Shellcraft Seashell Magnets
Project 3 - Cross

Create shellcraft seashell magnets in a "cross" pattern by following along with the instructions of this project.

Materials you will need:

* a magnet (business card size magnet shown)
* 7 seashells
* 6 rhinestones -2 clear (diamond?) & 4 blue ones
* sand, beach sand if possible
* glue, white all purpose
* a couple of hobby paint brushes
* polyurethane clear high gloss or semi-gloss liquid

To make it easy on yourself, use at least a 2" x 3 ½" business card magnet for this shellcraft project. You can find these business card magnets at office supply stores.

They usually have a paper backing over a glued surface. Remove the paper backing before using. Use the glued surface for the design. A larger magnet can also be used, just use larger seashells.

Go through your seashell collection and look for seashells that will give you the pattern shown or a close copy of it. I used simple clamshells I found on one of my beachcombing expeditions. I used the same type of clamshell for the entire cross.


Also look through your rhinestones and pick out 6 of them. The "diamond" rhinestones are used to represent the halo effect, and the blue ones are the tears Christ is said to have shed for humanity. You could also use red rhinestones, representing the blood that spilled from his body. Or you could use the rhinestones just because they add brilliant color around the cross.

Apply glue to the magnet on the non-magnetic side. Spread it around with the paintbrush until the whole surface of the magnet is covered. The glue needs to stay wet for a few minutes while you place the shellcraft design on the magnet surface.

Start at the top, placing the center column of 5 seashells. The top two should have the points looking at each other, just like in the photo. Place the seashells that form the arms of this Shellcraft cross design.

Put the 2 clear or diamond rhinestones and the top corners next to the head of the cross. Put the 4 blue ones under the arms on both sides of the body of the cross.

Sprinkle sand over the whole seashell project. Cover the glue that is still showing, then set aside until the glue is dry. Tilt the magnet over so the loose sand falls off. Gather it up and save it for future projects.

You can protect this seashell craft by painting everything except the rhinestones with the polyurethane. The poly will make the seashells and sand look bright and shiny. Try not to apply paint to the rhinestones it turns them dull.

Enjoy your small seashell treasure by placing it on your refrigerator, or take it to work and put it on a file cabinet. Anything the magnet can attach to will do.

the Shellcrafter

WARNING!

This project is not recommended for children. Possible choking hazard. Direct adult supervision is recommended.

Try Another Project:

Project 1 – Center Focus

Project 2 - Butterfly

Project 4 - Angel

Project 5 - Sea Turtle

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