Thursday, April 17, 2008

she sells sea shells





Fond memories of travels with my Mother and my Aunt Mary to the Carolinas and visits to the local shops conjure up visions of seeing sea shells made into sculptures, tiny people, wee little animals.  I would often repeatedly go back to the shop to visualize each shell and how easy it would be for me to make them.  I say that about many things.  My Mother and Aunt thought it would be easy to make them too and we dreamed of counting all our money, made from our shell creations.   

One is never too old  to enjoy the thrill of finding a perfect shell strolling along the beach.  
A collection of shells framed and hung of Tahitian shells.  Placed or hung in a powder room they would take one away to the beach.  Again, I find myself saying, I can so easily make these.

Shells have often inspired many designers and artists as they light the way in these simple wellfleet sconces from Oly Studio.  Oh, I can so easily make these too, for the beach house that I don't have.  Yet.  It would be entirely encrusted in shells, which I can so easily make.
 


16 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I have lots of lovely memories tied up in old shells. This post reminded me of some of them.

Marnie said...

I am sure you have seen Sailors' Valentines - exquisite creations

Kwana said...

Shells always make me a litle dreamy. These are beautiful. Not so sure I could easily make these though. It take a very fine eye and steady hand.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I always manage to collect a few shells each trip to the beach but never know what to do with them. I really should make an encrusted box or something! Time to drag them all out of hiding and buy a hot glue gun!

littlebyrd said...

I love shells but have never had any luck finding any. Oh well, it doesn't stop me from looking, which is half the fun. I laughed when I read the part about you and your mom saying "we could make these!". I love it!

please sir said...

great seashell collection...I'm heading to the beach this weekend and keep thinking of doing a beach-themed post - great inspiration!

London Calling said...

by the sea shore. Say that 3 times. Gorgeous shells as art!

lizziefitz said...

I just have to tell you that you are amazing! I love your work, thoughts and charm. Everytime I see something you have created (pictures and words) I smile. You are so classic and chic. Thanks for sharing PVE with us:)

lakeshore said...

Hello PVE.....
After perusing brick & stone samples from my driveway guys, they looked at me like I had 2 heads when I (teasingly) asked:
"Did you bring your crushed shell samples?"

The driveway of my dreams......
Oooo, what I would give for 3 or 4 or 10 truckloads of those nuggets delivered! !.......Alison

Allison said...

Last spring in Hilton Head, my then 2 year old daughter shoved something wet into my hand and then ran off. I looked down and saw that it was the most perfect sand dollar. It is by far my most happiest beach moment.

I continue to enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for being such an inspiration!

annechovie said...

Shells are such a beautiful thing to display - whether or not they may be "in". I have an enduring love for shells and coral

tyler said...

no shells anywhere in sight in the midwest -- they're almost exotic! our first trip to the beach with our 2-year old is coming up. no doubt we'll arrive home with a bag of shells and memories. although i'm sure the shells will not be as fine as your shots posted.

Marichelle said...

so pretty! come to think of it, where have all the shells gone? I haven't seen shells this pretty on our shores :(

Mrs.French said...

So gorgeous! We have tried searching for shells on the Oregon Coast and have had no luck (serious disappointment for B). We may need to venture to the Carolinas, then hand our shells off to you. Because you know that you could totally make something wonderful! :)

Miss Cavendish said...

My children and I love gathering seashells on the Cape--and later this spring on Prince Edward Island!--and making designs with them. For a real treat, I bought my daughter a sailor's valentine for her August birthday last year; I love this medium.

simply seleta said...

Ahhh, this post is a great reminder for me to appreciate the shells here along our shores. I agree that sea shells are art in and of themselves. The colors and texture are so amazing aren't they?

Thanks for sharing such a dreamy post. I have never seen those fabulous Oly sconces. I've always focused on their furniture.