It was a fabulous FestiShell!
There were so many treasures from the sea made into beautiful works of art.
But not only were there beautiful shells and gorgeous art pieces, I had a blast seeing so many of my shelling buddies… like the Shellucky Luckett Ladies Lois, Ginger, (me), Martha and Janet. They are so much fun!
I also got to talk to the editorial director and craft guru of Martha Stewart Living –Hannah Milman along with Dr Jose Leal.
Of course I love to see shell art that makes me smile like this seashell box with beach combing Birth Of Venus at the center.
This shell box was done by shell crafter Heather Strawbridge…
The miniature shell craft pieces were amazing…
This mind blowing miniature shell exhibit won the artistic People’s Choice award for obvious reasons. Shell artist Peter Gabel points out a few details to an amazed Hannah Milman.
For all of you mini shell lovers out there, you will surely love these sweet creations.
Cheryl Witten got a blue ribbon for this tiny shell flower arrangement.
While scoping out the exhibits, I ran into Shelling Sistah Diane Parr and her fiancé Eric from New York. So nice to finally meet you, Diane!
It’s always fun to seeing Brian, Lynn (St Thomas), Laurel (CA), and Anne (MN).
The sailors valentines seemed more magnificent than ever this year.
Karen Almir won a blue ribbon for her single medium valentine.
Victoria Ross (Sanibel- right Vicki? ) won a blue for her gorgeous valentine. Congrats!
There were so many different shell flower arrangements to be stunned and amazed by. Marvin Hennemann made this one completely out of SEA URCHINS and their pieces.
Fun piece Marvin!
Every year I enjoy learning about other aspects of shelling.
Rachel Fields won a blue ribbon for her awesome display on natural pearls. I have detailed information on Rachel’s fascinating display so if ya want more information on Natural Pearls CLICK HERE
This New Zealand shell scientific exhibit won a special merit award for education.
Scientific Division judge Gary Schmeltz (left) with Roger and Kris Woods (who flew in from New Zealand) pose with the other distinguished Scientific Division judge Harry Lee.
I’ve shown some shell art the last few posts so I wanted to show you some of the artists that make these incredible pieces. This is Ruth Bulger with her “You Are My Sunshine” Sailors Valentine…
Nancy Goes made that beautiful shell necklace…
Audrey O’Donnell made the fabulous RICE SHELL arrangement…
Pam Boynton said she was very honored to have seen my post with a photo of her “Love And Be Loved” Sailors Valentine… especially after reading Skip Collins’ comment “Love and Be Loved is about the coolest thing I have ever seen, well…Shellwise”. She thanks you Skip!
I wish I could have photographed and met all of the exhibitors because there were so many more that were awe-inspiring like every single piece by David Rhyne…
So I hope to see you again next year on Sanibel or maybe even at another shell show.
Until then, I’ve got to get back to my first love… the beach. i Love Shelling!
Awesome pictures and commentary :-)
Wow! Such beautiful exhibits, simply amazing!!!
Wow…these artists are just a teensie bit AmAzInG! I hope to get down there next year, I have got to see these in person. Thanks for sharing!
The sailors valentines are always my favorite!
All the exhibits are amazing. I love the miniature shell crafts and the sailors valentines. I would love to do one, but I don’t think I have the patience. Hope the shelling been good. Pat
Is the festival the same week every year? I would love to plan on being there next year. Awesome valentines. Have to have good eyes for this work!
Hi, Toni, yes! it’s the same week every year.
Sorry, Pam, but I’m from Sanibel!
Great pictures, good wrap up of the show.
What???? But who did u say was cape coral???? I’m never gonna get this right lol I’m changing this one. Lol
I am in awe! didn’t know shells came in so many colors, shapes and sizes. the combinations are inspiring…
Such talent in those folks!!! Thanks for sharing these photos!!!
Incredible exhibits again this year. Thank you so much for sharing with us. I am in awe of everyone’s talent. Completely in awe!
Amazing shell craft, especially those sailor’s valentines! Thanks for the great pics Pam.
Wonderful coverage of the shell show/festival! Thanks so much!
Oh how I wish I was there! Wonderful displays! Love it! Looks like such a fun hobby! Sherri from MN
Pam, it was so nice to meet you ! You r awesome !!!!
The sea shell basket is from the 1850’s – I can not take credit for making it . It took 4 years for a women and her servant to make in watch hill, Rhode Island . The glass done and the stand was custom made for it in 1854 , the shells are wrapped w sterling silver wire wrapped w gold silk – there is no glue used. It is the most elaborate basket in a collection – I will be restoring the base of the basket ,
Thanks so much for posting the picture ! Audrey O’Donnell
Nice review of the shell show and the many artistic entries. Good to see you again.
Although I spent most of those days in the shell tent outside, I still enjoyed the beautiful arrangements and collections inside for a bit. What a privilege to be a part of this incredible event. Wish you all could have been here. So proud of you, Pam, for entering, and placing!!!! You go, girl!
Someday I hope to plan our vacation so we can take in this show. It looks amazing!
Pam, thanks so much for the awesome pics of all the gorgeous creations! It’s all beautiful but I especially love the simplicity and beauty of the jingle shell flower:)
Pam, Thank you for posting these pictures of AMAZING shell creations! I can not fathom the time it took to make them. WOW!
In the 8 years I’ve been living here I have YET to make it to this event.
Must. Make. It. Next. Year.
Maribeth
Hey Pam,
I check out your blog quite often… I am a little bit of an addict to sea shells & beach bling. The show looks amazing! I really like the mirror you created with the worm shells! Would love one of my own.
I had a question for you, one of the artists Gabel with his amazing art piece formed a roof out of a flat starfish, would you happen to know the specific name of that starfish?
Always looking forward to your next blog!
Love the carved shell, hope someday to be able to experience the Shell Fair firsthand. Thanks for bringing us along. Does anyone know if there is any shelling near San Diego? Heading there this weekend.
We enjoy low tide at TIDE POOLS of Point Loma and La Jolla….
Urchin tests often wedged in rocks :)
Then, SEAPORT VILLAGE has a shell shop too !!
Shellotte
PS: BIRCH AQUARIUM’s Sea Horses are worth the drive to SCRIPPS INST.
Thanks for the info, I think we’re going to La Jolla Sunday.
FABULOUS !!
Like a SCIENCE FAIR for grown-ups….
The competition reminds me of a First Grader’s reaction when his SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT didn’t earn a blue ribbon: “They should get some better judgers !!”
Shellotte
O’h my. What amazing creation and how inspiring are they? I wish we had a shelling festival over here on the UK.
Hi Ruth Bulger!!! Rita Gibson here…your former Executive Assistant! How are you? So nice to see you looking well, and [what appears to be] having a good time in life. Hope your family is doing fine.
Take Care.
Warmly,
Rita
ritatg@verizon.net — OR — rita.gibson@dc.gov