There’s something about seashells, bright colors, and simple summer crafts that instantly makes a house feel happier. This easy Hello Summer Sign is the perfect summer craft for kids because it’s low prep, creative, and doubles as adorable seasonal decor you’ll actually want to hang up.
Whether you’re looking for an easy beach craft for preschoolers, a summer camp activity, or just a fun afternoon project at home, this one is always a hit.
Materials
- Jumbo craft sticks
- Blue acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Hot glue gun or strong craft glue
- Assorted seashells
- Optional: Small pearl beads or gems
- Twine or rope
- White paint pen or paint marker
- Small starfish embellishment (optional)
How to Make a Hello Summer Seashell Sign
- Start by yay the craft sticks side by side vertically. You can make the top and bottom uneven like a little beach fence for extra character.
- Flip the sticks over and glue 4 horizontal craft sticks across the back to hold everything together.
- Next paint the jumbo craft sticks bright blue. You may need two coats depending on the paint you use. Let them dry completely before moving on.
- Cut a piece of twine or rope and glue each end to the back of the sign to create a hanger.
- Using a white paint pen or marker, write “Hello Summer” in the center of the sign. Kids can also write:
- Beach Time
- Sunny Days
- Hello Sunshine
- Summer Fun
Don’t worry about perfect handwriting — the homemade look makes it even cuter.
- Now for the fun part! Let kids glue shells all around the sign. Add pearl beads or tiny gems in the empty spaces for extra sparkle. This is where kids can really get creative. Some may want rainbow shells, while others may create patterns or clusters.
- Once everything is glued down and dry, hang your sign in a playroom, bedroom, front porch, or summer party space.
Easy Variations
Want to switch it up? Try:
- Painting the sticks sandy beige or turquoise
- Adding stickers instead of shells
- Using real beach treasures collected on vacation
- Making mini signs for bedroom doors
- Turning it into a name sign instead of “Hello Summer”
Tips for Doing This Craft with Toddlers
If you’re making this with younger kids:
- Pre-glue the craft sticks together first
- Use larger shells that are easier to handle
- Offer only a few decorating choices at a time
- Use washable paint for easier cleanup
And remember — process over perfection. The fun is in creating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this craft best for?
This craft works well for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary kids. Toddlers can participate with help.
Can I use regular school glue?
Hot glue or strong tacky glue works best for attaching shells since they can be heavier than regular craft supplies.
Where can I find seashells?
Dollar stores, craft stores, and beach souvenir shops usually sell bags of assorted shells.
Can I make this craft at summer camp?
Absolutely. This is a great group craft because kids can personalize each sign differently.
Play2Learn Toddler & Preschool Programs for Curious Toddlers
There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!
But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.
Play2Learn for Toddlers includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.
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These toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!
Click here for more information: Play2Learn
Book: Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids
Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy at Amazon.
Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.
Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.
Book: Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids
Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more.
Find out more and grab your copy here.
Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.
Book: Big Book of Riddles for Kids
Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast? The Big Riddle Book for Kids, of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles tha. t show them how to think outside the box.
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Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!
Designed for kids ages 6 years old and up.
TV Show: Curious Crafting
I’m so excited to share my crafting TV show Curious Crafting which launched in July 2022 on TVOkids and TVOkids YouTube! Season 2 aired in August 2023! My show was also nominated in 2023 for Best Live Action Preschool Series by the Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence.
Curious Crafting Season 1 is also now airing in Australia on ABC! Watch it here!
Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.
In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create.
Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.
This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up.
