Mandala Dotted Shells

By Diana Watkins

I painted these shells using acrylic paint as a background and Puffy 3-D dimensional paint for the dots.

Supplies

• Clean shells, starfish, or sand dollars
• Silicone painting mat
• 1-inch flat paint brush
• 1/8-inch point brush
• Acrylic paint in five complementary colors, gloss and matte, 2 fluid ounces each
• Puffy 3-D paint in five complementary colors,1 fluid ounce each
• Mod Podge (matte or gloss), 8 fluid ounces
• Art palette dish or paper plate for your paint

Paint the Shell

1. Paint each shell using acrylic paint in a single solid color, two to three coats, using the 1-inch flat brush. You can leave parts of the shells unpainted. Allow to dry.

2. Paint large circles on shell using acrylic paint with the 1/8-inch pointed brush. Let dry.

3. Add dots with Puffy 3-D paint, layering on top of large circles, and adding additional dots in various patterns. Allow to fully dry.
4. Coat with Mod Podge on one side. When dry, coat the other side.

Pro tip:

Paint colors work best when you alternate from dark to light, letting the paint dry in between each step.

Happy painting!

Make art with your beach finds

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This article appeared in Beachcombing Magazine Volume 39 November/December 2023.