HEART OF THE SEA | Decorating with Sea Shell Art with Romantic Homes Magazine

Shells, with their memories of joyful summers at the beach, have enchanted us since the beginning of time. Treasures of the sea, shells add a touch of seaside panache to any room. I am excited I was asked to write about shell souvenirs by Romantic Homes Magazine, the article is in the July Coastal issue.

Shell Art Tiara

There is such a range of shell collectables to choose from, both antique and contemporary. These mementoes of the ocean have a quiet, understated beauty that connects us to the natural world, but more importantly, they bring us right back to our childhood memories of fun, relaxing days spent at the ocean!

HISTORY Once prized as rare artifacts with magical qualities, exotic shells brought to European shores by the Dutch East India Company stimulated an avid passion for shells in the 17th century. Wealthy collectors gathered costly collections of shell specimens for their private museums. Shells were so prized in the early 18th century they were sold at auction, rivaling paintings by Dutch masters in cost.

Antique Victorian Shell Artwork Sewing Box

It wasn’t until the 19th century that shellwork came into fashion for upper class ladies. Suddenly, covering smaller objects with shells became a fashionable craft, little packets with shells and designs for shell boxes, frames and floral designs were the most popular.

Antique Shellwork Sewing Dresser Box

Isn't this little box with a drawer to hold a needle, thread and tiny scissors so sweet? It's little pieces like this that sailor's brought home for their moms, girlfriends, or wives. Souvenirs covered with shells or made of shells became a cottage industry in coastal towns around the world during this time. Working class men and women crafted and sold the souvenirs to bring much needed income to their families.

Mostly designed for women, the small boxes, sewing drawers, little frames, and other small shell mementoes could be bought inexpensively and tucked into a sailor’s "kit" to bring back home.

Antique Shell Art Frame

WHAT TO COLLECT Collecting shell art, or shell decorative pieces is an enjoyable hobby. The shell variety, shapes, natural colors and pearlescent sheens bring beauty to any interior.

You can focus your shell collection on Victorian era boxes, frames and pincushions, or collect pieces from the (few) shell artists still actively creating today. Both will add the beauty of the sea to your home.

Antique French Suitcase with Shells

HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OLD AND NEW. 1. Look at the Shells. True antique shellwork will have shells that are rare to find today. Pelican’s feet shells, for instance, used on many pieces from the 1800’s, are now all but extinct. The shells that are on antique pieces won’t be perfect, a little dull, a little chipped perhaps. Newer shell pieces will have much brighter, cleaner shells, more evenly matched in color and size. 2. Look at the Materials. Authentic antique shell art is most often made with paper covered carton boxes. The shells are often glued on with either a waxy substance, or set in a thin layer of gesso. The shell artists of today use a clear, strong glue. 3. Look at the Condition. Antique shell art pieces were created with delicate shells, which may have a little damage after 100 years. Contemporary shell art pieces will have beautiful, clean and strong shells. HOW TO DECORATE WITH YOUR SHELL COLLECTION. Decorating with your shell or shell antique collection is especially easy in the summer! Just gather some shells, and add a few sea-side themed decorations. Mix it up, place them together until you love what you see.

For our family room mantel, I gathered a few "sea side" antiques: a beach theme lithograph, Victorian white bridal basket, an antique bisque spill vase, and shells and starfish. I added an old aqua shutter that I've had forever for a pop of color in the mostly white and pastel group.

Parian Seaside Figure

Isn't she so gorgeous? This girl, surrounded by real shells and coral, is made of bisque. She was most likely a "spill vase" which meant she held twisted pieces of paper used to light a fireplace in the late 1800's. {I love her for many reasons, her sheep {!!} and the fact that she is surrounded by shells.}

Here in our guest bathroom, a collection of antique Victorian shellwork boxes are just the right size for a little wall hanging shelf. I added an antique page with dried sea moss, and a French mother-or-pearl souvenir holding a small collection of shells we gathered on days at the beach to complete this summer vignette. Easy.

I played around with the arrangement a little, this is another version. I haven't decided which one I like best. That's the secret to making little vignettes at home, just re-arrange things until you like it!

Antique Sea Shell Pincushion Heart Box

To begin a collection of shells: First, be sure to find out if it is legal to gather shells in your area. When you look for shells to add to your own collection, be careful to collect only “dead” shells, or shells that have washed up on the beach.

Please don’t harvest sea shells still being used by mollusks and other creatures, this damages the ocean’s ecosystem. Curvaceous and graceful, shell covered objects, antique or created by a contemporary artist, bring the alluring romance of summer to your decor.

I hope you bring your shells out to decorate with for this season, nothing brings back memories of sand, and sea more beautifully!

12 comments

Shell artwork offers such whimsy and beauty. I have always been a fan. I really should take another look at my vast collection of shells

Lisa DeNunzio

These shell boxes and frames are stunning! I used to have a couple of shell objects that I bought on my trip to Greece, years ago. I need to absolutely start collecting again and would love to start with something like these gorgeous keepsake boxes!

Anna Pelonis-Mills