February 11, 2021

Sailors Valentine

Craft a special gift for the sailor in your life.

Instructions

Supplies: seashells, cardboard or a small cardboard box, beads, dried beans, pasta or lentils, bottle caps, tweezers, Elmer's glue OR hot glue sticks and a hot glue gun

Instructions: This one is pretty simple: glue down your pieces in whatever pattern feels most satisfying to you, and present it to your Valentine when dry! You can make hearts and flowers or other realistic things, or just go totally geometric and abstract. If you choose to use Elmer's glue, just know it will probably take a while for your shells to dry so be extra careful not to jostle your pattern as you place them. Tweezers might come in handy for both Elmer's and hot glue. You can use whatever you want for a base, either a cardboard box or a flat piece of cardboard cut out into a decorative shape of your choice. Hexagons were traditional but it's totally up to you! If you don't have access to sea shells, you can use sequins, beads, bottle caps, soda tabs, small stones or other bits and pieces kicking around the house. Get creative! And don't burn yourself or your table with the hot glue gun - if you've never used one before, you're definitely going to want some help from an adult on this one.

Check out this article from Atlas Obscura or check out the Penobscot Marine Museum's collection to learn more about the story behind these beautiful mementos and see more photos if you need more inspiration for your own Valentine. As with all our At Home Activities we would love to hear what you thought of this project! Share your photos with us by posting on our Facebook page or tagging us on Instagram @herreshoff #HerreshoffFromHome .

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