Ocean Keepsake Box

Ocean Keepsake Box craft

What to do with the shells, postcards, and other beach-related trinkets? Keep vacation memories safe inside this keepsake container.

  • 1.

    Decorate a wooden craft box (or recycled cardboard box with a lid) however you like to hold mementos from any occasion. Here’s how this box was made. Use your imagination and any theme to decorate your container.

  • 2.

    Cover your craft area with newspaper. Paint the box inside and out with Crayola Washable Kid’s Paints. Mix at least two colors for realistic ocean hues. Add a coat or two of Crayola Texture It! Tempera Mixing Medium for a sandy look, either before or after you paint. Use swirling brush strokes to achieve a wave look. Air-dry the paint.

  • 3.

    Decorate the box with anything you like--fish, seaweed, starfish, seahorses, mermaids—made with Crayola Model Magic® modeling compound. Model Magic compound sticks to almost any surface, including itself. If you work on your box over several days, just store the pieces in a plastic container with a lid until you are ready to assemble everything.

  • 4.

    To make fish, flatten ovals with your finger for the bodies. For tails and fins, attach little triangles.

  • 5.

    Roll Model Magic into long and short worm-like shapes for seaweed.

  • 6.

    Roll Model Magic compound flat with a marker barrel. Cut out starfish with Crayola Scissors or a plastic knife. Poke a toothpick into the surface for a textured look.

  • 7.

    Sculpt mermaids and other sea creatures piece by piece (arms, head, and hair). A garlic press is perfect for making long hair!

  • 8.

    When all of your pieces are ready, attach them to the box and/or to each other. Model Magic® dries to the touch overnight and dries completely in 2 to 3 days.

  • 9.

    Add details, such as tiny fish eyes and mouths, with CrayolaMarkers. For glittery effects, use a coating of Glitter Glue. Air-dry the box before you use it to store your precious memories!