Seashell Necklace Craft

What You Need:

• One small shell
• Necklace clasp
• Two jump rings
• Necklace chain
• Strong scissors
• Needle nose pliers

What You Do:

1. Help your child find a small shell she'd like to use for her necklace. Look for one with a small hole at the base of it from natural wear or birds, so you won't need to make the hole yourself.

2. Wash the shell at home. To santize a shell straight from the beach, pop it into boiling water on the stove for several minutes.

3. While you're boiling the shell, read up on different ocean animals that have shells with your budding beachcomber. The two of you can try to find information about the animal her shell came from.

4. Remove the shell from the pot using a spatula, then give it ample time to cool off.

5. On to the necklace! Have your child put the necklace chain around her neck until it's the length she wants, then use industrial strength scissors to cut the piece for her.

6. Ask your little one to pick two jump rings and a necklace clasp.

7. Slightly pry apart the two jump rings using needle nose pliers, as the pliers pose a pinching risk to little hands.

8. Have your child put a jump ring through either end of the chain.

9. Ask her to put the bottom loop on the necklace clasp through one of the open jump rings.

10. While your child watches, carefully use the needle nose pliers to close the two jump rings so the pieces won't slip off.

11. To complete the necklace, have her slip one end of the chain through the hole in the shell. Ta-da! The shell necklace is complete.

By helping your child create a fashionable accessory, you'll open her mind to the idea of do-it-yourself jewelry. Crafting necklaces, bracelets and earrings will give her perspective on pricey jewelry in the store, and set her up for hours of DIY fun.