ACTIVITY: Baptismal Shell Keepsake

We had the opportunity to attend the baptism of our wonderful friend’s son. This was a beautiful Baptism, as all are, but especially so as the child being baptised was three years old. Unlike our son, who (at ten weeks old) cried through his, this little man met his with all the gusto and passion you can imagine. 

Deacon: “Andrew, do you know why you’re here?”
Andrew: “Yes I do!” (throws hands in excitement into the air)
Everyone: smiles and tears up at the adorableness of the situation

Deacon: “Andrew, this is such a beautiful gift your parents are giving you.”
Andrew: (turns unprovoked to his parents) “Thank you mommy, thank you daddy.”
Everyone: smiles and tears up at round two of adorableness

This was the course for the entire Baptism – it was so special to be there to celebrate with them AND with a child who understood what was taking place before him.

While I’m a chronic clutter binge-and-purger, I love keepsakes for special days like this. Having recently fallen in love with the baptismal shell designs like these by Lacy, I had to give one a try. If you’re not familiar with Baptismal shells, they are a great idea – you bring a shell to the baptism that the deacon/priest uses to pour the water on the child/adult, and you can keep the shell afterwards as a keepsake. 

In terms of my design…I wanted something a bit more masculine so incorporated some twine to balance the sparkle. I also decorated both sides – this way, it will make a lovely ornament if hung or sparkle in the sun if kept on the dresser. Wishing I had known about these for our little man!

Pop Quiz: which Jesse Tree ornament does this project remind you of?

WHAT YOU NEED

• white sea shell (this awesome bag comes with FOUR shells!)
• clear gloss spray
• silver glitter (or another color you like)
• ribbon, twine, etc.
• glue gun

HOW TO MAKE

1. Bring the UNDECORATED shell to the baptism…and, if you can, do it without the parents noticing. This makes the surprise of the gift, once it’s complete, even better! 
2. After the baptism, make sure the shell is completely dry. Spray it with a clear gloss – and immediately sprinkle silver glitter onto the wet gloss. It will dry nice and shiny with a great sparkle. 
3. On the inside of the shell, do the same. I gave it a heavier dose of glitter (unintentional, truth be told!) but like the sparkle it gives. 
4. Once dry, tie a string, ribbon, or twine to the shell. I chose burlap twine as I liked the more rustic look against the soft white shell. Apply a bit of hot glue at the corners to make sure the twine/ribbon stays on the shell. 
5. Add any embellishment to the inside of the shell – I found this cross at a local Christian store and love how it hangs in the center of the shell!

John the Baptist	Epiphany Box	Family Activities