This bean snail craft is an easy way to combine natural textures with fun design.

Using a cardboard base cut into snail shapes, you’ll fill the shell with rings of beans and seeds. The result is a durable mosaic that’s rustic yet playful.

These little snails can decorate your walls, sit on shelves, or even become handmade gifts.

With just beans, glue, and cardboard, you can create a whole family of them in under an hour.

Materials Needed

• Cardboard sheet (cut into 4-6 snail shapes, approx. 5” long each)
• White beans - 50-60 pieces
• Pinto beans - 40-50 pieces
• Yellow corn kernels - 40-50 pieces
• Green mung beans or wheat grains - 20-30 pieces (for variety)
• Twigs for antennas (2” each, 8-10 pieces)
• Hot glue gun or strong craft glue
• Pencil and scissors
• Clear acrylic spray (optional, to seal and protect)

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Draw a simple snail shape on cardboard (about 5” long with a spiral shell area) and cut it out. Repeat to make multiple snails.

Step 2: Apply glue in a spiral pattern inside the shell section.

Begin pressing beans into place, start at the center with small beans or corn kernels, then work outward with larger beans.

Step 3: Alternate bean colors to create contrast. For example, use yellow corn in the inner ring, then surround it with pinto beans, followed by white beans.

Step 4: Attach two short twigs to the snail’s head as antennas. Glue them firmly and let them set.

Step 5: Once the beans are set, allow the snail to dry completely.

Optionally, you can spray with clear acrylic sealer for shine and long-term durability.

Notes:

These bean snails look wonderful as a group, try making a snail family with different shell patterns.

For a kid-friendly version, you can swap beans for colorful buttons or beads.