Making progress…

Wow! How did Labor Day get here already. Another Summer is in the books. Over the last 2 weeks I have made good progress on my latest Sailors’ Valentine. I completed the Star using White Hawaiian Rice Shells surrounded by vintaged dyed lavender clams. I am keeping the outer circle empty for now with a plan to fill it with vibrant shell flowers. Please feel free to post a comment on my Facebook page @SeascapeStudioLC on what color(s) you would like to see there. The shell flowers will be one of the last added to this piece after the board is placed into the box. The box, by the way, is a 12-inch Tiger Maple Sailors’ Valentine box made by Clifton Cloud.

Currently, I am halfway completing the yellow outline section (it kind of reminds me of a sunburst) with pretty little yellow Mongo Snails from the Philippines. I could not decide if I wanted the shell opening on facing up or down so I tried it both ways. I decided on open side up since the shells fit in the space more tightly. I also like the texture look it brings to the piece.

Close up Mongo Snails

If you would like to see the progress on this Sailors’ Valentine in person, I will be demonstrating my techniques at Handy House Artisan Fair and Vintage Market on Saturday, September 16th from 10 am until 3 pm at the Handy House located at 202 Hix Bridge Rd, Westport, MA. Because  the shells and a lot of my tools are very lightweight, I will be inside the Handy House in case it is a breezy day, which can happen here in September. I will also have a few of my one-of-a-kind Sailors’ Valentine ornaments for sale. I hope to see some of you there!

Progress as of 9/4/2023