Sarasota Shell Show – First Place and Best Commercial Art – Sailor’s Valentine – Claws

Sarasota Shell Show – First Place – Shell Doll – Lydia

Broward Shell Show – First Place Sailor’s Valentine – Claws

Join with me in laughter, smiles and friendship while creating a treasured keepsake.

This year the Sarasota Shell Club Artisans will be sponsoring a one day introduction class for Sailor’s Valentine Enthusiasts. Suzanne Dietsch will discuss the ins ‘n outs of valentine construction while class members complete this 6″ valentine from start to finish. The class will be held at the Artisan’s workshop February 10. Time 9:30 till 3:30. All materials and tools included. Bring a snack lunch. Our workshop is located in the class room building behind Bee Ridge Presbyterian Church on the corner of Proctor and McIntosh in Sarasota, Florida.

Class size is limited. The class is open to beginners and accomplished shell artisans alike. The sign up button for class is located in the Treasures section of my home page. Scroll down to find the valentine picture and pay button on the treasures page. Cost $300. Or contact me by email – Suzanne@seashellvalentines.com

by Anne Stegner

This flower is made from fish scales, approximately 400 or so.  Each fish scale was soaked several days so they were pliable.  I cut each one into the shape of the petal and then bent it into the shape I wanted.  Next a took some rope and tied each one (while they were wet) and let each scale dry overnight. Once dry, they were ready for painting.  Each petal was painted using two shades of orange.  The finished petals were placed into the Styrofoam ball and glued. 

There are two new 6″ sailor’s valentines on display at the Gallery at Four India, Nantucket. Sized just right for holiday gift giving.

6″ Sunshine 0919 inspired by early morning sun light.

6″ Midnight 0919 inspired by evening moon light.

Three more of my sailor’s valentines have arrived and are now available through Kathleen’s Gallery at Four India in Nantucket, MA. Kathleen has on display award winning valentines by Karine and myself.

Tim has completed several shadow boxes available through the “Treasures” link on my website or on my eBay store. He can also take special orders. Audrey O’Donnell completed the valentines pictured below using Tim’s cases made from zebra wood. Simple, traditional shell mosaic techniques created beautifully.

My summer sailor’s valentine class will be in Nantucket. This is a 4 day class, Aug 19-22. To sign up check the details listed on the Nantucket Historical Association’s website www.nha.org/1800house This year we will be creating the 9″ sailor’s valentine pattern Wild Gardenia. Hope to see you there.

Create a beautiful shell flower and simply adhere it to the glass of a beautiful frame. Add a sand back ground and a few shell/pearl embellishments. There you have it !!!

Valentine Artists now have another choice when purchasing a well constructed valentine case. He has done woodworking in the past including an award winning turned bowl. Watch for Tim’s designs available on this website and eBay.