Seashell Utensil and Napkin Holder Craft
This Seashell Utensil and Napkin Holder Craft is a pretty way to decorate for a beach party, summer picnic, ocean unit, or backyard cookout. Kids can help collect and sort small seashells, roll the recycled containers in sand, and choose where the shells should go. Adults should handle the hot glue, but the whole family can help turn clean food containers into useful beach themed table decorations.
Supplies
- Small seashells
- Sand
- Clean, dry quart and pint food containers with lids
- Tacky glue
- Low temp glue gun
- Plastic utensils
- Napkins
Instructions
- Spread a thin layer of tacky glue around the bottom half of the clean food container.
- Roll the glued section in sand. Shake off the extra sand and let it dry completely.
- Ask an adult to hot glue the lid to the bottom of the container. This creates a small rim around the base and helps the holder look finished.
- Hot glue small seashells around the container. You can cover the whole outside or decorate just the sandy bottom section.
- Use a pint size container to hold napkins and a quart size container to hold plastic utensils.
Craft Tips
For younger kids, let them sort the shells by size, shape, or color before decorating.
If you are making these for a party, create several holders and place them around the table.
You can also add small pieces of sea glass, tiny faux pearls, or ribbon for extra decoration.
Use only clean, dry containers so the glue sticks well.
Fun Facts
The Australian Trumpet is often listed as one of the largest seashells in the world. Its shell can grow up to about 35 inches long and may weigh close to 39 pounds.
Seashells come in many shapes because they are made by different kinds of sea animals. The shell helps protect the animal’s soft body.
Patterns, Templates and Printables
No printable template is needed for this easy seashell craft. Use recycled food containers, sand, and small seashells to create your own unique utensil and napkin holders.
Teacher Friendly Educational Extension
Turn this seashell craft into a simple ocean themed classroom activity. Have students sort shells by size, color, texture, or shape before decorating their containers. Younger children can practice counting and pattern making, while older students can write a short paragraph about where seashells come from and why they are important in ocean habitats.
This also makes a fun classroom display for summer, beach, recycling, or ocean unit studies. Use the finished holders for pencils, craft sticks, napkins, or classroom supplies.
