Seashell Fish – Things To Make With Shells — CraftBits.com

Seashell Fish – Things To Make With Shells

Whether you’ve just come back from a family beach trip or you’re looking to use up that bag of shells collecting dust on the windowsill (guilty!), this Seashell Fish Craft is a joyful little project that’s as fun for grown-ups as it is for kids.

I actually made these with my teens during a rainy afternoon at the holiday unit—proving that you’re never too old to play with glue and paint. They now hang in our laundry room like a little seaside parade. It’s easy, colorful, and a brilliant way to turn nature’s leftovers into playful décor or handmade gifts.

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What you need

Assorted seashells – medium scallop or clam shells work best for the body

Smaller shells – for fins and tails (think spiral shells or small clam halves)

Acrylic paint in ocean-inspired colors

Paintbrushes (fine and medium tips)

Craft glue or hot glue gun (low temp if crafting with kids)

Googly eyes or black beads

Optional: Glitter, magnets, twine for hanging, mini frames for display

Instructions

How to Make Your Seashell Fish:

Step 1: Clean Your Shells
Rinse your shells in warm, soapy water and let them dry completely. A soft toothbrush helps remove any sand or gunk.

Step 2: Plan Your Fish Shape
Lay out your shell “fish” on the table. Use one main shell as the body, and smaller ones for fins and tails. Play around with combinations until you love it—there’s no wrong fish here!

Step 3: Paint the Shells
Paint your shells in bright, ocean-friendly colors. Think coral pinks, turquoise, seafoam green, sunny yellows… or go full mermaid with purples and glitter. Let dry completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Fish
Use craft glue or hot glue to attach the smaller shells to the main body. Let it dry flat so your fish doesn’t wobble off in the middle of drying.

Step 5: Add the Eyes and Details
Glue on a googly eye or a bead to bring your fish to life. Use a fine brush or paint pen to add little scales, dots, or patterns for extra personality.

Optional Extras:

Magnet it: Stick a strong magnet on the back for a beachy fridge buddy like we did
String it up: Add twine to the top and make a hanging mobile or nursery décor.
Gift it: Frame a few in a shadow box for a sweet handmade gift.