I got crafty today and finished the diorama that was inspired by a quick beach painting in my sketchbook and the cardboard leftover from the Brie cheese.

I can draw and paint but I don’t think of myself as particularly crafty. I’m a mess with a glue gun in hand. So if I can pull this off anyone can!
You’ll need:

• Leftover cardboard round with edges (mine is from cheese)
• Scissors and hole puncher (if you have one)
• Painting, photo, or patterned paper for the background
• Shells, rocks, sticks, wood (any beach treasures you’d like) and sand
• Ribbon, fabric, or paper to line the inner and outer rims
• Twine or ribbon (or in my case the handle from a shopping bag)
• Glue gun, craft glue, and double sided tape or scrap booking adhesive

Steps:
1. Trace a circle on your painting using the cardboard as your guide. Cut inside the circle. Adjust until the paper fits inside the cardboard. (Set painting aside.)
2. Poke a hole through the rim or use the hole puncher. The hole will be the top of your diorama.
3. Glue ribbon around the inner and outer rims, putting seams at the bottom.
4. Thread twine through the hole and knot.
5. Tape painting to the inside of the circle. Pay attention to the “top” (the hole) when lining up the horizon of your painting. Make sure to tape down all the edges.
6. Use glue gun to add all of your beach treasures.

7. Use glue gun to secure shell to the knot. (See image below.)
8. Add craft glue in between shells and rocks. Pour generous amount of sand on top.

9. Add craft glue to bottom of the shell (on the knot) and pour sand onto glue.

10. Wait until fully dry and gently shake off excess sand.
Extra – make a little sign with the name of your special beach to add to your beach diorama.
Inspired by this post? Let me know what you make! Tag me on Instagram @eileenmckenna

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