I allow children in my care to collect a few shells every summer at the beach and take them home to paint them. If you can’t visit the beach you can buy shells online. Older children can also use pencils and Sharpie markers to help decorate sea shells. Kids can make pendants and hair clips with shells as well.
You Will Need:
Sea Shells
Plastic Tablecloth, Craft Mat, or Newspaper
Smock and Disposable Gloves (optional)
Plastic Plates or Paint Pallets
Cups of Water
Acrylic Paint
Paint Brushes
Pencil and Sharpie Markers (optional)
What to Do:
1. Soak shells gathered at the beach in clean water to dissolve debris. Use a brush to remove debris. Allow the shells to dry completely.
2. Cover the work surface with a plastic tablecloth, splat mat, or newspaper. Have little kids wear smocks. Kids that don’t like getting their hands dirty can wear disposable vinyl or latex gloves.
3. Squirt paint onto plastic plates to use as a paint pallet. Keep cups of water nearby to clean the paint brushes.
4. Have kids paint shells. If making designs have them paint with a base color and dry completely.
5. Once the paint is dry the children can use a pencil to draw design.
6. Use paint or Sharpie markers to finish designs.
Reference:
Photos by Stephanie Felzenberg
bethebestnanny.com 
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