rolling in, the cloudless sky, the gulls winging overhead. But for many kids, the best views can be found at foot level. It's here that they can seize the curiosities churned up from the deep: a carpet of pebbles polished smooth as eggshells; twinkles of green sea glass; and a high tide line marked by angel wings, periwinkles and other shells that seem to have been named by some imaginative mermaid.
To the serious beachcomber, such discoveries are as precious as pieces of eight, so naturally they pocket the stuff and later dredge it up for sand-castle decorations, game pieces, make-believe currency or the beginnings of jar collections.
Following their lead, we've been collecting a few things ourselves--craft projects that will give your kids new ideas for gluing, painting, plaster-casting and otherwise playing with their beach treasures. All of the following projects can be created right at the beach, require just a few inexpensive materials and make good vacation mementos. We think they'll give your shell seekers plenty to do when the surf's not up and may even leave you some extra time to drink in the view.
Ann Hallock is Editor of FAMILYFUN.
