Seashell Cross

Materials

• Tan craft foam, one 9x12-in piece for every 6 children
• Sandpaper, one 3¼x4¼-in. piece per child
• Mini dyed seashells, approx. 50 shells per junior and primary child; approx. 25 shells per pre-primary child
• ½-in. adhesive magnetic strips, one 2-in. piece per child
• Seashell Cross pattern
• Zippered baggies, 1 per child

Tools and Basic Supplies

• Glue sticks
• Craft glue
• Scissors

Pre-Prep

1. Use the cross pattern to create a tracing template.
2. Trace as many crosses as possible on each piece of craft foam and on the back of each piece of sand paper, one of each per child. Then cut out the crosses.
3. Cut the magnetic strips into 2-in. lengths, one per child.
4. For every junior and primary child, place 2 heaping teaspoons of seashells (approx. 50 seashells), 1 magnetic strip, a sand paper cross, and a craft foam cross in a zippered baggie. Do the same for every pre-primary child except use 1 heaping teaspoon of seashells (approx. 25 seashells).

Teaching Tie-In

Show the sample craft and say:

Today we’re making a seashell cross. Every time you look at the cross, it should be a reminder that there is Someone who loves you more than anyone else does! That someone is the Lord Jesus Christ. He came to Earth, lived, died on the cross, and rose from the dead, all because He loves you. If you ever feel lonely, or afraid, or lost, or sad, or like you’re not special, remember that you have Someone who loves you so much He even gave His life for you! And remember—just like the Ark reminds us of how God saved Noah from physical death, the cross reminds us that God provides a way to be saved from eternal death.

Class Time Directions

1. Apply glue stick generously to the front of the foam cross.
2. Carefully lay the sandpaper cross onto the foam and press firmly around the edges.
3. Remove paper backing from the magnetic strip and apply it to the back of the cross.
4. (Juniors and primaries) Apply a thick line of glue along the outside edge of half of the cross. Then press seashells into the line of glue. Repeat with the other half of the cross.
5. (Pre-primaries) Apply a thick line of glue down the center of the cross vertically and horizontally. Then press seashells into the lines of glue.

Tip Corner

• Dollar stores are a good source for packs of sandpaper.
• By folding the sandpaper lengthwise (with the sand on the inside) and stapling, you can cut out 2 crosses at a time.
• Baby wipes (cut in half) work well for removing glue from sticky fingers.