Distant Shore Shells

Would you like to see what I was playing with before I left my dream in Florida?

(Oh, Shannon, always so melancholy. Can't anything be about something else?)

Sorry! 

This post is for me, but I hope you like what I put together.....

Before I left Missouri in April of 2011, it was a goal to utilize my skills on recycled or naturally obtained materials.

I dreamed of the long walks on the beach and all the treasures we would find.

Although I went there with expectations on what I would uncover and create with, life experience shifted a bit and I was more interested in collecting certain shells that meant something to me personally.

It was not important that the shells be well known, rare or even left perfectly unbroken by the sea.

Instead they needed to symbolize how varied and strong they were, to be one of so many of millions and yet each uniquely beautiful. To travel in such rough conditions as the sea and end up a durable, usable object in jewelry is a great feat that I admire in the shells.

To leave my mark on these Olividae shells without screwing up their perfect esthetic, I edged them in a copper metal paint, than applied verdigris patina to the edges and allowed that to develop. Once dry, I sealed the whole shell just as the patina metal is sealed; in lacquer and wax so their finish is protected. 

And there, with a center hole already in place.... I have natures perfect bead!

(I then shoved a really thick piece of braided leather through the opening of the shell, I won't lie; it wasn't easy and some of my leather frayed at the ends where I had to work through a little bit of the leather at a time and then when I had just the smallest piece coming out from the opposite hole, I gripped it with flat nosed pliers and pulled it all the way through.)

It was instantly cool.

 I embellished it with antiqued copper wire wrapping, a hand forged "S" clasp, open link verdigris chain and mother of pearl shell shards that totally look like the teeth of some wild beast that I slain with my bare hands and carried over my shoulders to my tropical tribe where we feasted for days and I was exalted above all other beast hunters and presented with the teeth from the kill in a fantastic celebration that included drums and half naked people stamping around in rhythmic gyrations.

When in reality, I was texting my friend while hiding in the finished lower level of my parents house making jewelry.

But we all gotta hold on to dreams, right?

Hey, beach bum!

I made you some!

If you would like your own Distant Shore Shell, shop here;
missficklemedia.com

They range in price from $7 to $9 for small, medium and large.

Much Love & Respect;

Shannon