DIY Beach Memory Jar : A Coastal Keepsake You Can Treasure Forever

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Capture your favorite beach memories in a simple yet beautiful way with this DIY Beach Memory Jar project. Whether you’re preserving your own seaside moments or creating a thoughtful gift, this project is perfect for showcasing collected shells, sand, and a special photo from your trip. Make sure to check out our other Beach Themed Project Ideas while you’re here!

Supplies You’ll Need for this Project :

Thrifted or Mason jar or recycled food jar (Dollar Tree jars work great!)
Sand from your beach trip (if you’re allowed to take some, otherwise, you can purchase sand at a retail business)
Collected seashells or beach treasures
Printed photo (either from a home printer or instant photo printer)
Jute or twine for the rim
Optional: Personalized vinyl decal
Optional: Free printable tags

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose your jar

Start by selecting a clear jar. A basic mason jar, spaghetti sauce jar, or anything with a wide enough opening to fit shells and a photo will do the trick.

2. Add your message or design

You’ve got a few fun options here:

Apply a personalized vinyl decal to the front of the jar
Use one of my free printable tags as a label or decor inside the jar.
Or trace over a printable design using a chalk marker for a more DIY feel.

More Phrase Ideas:

“Let’s Go Back to the Beach”
“Sun, Sand & Memories”
“Collected Moments”
“Shells + Shared Memories”

Cut vinyl decal phrases on transfer tape laid out on a cutting mat, including custom sayings like “L’Briska & JR PANAMA CITY BEACH 2025,” “Sunset Smiles & Sandy Toes,” and “Forever Our Happy Place.”

Hands applying a vinyl decal that reads “L’Briska & JR PANAMA CITY BEACH 2025” onto the surface of a clear glass jar. Pieces of tan sea sponge or coral are inside the jar.

3. Print your photo

Print your favorite beach photo on cardstock or photo paper. It can be trimmed to fit upright inside the jar. (A round shape also works beautifully!)

Close-up of hands holding a printed vacation photo of L’Briska and JR sitting on the beach together with a sunset in the background, ready to be added to the memory jar.

4. Fill your jar

Pour in a layer of sand, then gently arrange the shells on top. Carefully add your photo by sliding it in behind the shells.

Pouring beach sand into the glass memory jar, preparing the base for the keepsake. A pile of assorted seashells and beach finds lies on a towel nearby.

Arranging large and small shells into the jar on top of the sand, surrounding the photo.

5. Add finishing touches

Wrap jute around the jar’s rim and tie it off in a knot or bow. If you’re using a tag or printable, attach it to the twine or tuck it inside the jar for extra charm.

L’Briska smiling and holding her finished beach memory jar, which includes a vacation photo, shells, sand, and a vinyl decal personalized with her and JR’s names.

Display It Proudly!

Your beach memory jar is now ready to display on a shelf, mantel, or side table. It’s a sweet reminder of your time at the shore and a creative way to preserve family moments, vacations, or even a beachy date night.

Completed beach memory jar filled with sand, seashells, and a printed photo inside. The jar features a vinyl decal reading “L’Briska & JR PANAMA CITY BEACH 2025” and a tag that says “Sun, Sand & Snapshots” tied around the lid with jute and wooden beads.

Want the Extras?

Click below for :

A collection of printable inserts & tags
Vinyl decals available in my Etsy shop
A full tutorial video on my Facebook page! (Coming Soon!)

I’d love to see your version! Tag me on social or share in the comments if you make your own beach memory jar. Make sure to join our email family so we can keep in touch!

Want to Save this DIY Beach Memory Jar project for later? Pin it!

Styled Pinterest image showing a DIY beach memory jar held up in front of green foliage. Overlay text reads: ‘How to Make a Beach Memory Jar’ and ‘With Free Printable Tags!!’ featuring the website My Eclectic Treasures. The jar is decorated with a vinyl decal and filled with sand, shells, and a photo.

Looking for Coastal Diys :

Seashell Ruffle Tree for a Coastal Christmas

Gone to the Beach Santa Decor

Coastal Wreath Idea for Your Holiday Decor – Made by Just That Perfect Piece

Angels Made out of Sea Shells – Made by Just That Perfect Piece