Have you ever returned from a wonderful beach trip with pockets full of amazing seaside treasures?
We all do it!
Those perfect shells, those unique pieces of sea glass and that sun bleached driftwood are far too special to just tuck away.
This huge list of 20 fantastic beach craft ideas will show you exactly how to honor those cherished vacation memories.
Prepare to learn easy, simple ways to turn your beach haul into genuinely beautiful art.
Let us start creating your coastal paradise today!
1. Coastal Canvas Art
I was so amazed when I first saw this finished piece hanging on a friend’s wall.
The way the tiny shells are nestled into the dark sandy texture looks incredibly realistic.
I especially love the bright blue ocean and the two white lines representing the foamy waves breaking right onto the shore.
It truly captures a moment in time by the sea.
2. Painted Scallop Shells
I simply adore the vibrancy of these painted shells, they make me smile immediately.
The clever use of the checked background pattern really makes the cheerful marine creatures pop right off the surface.
I saw someone use these on a coffee table as unique decorative coasters.
The touch of gold foil at the base adds a perfect splash of coastal glamour and luxury to the whole design.
3. Decorated Oyster Shells
I think these sweet painted oyster shells are such an elegant yet easy project.
I saw a brilliant arrangement of them displayed in a shallow glass bowl as a fantastic centerpiece for a summer party.
The combination of delicate floral patterns and bold geometric designs is quite striking.
Adding that metallic gold paint around the rim gives every single shell a really finished, upscale look.
4. Hanging Shell Mobile
I remember hearing the soft clinking sound this beautiful mobile made when the breeze moved through the window.
It is such a wonderfully peaceful, charming piece of decoration.
The natural color of all the small shells creates a lovely cascading curtain effect that feels very organic.
I think the curved wooden top piece gives it a nice polished finish too.
5. Driftwood Wreath
This bright fun wreath is such a lively unexpected way to use driftwood pieces.
I really love how some sticks are painted in bold solid colors, while others feature playful polka dots and striped patterns.
It feels fresh and modern compared to typical beach decor.
I saw this hanging on a sunny porch door, and it added a fabulous, cheerful pop of color that immediately caught my eye.
6. Shell Sculpture
This is one of the most elegant beach crafts I have ever seen on display in a gallery.
The way the artist arranged the broken shells and coral pieces creates a beautiful natural three-dimensional effect.
The subtle background texture really makes those creamy white elements stand out dramatically.
It looks like a fossil unearthed from the sea floor.
This would be absolutely perfect for any formal living space
7. Watercolor Ornaments
I think these painted glass ornaments are incredibly charming and so thoughtful for gift giving.
The delicate watercolor paintings inside each clear sphere capture iconic seaside scenery beautifully.
Seeing tiny lighthouses sailboats and crashing waves brings a wonderfully peaceful feeling.
The use of soft dusty blue velvet ribbons for hanging adds a luxurious touch.
These would look simply amazing on a coastal themed holiday tree.
8. Shell Turtle Plaque
I just love the sheer creativity of forming this beautiful sea turtle entirely out of carefully chosen shells.
The way the smooth round shells create the flippers and head is especially clever and cute.
The background is a perfect faded ocean blue, which really makes the texture of the natural shells stand out clearly.
I saw this hanging in a bathroom, and it added a wonderful, playful marine touch.
9. Beach Treasure Clock
I think this clock is such a wonderfully unique and creative way to tell time.
Instead of boring numbers, it uses tiny meticulously arranged beach finds to mark the hours.
The little jellyfish made from sea glass and the small shell palm tree are truly imaginative additions.
The light blonde wood base provides the perfect modern, clean background for these fun ocean inspired miniatures.
10. Seashell Keychains
I remember picking up one of these vibrant keychains at a small seaside market and feeling so happy.
The beautiful colored shells and wooden beads are strung together perfectly to create a cheerful tassel effect.
They are super lightweight and incredibly easy to spot inside a beach bag.
They are an adorable little piece of the ocean you can carry everywhere you go for a touch of summer fun.
11. Decoupage Shell Dishes
The pairing of coastal shells with the soft, delicate blue hydrangea motif is just stunning and unexpected.
I saw a set of these small dishes used to hold tiny earrings and rings on a dresser.
The white painted interior and the bright gold edging make them look very high end and special.
They truly transform simple oyster and scallop shells into truly functional miniature pieces of art.
12. Beach Bag
I absolutely love how these delicate little shells and simple pearls elevate a basic straw bag.
It looks incredibly stylish and perfectly ready for a day spent lounging near the water.
The way the embellishments are placed across the top edge looks just like tiny jewels sparkling along the ocean line.
I saw one of these holding a towel and a book, and it was the ultimate summer accessory.
13. Paper Flip Flops
These bright paper flip-flops are an absolutely perfect simple craft for children or a party decoration.
The intense tropical colors like hot pink and bright yellow instantly give off a happy summer feeling.
I love the imaginative little details like the cute sunshine and the sliced lemon embellishments.
They are a quick way to add a cheerful, fun flair to any ocean themed gathering or scrapbook page.
14. Jewelry Shell Trays
I saw these wonderful little shell dishes on a dressing table and immediately wanted to make some.
The way the floral patterns are decoupaged onto the shell’s natural curves is so pretty and delicate.
They provide the perfect sweet spot for keeping small valuable jewelry items safe and organized.
The metallic gold edges really give them an incredibly luxurious handmade feel, making them fantastic gifts.
15. Sea Glass Key Rack
This tiny key rack is one of the most clever ways I have ever seen sea glass used in a craft.
The way the smooth green pieces are arranged to look exactly like miniature potted succulents is absolutely brilliant.
The rustic dark driftwood base provides a wonderful contrast to the cool glass and tiny shell details.
It is perfectly sized for keeping your car keys or house keys neatly organized by the door.
16. Simple Shell Chime
I saw this sweet chime swaying gently in a porch window and it looked so charming.
The simple stringing of the natural shells from a piece of driftwood creates a very rustic minimalist aesthetic.
I especially enjoy the delicate texture of those shells that have natural holes perfect for threading.
Using bright orange string adds a lively pop of color that is great for summer outdoor decorating.
17. Pebble Family Portrait
I think this piece of art is absolutely heartwarming and makes the perfect personalized gift.
The smooth natural pebbles are arranged so cleverly to represent a small loving family sitting together.
The small heart shaped piece of sea glass at the center is a wonderfully sweet detail that makes it incredibly special.
I saw this hanging in a hallway, and it made such a touching sentimental impression.
18. Popsicle Fish Craft
This colorful popsicle fish design is super cute and perfect for engaging younger crafters.
The bright neon colors and the generous use of sparkling glitter make this image pop with energetic fun.
I love the clever detail of the little drop of melting ice cream on the side.
This simple layered paper project would be an awesome rainy day activity to help bring some summer cheer indoors.
19. Tiki Direction Sign
I think this bright decorative sign is wonderfully playful and instantly transports you to a vacation setting.
The tiny painted wooden arrows featuring fun beach phrases are full of great personality.
I especially love the charming border made from those vividly painted tiny scallop shells and sparkly gems.
The little blue turtle is the perfect finishing touch.
This would be fantastic hanging near a patio or bar area.
20. Seashell Phone Case
I was so impressed by the intricate details and texture on this custom phone case.
The contrast of the natural light colored shells and tiny metallic charms against the dark background is truly striking.
The arrangement of the large starfish and long spiral shell makes it look like a little underwater scene.
This is a wonderfully bold accessory for anyone who wants to proudly display their love for the ocean.