SHE SELLS SEASHELLS...NOT ALWAYS BY THE SEASHORE
Can you believe it is already June?! With the days getting longer, weather going from, well hot to hotter, and schools letting out, summer is officially right around the corner. Each year I lovingly swap out my home accessories with pieces that have a summer vibe and none are quite as special to me as the shells I have collected on summer trips. One special client has collected different sands from all over the world (see below) and displays them in blue bell jars complete with a picture from the vacation as an inventory of each destination. While I wish I were this organized, somehow the only sand in my bags is remnants from the pile of dirty laundry.
Everyone who knows me knows that I love anything original and funky. In searching for items for beach homes I have been lucky to work on, my obsession with seashell boxes began. This season I am seeing so many amazing shell encrusted items and the tactile sensation of rubbing my hands over these pieces is just as satisfying as the visual.
Side note for a quick history lesson – Did you know seashells became quite the rarity in the 16th century, when sailors would bring shells from their voyages back home to Europe? The upper class would acquire their shell collection from exotic rarities merchants and display their costly collections. Soon, entire rooms, or “grottoes”, were created out of shells in some noble estates, even at the Palace of Versailles!
The Shell Grotto of Margate was discovered in 1835! To read more about it, please click here. Photo credit historicmysteries.com.
While the popularity of shells rose quickly, the upper middle class began covering even the smallest of objects in the seashells, including boxes. The working-class men began crafting these “shellwork” boxes and selling them to sailors at port who would bring back the souvenirs to their families and loved ones. You have probably heard of the term Sailors Valentine. Soon, the craft expanded world wide and still exists today!
Antique shell box.
There’s something so whimsical and romantic about these shell boxes. I just can’t get enough! While I dream of days at the beach, below I am sharing some items sure to please the shell obsessed (like me)!
Set of 3 Seashell Boxes
Just like the sailor’s, you can have your very own shellwork box! Available for purchase at the SCW Interiors shop or by calling our office.
Grotta Mirror
This beautiful Baroque-style shell mirror is sure to bring that grotto elegance to any space! The mirror is available for purchase by contacting the SCW Interiors office.
Strombus Shell Obelisk
Each strombus shell is individually glued on to these stunning obelisks. Available at the SCW Interiors Shop or by calling our office.
French Seashell Encrusted Console
If I had a beach house, this console table would definitely be the first piece I’d buy!
Set of 2 White Shell Boxes
Told you I was a bit obsessed with these shell boxes… another fun set available at the SCW Interiors shop or by calling our office.
Silver Limpet Shell Salt + Pepper Dishes
These cute little shell salt and pepper dishes are sure to bring the summer vibe to any table setting! Available at the SCW Interiors Shop or by calling our office.
Mini Shell Spoons
Pair these mini shell spoons with the salt and pepper dishes above. Available at the SCW Interiors Shop or by calling our office.
