Red Crab
Decorative Wall Plaque
Seashells Craft

1. a 6" x 8" wood photo holder with hanger (metal or twine)to use as the canvas for your wall plaque.

2. a small figure of a crab (preferably red) - glass, porcelain, resin, plastic, etc.

3. seashells.

4. sand.

General Materials:

1. a bottle of Elmer's Glue-All or equivalent.

2. a can of polyurethane - gloss or semi-gloss.

3. sand paper - medium and fine grit.

4. a set of hobby brushes.

5. a nail or a picture hanger.

Optional:

1. Accessories such as small rocks, marbles, pearls, coral pieces, etc.

2. Sea fan, starfish, sand dollar, etc.

3. Wood stain or varnish.

4. A pair of pliers

5. A hammer.

Examine the wood plaque (photo holder). Remove any stickers. Use medium grit sandpaper to smooth down any rough areas as best you can.

Use fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand all over the plaque.

Clean the plaque by dusting with a rag, or use a vacuum to suck up the dust.

For a natural wood look, apply polyurethane over the wood - include the back and sides. Optionally you can apply a stain or a varnish to the plaque. Let dry.

I have found two types of wood photo holders at the local crafts store.

The first has a removable thin slat of wood on the back held by small metal "wedges". Remove the wood slat and pull out the metal pieces. Use a set of pliers to grip and pull the metal pieces straight out. Apply a bead of glue around the edge of the area the slat fits into and replace the slat. Wait for it to dry before proceeding.

The second one has a permanent backing and to be able to insert a photo, they have a slot that goes all around the side of the face. Just clean any rough spots for now.

Apply glue to the facing surface in the "well" part of the plaque. Use a hobby brush to spread it around. Pour sand over the glue. Let it dry.

If you are using a wall plaque with a slot all around, apply glue all around the edge where the slot is. Then apply glue to the center area and spread it around with a hobby brush. Finally, pour on the sand to cover all the glue, especially along the sides. Let it dry.

Remove excess sand by turning your project upside-down and carefully shaking it. Use a newspaper under your project to catch the sand. Return the loose sand to your sand container. Apply the design Place the plaque flat on your work space with the side to be designed facing up.

Examine the wood plaque and the items you want to use on the plaque. Use the photo above as a guide. Decide where you want to place the shells and the crab. With your idea in mind, apply glue to the first shell and set it on the plaque. Since the plaque is laying flat, you can just continue to apply glue to your shells set them in place.

Apply the next one. Let dry. Continue repeating these steps until you have placed all the shells that you want on the plaque. Don't worry about minor glue ooze, it will generally dry clear.

You can remove most of a larger bit of excess glue or a spill by using a hobby brush to pick it up. Put the excess glue on a napkin, and keep picking up glue with the brush until you are happy.

After all the shells are on, and the piece is dry, it is time to apply the crab and any accessories. Do the glue and place routine that you used for the shells. Once you the crab and accessories positioned where you want, let the project sit so everything dries.

Finishing the project

After all the glue has set and the project is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane to the shells and the sand. This will both protect the sand and shells, and provide a bit of shine. The poly is especially good on the seashells, bringing out any colors they may have.

Now that you have finished the project, it's time to hang it. Pick a spot on a wall at eye level or slightly above. If you plan on a group of plaques, The lower ones should be at or slightly below eye level(about 5 feet from the floor). Install a nail or a picture hanger in the wall. Hang the wall decor.

Buy your craft supplies through one of our associated Craft Suppliers. Just be sure to go to them through Shellcraft Guides. Thanks.

Check out our list of helpful Books which provide information from selling your crafts to kids crafts to learning other crafts.

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