Marblehead Angel Seashell Magnet Craft

alr9952 | Mar 14, 2011 |

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Credit: Angelo Rodriguez Photos

Step 1

Materials

magnet
clam seashells
bubble seashells
rhinestones
marble
sand
glue
brush
paper

Credit: Angelo Rodriguez Photos

The canvas used for this seashell magnet is a flat, business card sized (2” x 3") magnet. They can be found in office supply stores and perhaps in discount stores. The flat surface is excellent for seashell arts and crafts.

Pick out two clam style seashells for use as the wings. The ones shown here are cardita clam seashells but you can use any that give the feeling or look of wings.

For the body, arms and legs select seven round seashells from your collection. The one for the body should be larger than the ones for the arms and legs. The ones shown here are called bubble seashells.

This angel craft uses a marble as the head of the angel. The marble used here is a craft marble. These marbles are usually sold for placing in bowls or jars at craft supply stores.

Finally, pick out the color of the rhinestones. These three are amber colored but you can use any color you like. Clear or blue rhinestones would also make excellent colors for the angel’s halo.

Lay out the materials near to where you plan on assembling this sea shell magnet.

Design

Do a dry run of the materials by placing them on the surface of the magnet. This will provide you with a visual of the layout of the parts. Check that everything fits easily on the magnet surface and you are happy with what you see.

Move the design to the side of the magnet, leaving room for you to work on the seashell craft.

Credit: Angelo Rodriguez Photos

Magnet Preparation

Remove the paper backing on the front of the magnet. Lay the magnet down on your work surface. Since glue and sand is involved, you may want to use paper or a plastic place mat to protect your work surface.

Credit: Angelo Rodriguez Photos

Apply glue to the surface. Standard all-purpose white glue is used here. You need enough glue to cover the surface completely and remain wet while you apply the angel design.

Credit: Angelo Rodriguez Photos

Spread the glue using a brush. A hobby brush, such as found in most discount stores is just fine for this. Wash it right after spreading out the glue and you can re-use it numerous times.

Credit: Angelo Rodriguez Photos

Apply the Design

Now that the glue has been spread out over the surface of the magnet and while it is still wet, start applying the seashells and other items.

Start with the 2 clam seashells, arranging them so they look like wings.
Add the body just under the wings.
Place the marble over the body in-between the wings.
Use a small seashell on the each side body to represent the arms.
Use 2 more to make the left leg, and 2 to make the right leg - place them at slight angles to the body.
Finally place the rhinestones in an arch over the marble - keep a bit of distance between the head and the halo.

Credit: Angelo Rodriguez Photos

Apply the Sand

Sprinkle sand over the wet glue showing around the seashells, marble and rhinestones. Keep adding sand until all the glue is covered. No need to worry about excess sand as any that does not adhere to the surface can easily be recovered.

Now for the hardest part of this project: seashell magnet crafts do best if they are allowed to sit and dry after the sand is applied. Give them 15 to 30 minutes or more. You want the glue to set before you move them.

Clean and Preserve and Enjoy

After allowing time for the glue to dry, pick up the magnet and tilt it so the loose sand falls off. Use a pair of tweezers or another item to pick off any sand that may have stayed on the seashells, marble, or rhinestone.

Then use a clear coat of polyurethane over the seashells, and sand to add protection to this shell craft project. The coating may also bring out some colors on the seashells and add a nice shine. DO NOT apply to the rhinestones or the marble. The poly will make them look hazy and dull.

CAUTIONS!

Although an easy project, it is not recommended for small children due to the small size of the materials use. The seashells, marble, and rhinestones used on this angel magnet could be a choking hazard if placed in the mouth and swallowed.

TIPS

If you don't have beach sand, use craft sand. For the truly adventurous, try different colored sands.

Using paper under the novelty fridge magnets projects makes it easier to recover the loose sand and use it for future projects.

To keep any stray glue from gluing the project to the paper it’s on, use a small tile or similar flat object under the magnet. This will elevate the magnet and make it less likely that it will end up stuck to the paper.