EIGHT SIDED ART

                                                        A new size and a new style……

Well it took a while to create a thin (1/4 inch ) case but I got there. A little over 3 inches wide with a 3/8 inch shell height inside. They really turned out to be a nice delicate size in cherry, mahogany, walnut and striped maple.

This one took a “lot” of experimentation to create a dark mahogany case with a white inlay. Every time I went to stain the case the inlay would pick up the color but as you can see I found a way around the problem. I guess if you want something bad enough you can find a way to get there. Now it’s on to installing shells and yes they will be in the Sanibel Show first week in March.  I’ll see you there.   

ITS TIME TO HEAD NORTH

Well it’s that time of year again to head north to Massachusetts and leave the warm Florida sun behind to visit my grandchildren.  To all my friends in Shell Art I wish you all a very “Happy Thanksgiving.”

THE SECOND HAND SHELL GAME

Many years ago when I first made the journey to Sanibel Island from Cape Cod I was amazed at the variety of shells I found there.  There were so many beautiful colors, shapes and sizes it seemed as if every one of them was saying "choose me!"  So I did, each and every one!  I remember the feeling I had on my flight home that the plane was listing to the side from the weight of all the shells I had collected during my four month stay.  Once home, I sorted, cleaned and displayed my shell gems.  In the years that followed I became more and more selective, a shell connoisseur of sorts.  Many of my original gems were replaced by bigger and better ones.  So I was telling a friend of mine about all the extra shells I had on hand and felt I shouldn't throw them out, but I didn't know what to do with them.  Here is the advice I received and is what I am calling "The Second Hand Shell Game!"

            Here are the ingredients: Two beach chairs, a couple of non see through plastic bags of self collected shells from "Southern Coastal Beaches,”one northern beach, let's say Cape Cod and a friend to share the experience with.  Here's how it's done.  You head to the beach early in the morning, set up the beach chairs and with your friend sprinkle shells approximately 50 yards in one direction then spread the balance of your shells 50 yards in the other direction.  Need I say more? The truth is I have never tried it, but the picture painted in my mind of what that experience would be like is just priceless.  Maybe someday I will give it a shot but for now I will continue to donate all my extra shells to local shell groups such as Sanibel Shell Crafters (http://www.sailors-valentine.com/Sanibel_Shell_Crafters.pdf) but do let me know if you ever decide to try it, I would love to hear the results.

Last but not least March 1^st is getting closer and do expect to see you then.