My First Sailors Valentine…

My first trip to Sanibel, Fl was in March 2016. I was both excited and nervous at the same time as I was embarking on a new adventure. When I arrived for my first day of the workshop at the Island Inn, I could immediately tell that I was going to be spending a few days with several experienced shell artists. When I walked into the room, there were several artists milling around, chatting like they knew each other for decades , gathering supplies and preparing to start their Valentines. I was clueless and had no idea where to even begin. I managed to find my table where I found my name badge next to a beautiful octagon shaped wooded mahogany box and a plastic shoe box packed with all the supplies and shells I would be using. My teacher and soon to be friend and mentor, Sandy Moran, came over to introduce herself and welcome me. I told her I hoped to be able to do this class and she very firmly said, “Just follow my instructions and you will be fine”. I took a deep breath and opened my shoe box and and started following along. The day flew by and my it did not look like I had made much progress. I said to Sandy that I di not think I would not be able to finish my Valentine before the end of the 3-day work shop. She looked at me and replied “Oh, you are going to finish it.” Well, I did finish it, I loved it then and still love it today. I leaned so much in the workshop, met some wonderful artist and although I did not know it at the time, I had found my artistic self. The images show the process. This Sailor’s Valentine is not perfect but will be cherished in my home forever!