Preschool Craft Project: Rainbow Painted Clam Seashells

Looking for a quick and easy craft project to do with the kids? Got a few clam shells that you've collected from a recent beach vacation? Some craft paints? If so, you've got everything you need to make these adorable rainbow painted clam seashells!

We made them with a group of preschoolers age 3 to 5 years of age to help teach them about their colors, to educate them a little bit about rainbows and of course...we incorporated some education about seashells into our learning session too!

Kid's Crafts: Rainbow Painted Clam Seashells

Medium to Large Clam Shells
Acrylic Craft Paints
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towels
Old Sheets of Newspaper
Black Sharpie Marker

Before beginning the project you'll want to wash and thoroughly dry all seashells. I suggest doing that a few days before you plan on beginning the project. They need to be completely dry before painting them.

Line the work surface with old sheets of newspaper. Kids can be messy painters! You can have the kids paint their seashells in traditional rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple) or in whatever colors that they would like. I recommend using acrylic craft paints which dry quickly and are easy-to-clean up.

Once the clam shells are completely dry you can have the kids flip them over and write their name, age and date on the other side or some type of message. I think it's always nice when kids sign and date their arts & craft projects. That's it...they're really easy-to-make and can be a great teaching tool in the preschool classroom.