Craft With Seashells Straight From Fort Myers

Did you know that National Seashell Day is celebrated on June 20? Coinciding with the start of summer, this day is especially meaningful in Fort Myers, where seashells are a star attraction. Sanibel Island is known as the “Seashell Capital of the World,” but there are many other areas that are also considered some of the best seashell beaches. Once you gather up those beauties, what’s next? We’ve got some fun craft ideas that you can do on your own or with little ones, and you can bring home your own treasured keepsake of your time in Southwest Florida.

Find the best Fort Myers beaches for collecting seashells and check out our guide to the “Sanibel 6” seashells.

Frame-Worthy Finds

As you stoop down to gather up seashells, you’ll notice how many of them are in pristine condition. The gentle Gulf waters push them onto the flat shelf, depositing piles of lightning whelks, banded tulips, yellow cockles, and more. Collect your favorites and then use a hot glue gun (kids should be supervised!) to stick them onto a photo frame. Slip in a photo from your time in Fort Myers and enjoy the memories!

Source: @ashlynmal via TikTok

Read our interview with Dr. José Leal, Science Director and Curator at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, the only museum in the U.S. dedicated entirely to seashells and mollusks.

Magnetic Attraction

Hang up your kids’ artwork with a Fort Myers–inspired magnet. Simply glue a shell onto a disc magnet, let it dry and transform your refrigerator door into a personalized work of art.

Source: @emilyweekend via TikTok