DIY crab craft from painted shells

This fantastic shell crab craft activity is super fun for the kids to create. A perfect summer craft and a great way to use all the shells you have collected over the summer. You can use big shells or small ones, depending on what you have at home. So gather the craft supplies at home and create this colorful crab craft activity.

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Craft supplies shell crab craft

• A big scallop shell, preferably white (like this example)
• Acrylic paint in the color you want your crab
• Paint marker or acrylic paint to paint dots
• Paper/cardstock for the legs
• Two (wooden) beads for the eyes
• Two small googly eyes
• Black marker
• Glue (preferably hot glue)
• Scissor

Step-by-step craft instructions

Step 1: Gather the craft supplies.

Step 2: Start with painting your scallop in the color you like. I recommend using a white scallop, so your paint color will pop. If you don´t have a white scallop, first give your scallop a white coat of paint. Put your scallop aside and let the paint dry before you put a second coat. I recommend using acrylic paint because the paint covers very well on different materials, like shells.

Step 3: You can use two round wooden beads for the eyes of your crab. Paint your dots in the same color as your scallop.

Step 4: When your beads are completely dry, glue a googly eye on the hole (see picture).

 

Step 5: Decorate your scallops with polka dots, stripes, stars, or anything you like. You can also use sequins or glitter for the crab shell (see picture).

Step 6: Now, we will make the legs from paper or cardstock. I recommend using cardstock because it´s more durable. See the layout picture of the crab on how to draw your legs. You need three back legs on both sides and two big claws in front. It´s easiest to fold your paper in half for the front claws so your claw is even.

Step 7: Let´s glue our crab together. Use a glue gun (hot glue) to make sure the legs and eyes glue well on the scallop. Glue the legs on the bottom of your scallop. And the bead/eyes on the top front of your scallop (see picture).

Step 8: Last but not least, give your crab a cute smile with a black marker or fine liner.

 

Looking for more fun ocean craft ideas? What about these easy and fun paper origami fish. Always a big hit for kids! Or these gorgeous manta rays.

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