Welcome to the 74th Annual Sanibel Shell Fair and Show!!!! We’ve all been waiting for this show for… well…. we’ve been waiting since last years show, right? You will see what the best shell crafters in the world have been up to this past year. Keep in mind… all of these pieces of art are made with SEASHELLS!!
The shell fair consists of two different rooms divided into the craft division of the show and the scientific division in the other room. Today, I will wet your whistle with what I consider the cream of the crop from the craft division…. the SAILOR’S VALENTINES. Go get your readers, a cup of your favorite tea and get comfy because you’ll want to soak in the details and drool over these beautiful works of art. …..And The Winners ARE……..
This breathtaking piece made by Suzanne Marie Dietsch won a blue ribbon for “Best Single Sailor’s Valentine”. Congratulations, Suzanne. Take a little closer look.
There are several different categories for Sailor’s Valentines so this next one made by Wendy Marshall won a blue ribbon for “Best Medium Sailor’s Valentine”.
Sharlene Tessler won a blue ribbon for this next SAILOR’S VALENTINE for “Best Mini Sailor’s Valentine”.
…and for “Best Double Sailor’s Valentine” made by David Rhyne…
AAAAAmazing, right? I have soooo much more to show you so stayed tuned for more shell crafting, more shells and the whole scientific division on tomorrow’s post.
Just incredible–there are no words to describe !
Wow, those are exquisite! Sorry now that I chose to work instead of going to the show. My priorities are a bit messed up at times :-(
These make my shell crafts look so amateurish! Can you imagine the hours put into these beautiful pieces of art? Yikes.
Gorgeous. I cannot imagine the time and extreme patience it must take to create one of those. They are truly works of art!
Amazing creations! I think my little peepers would get worn out trying to do such tedious work. I can totally appreciate the time and patience put into each piece.
OMG!!! WOW!! WOW!!! These are absolutely gorgeous Sailor’s Valentine creations!!! They are exquisite!!! LOVE seeing these pictures, Pam!! Thank you so much!!
I attended the shell show and saw all the gorgeous Sailor’s Valentines. But one is missing……..the beautiful, wonderful “Best of the Show” by David Ryan. It is over-the-top wonderful………Sonja
Sonja…… I have to save the best for last!- I can’t give everything way the first day. Don’t worry, we’ve got 2 more days or more of shell fair to show. ;)
OMG!!! is right Dovie! These creations are amazing…cannot imagine the hours and eyesight spent putting these together, LOL! Thanks, Pam.
They really are exquisite. My favourite is the first one. Pam, can you buy these? Thanks so much for making us feel apart of this incredible Fair. Pruxxx
It was an overload to the senses that is for sure. Amazing array of all things made of shell. Hope you & you mom had fun.
Karen
Sailor’s Valentines are an intricate, beautiful art form. These valentines were also blue ribbon winners here this fall at the Philadelphia Shell Show
These are sooooo beautiful in person – it is amazing. I wanted to get to the shell fair this year but the timing wasn’t right. It is definitely on my Bucket List for next year. The 75th should be a great one. Anyone want to join me???????
Wow, thanks sharing and will forward to tomorrow’s blog to see more of the shell show.
Lee & Bill
Thank you, Pam, for taking us to the Shell Show! Looking forward to all your posts for the next several days- wish I could have planned my vacay to coincide with the show- definitely next year!! Like Penny, it’s on my (shelling) bucket list! :)
Words cannot describe the beauty of these pieces. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see more.
These are absolutely amazing. I have so many questions. Were they made with self acquired shells?
Are they all Sanibel shells?
Is there someplace to find a list of shells that are used?
How long have these people been doing this in order to get this good?
Anyone have answers to any of these questions?
Beautiful! Can’t wait to see more! Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely amazing and beautiful! Oh the talent and patience it must take to work with such tiny shells!
Incredible! True labors of love and extreme talent. Thank you so much for sharing these gorgeous pieces with us!