I am pleased to announce a new opportunity for all shell enthusiasts to purchase cases and finished shell art… Bill Jordan has opened a new shell art store. Bill is an award winning shell artist that just happens to create the most beautifully constructed valentine cases. https://strictlyshellart.com/ 
Join me for this summer’s sailor’s valentine shell art classes. All 3 classes will be held in conjunction with the Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket MA. See below for details.
Floral Rings” Sailors Valentine
Location: 1800 House
Tuesday, August 2nd – Thursday, August 4th
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Member $700; Nonmember $750
Create a historic maritime seashell collage in a handmade cherry box. Celebrate with award-winning artist Suzanne Marie Dietsch the basic sailor’s valentine techniques used by the nineteenth-century shell crafters of Barbados. This valentine design is similar to the original artifact on display at the NHA Whaling Museum. All tools, shells, instructions and the 8” handcrafted cherry octagon case will be available to complete this treasured keepsake. This is an introductory level 3 day class
All materials included. Maximum class size: 10
Contact: Brittany Thurman
Email: bthurman@nha.org
Phone: 508-228-1894
Location Details
1800 House
4 Mill Street, Nantucket MA
Friday, August 5, 2016 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: 1800 House Nantucket, MA
“Pretty as a Picture” Youth Sailors Valentines, with Suzanne Marie Dietsch
Member $50; Nonmember $75
Sailors Valentines for the young and young at heart. This class is designed for the beginner wishing to learn the history of sailor’s valentines while completing this 8” octagon shell mosaic. Students can bring any wallet-size photo or picture to personalize their finished project. This class is open to youths and the young at heart – ages 10+
All materials provided. Maximum class size: 10
Contact: Brittany Thurman
Email: bthurman@nha.org
Phone: 508-228-1894
“Laurel Wreath” Sailors Valentine, with Suzanne Marie Dietsch
Monday, August 8th – Wednesday, August 10th
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Member $800; Nonmember $850
Create this maritime seashell collage in a handmade cherry case. The Laurel Wreath design symbolizes excellence and everlasting success. All tools, shells, instructions, and the 8” handcrafted cherry octagon box will be available to complete this treasured keepsake. This is an intermediate level 3 day class.
All materials provided. Maximum class size: 10
Contact: Brittany Thurman
Email: bthurman@nha.org
Phone: 508-228-1894
My Shell Show Entry is ready. It is an 18″ shell mosaic in a black lacquer frame. I was kept busy learning to cut flower petals from shell this year. There are over 100 flower petals
. And, if you look close you will find 4 mimic octopus hiding along the border.
I hope everyone gets the chance to explore Pamela Boynton’s new book – Contemporary Sailors’ Valentines Romance Revisited. The traditional art form of shell mosaics is just fascinating !!! I am honored to announce Pamela has included several of my valentines along with many artists work’s in this beautiful book. A very special thank you – Pamela.
Watch for times and dates on the Nantucket Historical Associations 2016 Summer Arts and Crafts programs. Here is a sneek peak of the 3 valentine classes I hope to be teaching this summer. More details can be found as they are posted on www.nha/1800house.org.
The summer youth class at the 1800 House was a great success. Eight pretty ladies plus one lovely assistant and the slightly frazzled instructor successfully completed 8 shell mosaic masterpieces in record time…3 hours (including the 15 minute snack break courtesy of NHA staff members Britany and Ester).
This summer the Sarasota Shell Club Artisans display shell art at the Bird Key Yacht Club and the Anna Marie Island Library in Sarasota Florida. 
