Some beach treasures are too special to leave behind.
A smooth piece of driftwood, shaped like a gull’s wing. A seashell with a pearly swirl that catches the light just so. A handful of warm sand poured from a child’s pocket, still holding the faint scent of salt and sunscreen.
We carry them home—these small reminders of a moment, a season, a place where the world slowed down. But all too often, they end up forgotten in a shoebox or scattered on a windowsill.
This summer, why not turn those seaside finds into keepsakes you’ll treasure all year long?
Below are three simple, beautiful projects that honor the magic of a day at the shore. Each one is beginner-friendly, perfect for a lazy afternoon, and filled with heart.
Shell Memory Jar
What you’ll need:
A clean glass jar with lid (mason jars or old jam jars work beautifully)
A few favorite shells or pieces of sea glass
A small photo, handwritten note, or dried piece of seaweed
Optional: sand, ribbon, tiny label
How to do it:
Layer the bottom of your jar with a little sand. Add in your chosen shells, bits of sea glass, or anything else you picked up on your walk. Tuck in a folded note or tiny photograph—a snapshot of the people you were with, a line of poetry, or a child’s drawing.
Label the jar with the date and place if you’d like. Tie a ribbon or bit of twine around the lid for a personal touch.
Why it matters:
Memory jars are like time capsules. Each one holds a moment you might otherwise forget. They’re especially lovely as gifts or mementos for children after a beach vacation.
Driftwood Mobile or Wind Chime
What you’ll need:
A few small pieces of driftwood
Natural string, twine, or thin wire
Optional: beads, shells, feathers, sea glass
A small drill or hot glue (for attachment)
How to do it:
Arrange your driftwood pieces in a way that feels balanced and pleasing—horizontally for a mobile, or vertically for a hanging chime. Use string or wire to tie them together securely. Hang shells, beads, or sea glass from the bottom lengths to catch the breeze and sparkle in the sun.
Hang it on: a porch hook, a tree branch, or inside a sunlit window.
Why it matters:
There’s something poetic about driftwood—a piece of tree that’s traveled oceans to find you. When it moves in the wind, it carries that quiet music of the sea with it.
Sand Keepsake Ornament
What you’ll need:
A clear glass or plastic ornament with removable top (found at craft stores or online)
A funnel or rolled paper
A spoonful of sand
Small shells or treasures
Optional: glitter, a date label, or tag
How to do it:
Use a funnel to add a few spoonfuls of sand to the ornament. Carefully drop in a few of your tiniest beach treasures—shells, coral fragments, even a dried flower petal. Replace the top and secure with glue if desired. Tie a ribbon around the hook and add a tiny label or handwritten tag.
Why it matters:
This is a simple, stunning way to preserve a summer memory—especially for holidays. It becomes more than just décor; it’s a story hanging from the tree.
Final Thought:
The ocean gives us gifts we didn’t know we needed—quiet, wonder, time. These crafts are simply a way to say thank you. To pause and remember the moments that softened us.
So next time you find yourself walking a sun-warmed beach, stooping to pick up something small and shining, bring it home.
~ LS