Don't toss those shells! Quail eggshells are basically tiny, ready-made craft supplies — and since they're so much smaller than chicken eggshells, they're perfect for little hands and small projects. Next time you crack open a carton for breakfast, save the shells. Here are some of our favorite ways to turn them into an afternoon of crafting with the kids.

Getting the shells ready

Quail eggshells are delicate, so a little care goes a long way. Rinse each half gently in cool water and remove any leftover membrane, then set them out to air-dry on a paper towel for a day. Once they're dry, they're ready for just about any craft below — no special equipment needed.

Eggshell mosaic art

Break the dried shells into small pieces and glue them onto paper or cardboard in a design — a flower, a sun, initials, whatever your little artist dreams up. The natural speckling means every mosaic turns out one-of-a-kind.

Tiny eggshell planters

Because quail eggshells are so small, they make perfect little pots for starting seeds like herbs or flowers. Fill a cleaned half-shell with potting soil, tuck in a seed, and set it in an egg carton on a sunny windowsill. When the seedling is ready to move outside, you can plant the whole thing, shell and all — it breaks down naturally in the soil.

Eggshell critters

Whole or half dried shells make surprisingly good little animal bodies. Glue on wiggle eyes, pipe-cleaner legs and antennae, or bits of felt for wings, and you've got a ladybug, an owl, or a tiny turtle. The natural speckling already looks like feathers or a shell pattern, so there's barely any painting required.

Painted eggshell ornaments

Dip clean, dried shells in a little diluted paint or food-coloring dye and let them dry completely. Once they're set, string a loop of ribbon or thread through a small opening and hang them as a garland, from a branch, or on a small spring tree — each one comes out a slightly different shade.

Because every eggshell is different, no two mosaics, planters, or votives are ever quite the same.

Eggshell mosaic votive

This one takes a little more patience, but it makes a lovely gift. Here's what you'll need (a grown-up should help with the glass jar):

  1. Gently break the dried shells into small, irregular pieces in the bowl — roughly pea-sized or smaller.
  2. Working in small sections, spread a thin layer of glue on the outside of the votive holder.
  3. Press shell pieces into the glue, speckled side facing out, leaving small gaps between pieces for a mosaic look.
  4. Continue section by section until the holder is covered as much or as little as you like.
  5. Let the glue dry fully (at least a few hours), then use a soft, dry brush to clear away any loose shell dust.
  6. Optional: seal the finished piece with a thin coat of clear craft sealant so the shells stay put.

Drop in a tea light and you've got a candle holder that throws a soft, speckled glow.

However you use them, saving your quail eggshells instead of tossing them is an easy way to turn breakfast into your next craft afternoon. Have fun, and tag us if you make something — we'd love to see it!