The boys and I came up with this fun summer craft activity using shells, glue, paint and googly eyes. The making of the shell crabs is only half the fun. Once you are done with crabs they become game pieces in a game we called *PINCH-MY-TOE*. Pinch-My-Toe is a twist on the classic game of Tic-Tac-Toe. Instead of X's and O's, we use our shell crabs and sea urchins. The game board is drawn in sand--preferably on the beach, but some decorative sand on a flat surface has sufficed for us so far. Finally, the winner of the game gets to pinch the loser's toe (this is optional, but adds much excitement to the game). We have our game board on the breakfast bar to entice spontaneous play and to bring some summer cheer to our house. The boys and I are well versed in tic-tac-toe strategy so the games usually end in a tie (aka "crabs game"), but occasionally there is a winner and a sore toe.
Here are the directions to make the crabs:- Gather materials: shells, paint, paint brush, glue, googly eyes and crafting clay.
- Glue the 'claw' shells on to the crab body. Use the crafting clay to support the pinchers so they do not fall out of place while drying.
- Once the claws are dried, then paint the entire crab. Let dry.
- Apply googly eyes. Let dry.
- You are done! Admire your gorgeous crabs.
-K
Sources: decorative sand and sea urchins from Pottery Barn; square plate from Home Goods.
What a fabulous idea! Just stumbled upon your site. Look forward to reading more!
Posted by: Pawan | August 24, 2010 at 12:24 PM
these made me think of the car commercial that takes place on a beach or in a beach parking lot...and the crab says "i pinch". totally cute! -kg
Posted by: Kerry - Kid Giddy | August 20, 2010 at 09:59 PM
I love this - so cute!
Susan,
http://entertainexchange.blogspot.com/
Party and Entertaining Inspiration
Posted by: Entertain Exchange | August 17, 2010 at 10:06 PM
i just love it!!!! great!!
Posted by: baballa | August 16, 2010 at 06:02 AM