Oh so sad that summer is over. If you were fortunate to get some time at the beach, you may have come home with a few dozen of these:

Especially if you have little children who insist on keeping every shell that they find! So, what to do with all those shells? Gather up your little ones and make a sea shell matching game!

This craft couldn’t be easier. You will need an even number of shells that are approximately the same size and color. Plus, stickers that you have at least two of.

Be sure your shells are clean, dry and free of sand. Then peel and stick your stickers inside the shells. Try not to pick shells that look identical or it will make it too easy for your players to make a match. Let’s not make it too easy on the kids. The true goal of this game is to keep your kids occupied for 15 minutes!

You may have to trim a few stickers to help them fit better. See how I trimmed the Buzz sticker:

Then set out your shells sticker side down and let the game begin!

Make sure they play fair and only turn over two shells at a time. If a match is made then they can keep those two shells.

At the end, let them count their pairs. The person with the most matches wins!

Be sure to encourage re-matches! If you want the stickers to hold up to many games and sticky fingers, you may choose to coat the sticker side with Mod Podge.

 

11 replies
  1. Cleta
    Cleta says:

    Great post however , I wass wondering iff you could write a litte
    more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could
    elabgorate a little bit more. Kudos!

    Reply
  2. Cussot
    Cussot says:

    I've seen an antique Japanese version of this – same idea, but the shells were handpainted and stored in two very large lacquered containers. I like your modern interpretation!

    Reply
  3. - Brittany
    - Brittany says:

    Thank you all for your kind comments. In answer to a few of your questions, yes, I've been making some improvements to my site. Mainly adding a long overdue header. And this weekend a good friend took some great headshots of me while at the beach. He is an amazing photographer! Check out his portfolio here: http://www.johnpagliucaproductions.com

    Reply
  4. Nutbird
    Nutbird says:

    Did you change your blog around a little? It looks really good now. I reviewed some of your projects and was knocked out with the way you highlight the parts you are talking about. I think that I could follow your directions, even though I don't really know how to make furniture. Thanks for your dedication. Ann

    Reply
  5. The DIY Show Off
    The DIY Show Off says:

    What fun and such a good idea and makes me want to hang on to summer just a little bit longer or go to the beach. Option 2 would be better. 😉

    Have a great week!

    Roeshel

    Reply
  6. Michelle L.
    Michelle L. says:

    Great idea! I love how simple it is to make, but the finished game is sweetly artistic and picturesque. A design upgrade from your typical matching game!

    Reply
  7.  Tatum
     Tatum says:

    I don't live near a beach, nor did I get the opportunity to visit one this summer but had I had the opportunity I would have made certain that I came home with such treasures! What a clever way to play the match game!!

    Reply

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