Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Collecting Shell Art


I have been collecting shell art for many years, but didn't realize it. I have always been attracted to little trinket boxes made out of shells to hold earrings at bedside. One day I looked around and realized that I had more than a few items of this art form. Here are a few of the pieces in my collection.


The shells on this vintage lamp have turned a lovely amber color. It sits on a desk with the box above and a sea shell frame that is new. There is a big difference between new and vintage.


This frame from Z Gallerie is new.

However, these bookends are definitely vintage.

A rare example of vintage shell tramp art. I was told this is French.

This wonderful old lighthouse night light was a recent find. The shells are glued on cardboard.

Another recent find is this shell mirror. It probably started out as a picture frame. Also known as a "Sailor's Valentine."

This shell art lantern arrived today from Wisteria. It is much larger than I thought! Although it isn't vintage, it will be great up in the wine country on a warm summer night.

This is the first in a series I am doing about collecting, featuring my own collections, as well as others. I am fascinated by what people collect and am always interested in learning about what makes something desirable as a collection.

So.....What do you collect?

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10 comments:

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Love it all!!! Shells are one of my favorite things to collect!!!

I see that you are a Californian. I was born in Texas but grew up in southern California...La Jolla. We still go out every July and stay for a month or so and for a shorter trip in March. I wish I was there right now...it is soooo cold in Texas!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Pretty collection. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Your shell art collection is wonderful. My daughter had many shells she has collected, I'll pass this post along for her to admire. Girl, I have many collections, not sure you really want me to list them all you would be reading for days and days and days..lol.. just a few highlights, bunnies, lamps and more lamps, dinnerware, napkins, flatware, teapots... get the picture.?? lol.. I'll have to do a post about some of them soon... hope all is well your way...hugs ~lynne~

xinex said...

Nice shell collection, Delores! I collect a lot of things too such as dolls, plates, tureens, pottery, tea pots, Christmas ornaments from different countries and states, charm bracelets and so on and so on and so on, lol!...Christine

vignette design said...

I still would love to hear about everyone's collections. Maybe I should have a "blog party" and have everyone send their favorite collections!

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

Wow! I love seashells..., but have yet to collect enough to create a display.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Unfortunately, as you know, I collect almost everything! I think the idea of a "collections blog party" is great! Your shell collections are so pretty. I've collected a lot of shells, thinking I would glue them to something, but they stay in jars and bowls, and I procrastinate about gluing them to something. Maybe I'll just start looking for things to buy that already have the shells glued to them. They are much prettier than anything I could make. laurie

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

WOW! I too collect shell pieces, mostly boxes. You have a wonderful collection. And the new piece by Wisteria-beautiful!
Thanks, friend, for linking up to Thrifty Thursday on Tales from Bloggeritaville! Great thrifty treasure!

Leigh
Tales from Bloggeritaville
www.lbratina.blogspot.com

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

That's some awesome shells...here on the coast I LOVE to collect shells...always have a bucket in hand! LOOK...you have a new follower:)

Blessings,
Linda

Styling by Coty Farquhar said...

Oh my Delores,
I have been jumping from one story to another around your blog this morning and loving every single post, your kitchen, dining room, these shell collections and your divine Majolica collection. Your do have the most gorgeous things and I have to say that I have also have very similar items in my home, however I just don't have the room or the cupboards to display them all like you do. Your home is such a wonderful place, you must be in heaven creating everyday. I can see it in all your images.

Lots of love,
xxx Coty

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