Beach Vacation Canvas Art

Next time you take a beach vacation, skip the expensive souvenirs and make a unique, personal keepsake instead.

Image contains a white canvas with “Myrtle Beach 2026” written on it in sand. Several small shells decorate the canvas, which sits on a white table covered with more shells.

How to Make Beach Vacation Canvas Art

To create your own one-of-a-kind beach memento, just gather the supplies listed below, then head to the beach for sand and shells! It’s an incredibly inexpensive project (we paid less than $5.50 to make two) and is a fun craft for all ages.

Image contains a white canvas with names, hearts, and “2026” written in sand. Two lines of shells are on either side of the date. The canvas sits on a white table.

Materials

8×10 canvas (ours were 2/$3.49 at Hobby Lobby)
Glue in a squeeze container (we used Elmer’s Glue-All)

sand
seashells

Instructions

1. Use the glue to write and/or draw any design you like on the canvas.

2. Cover the canvas with loose sand.

3. Carefully dump/tap off the excess sand.

4. Arrange and glue seashells to the canvas for additional decoration.

Image contains a white 8x10 canvas with, “Myrtle Beach 2026” written on it in sand. Seashells are also on the canvas, as well as around it on a white table.

Crafting Tips

You can usually find 2-packs or other bulk packs of canvases for great prices at your local craft store. These don’t need to be high-end artist quality, something basic will do.
Don’t worry about your handwriting or doodles being perfect. Remember, it’s a unique and personal handmade souvenir, not something perfectly created by a machine.
Here are some ideas for what to write on your canvas:
The name of your destination and the date
The name/signature of each family member or friend
“Vacation 2026”
“Family Vacation” and the date
or anything else you like!

Image contains Amy and Mel holding completed Beach Vacation Canvas art.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of glue do I need?

Any kind that comes in a squeeze bottle. I recommend Elmer’s Glue-All, but you can also use school glue, craft glue, etc.

What size canvas did you use?

Ours were 8×10, but you can use any size you prefer.

More Summer Craft Ideas

Here are some other craft projects to try this summer!

If you try any of these crafts, I’d love to see how they turn out! Make sure you’re part of the Amy Latta & Friends Facebook Group so you can share your latest projects and we can all inspire each other. See you there!