I was working on this game for my daughter a couple weeks ago and happened to watch a Martha Stewart segment on glittering sea shells. Of course it really was just a segment on her selling a hot glue gun (which she didn't even use to make these ornaments), glitter, glue and Macy's ornaments. I digress. But after watching the tutorial of how to glitter shells, I thought we could do that. So, I took the concept and tweaked it a little for my toddler so she could help.
I did go and buy Martha's glue and glitter at Michaels. There was a pack that had three different colored glitters and the glitter glue for a fairly reasonable price (and if you have a coupon it helps). The night before I did these with my daughter I did a practice run. I actually started by using some glitter I had. It was craft glitter (not the kind kids usually use) that I had picked up on sale a long time ago. I used Martha's glitter glue and glittered a small shell. It didn't work. For some reason that glitter just didn't glitter right. Go figure. I tried again using Martha's glue and glitter and sure enough it looked like it did on TV. She showed drilling a hole in the top for the string, but I decided to hot glue string instead.
The next day I had everything ready because if you are going glitter with a two-year-old you have to be ready. My toddler helped glue and glitter eight shells, which was more than I thought she would have patience for. I debated about going back and re-glittering the empty spaces, but I don't think I will unless she helps. It really is meant to be "her" project and gift. Kid's ornaments should look like they made them. I would have taken pictures during the project, but it was a glittery, gluey mess.
Materials
Sea shells (we used small ones)
Glitter
Glue
Hot glue gun
string
Directions
(to see Martha's directions go here. She actually has a really cool technique)
1. Hot glue string to each shell. Allow to cool down before glittering.
2. Use a paint brush to brush glue on a shell.
3. Sprinkle glitter on glue. Allow to dry. Repeat with other shells
4. Glue and glitter other side if desired.
**I actually had my daughter sprinkle the glitter from the containers and used the muffin tins to put the extra - you get a lot of extra with a 2-year-old**
6 comments:
Very cute! I'd actually go a little less traditional with an opaque or light blue glitter, instead of red or green.
What a great idea! Now I'm excited to go in my basement and root through some of our shells.
Thanks.
Those are great, my kids would love making those.
Thanks for linking.
What a thorough tutorial! I believe this may be the gift my 4 year old makes for the fam this year...
Awe, they're really cute! Great gifts for the kiddos to make! =)
Those are just adorable! I would love to do a Christmas tree with a beach theme. So cute!
Thanks for linking up!
XOOX
Jen
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