to the bottom.
- Safety First: If children are participating, make sure adults handle the hot glue gun or use regular craft glue instead for a safer alternative.
