Shell Craft
Beachcombing
What would be the best way of finding the seashells you need for your shell craft projects? Well, taking a long walk on a beach would top my list. A warm morning, with just a hint of cool in the air and the ocean’s waves gently lapping up on shore, would certainly put me in the right frame of mind. How about you?
Lots of people (like in the millions) throughout the world enjoy walking the beaches they visit. Most of them pick up seashells and sea life they encounter out of curiosity. Watching children get excited about their finds is a very moving experience that can bring back our own memories of running along the beach and pointing out all the seashells and other things that the waters brought up.
With thousands of miles of shorelines throughout the World and the United States all with some form of seashell treasures to enjoy, it would be hard not to enjoy this wonderful hobby. Walk along slowly and look at the variety and beauty of the seashells that the ocean has brought up on the sand for your examination. The shores do not only have seashells, but other items as well. There is sea life and parts of sea life, driftwood, bones, coral pieces, polished rocks, and plant life. All of these items could be incorporated into a shell craft.
Some care, especially if children are helping you in your beachcombing, needs to be taken. Along with the seashells and other treasures we want to find, there can be other “findings” which require approaching with caution.
Jellyfish, blue bottle, man-o-war, etc., are best left untouched. Even in death their stingers will trigger and give you a nasty sting. Crabs may not take kindly to being grabbed and use their claws to pinch or cut. Ouch! Admire them, photograph them, but otherwise let them be.
Gleaning for Shell Craft Projects
Seashells, sand dollars, coral pieces and sand are all used in making our beautiful seashell arts and crafts. You should look for seashells that are ¼ inch to 1 inch in size. Although you can use some larger items on the wall plaques and sculptures the small sizes are generally of more use. Use clams, scallops, and other bivalve shells along with univalve or snail shells. All of these seashells come in various types, sizes, and colors.
You’ll need a container or two to put your shell craft findings into. There are a variety of containers you can use. I have a small nylon bag that holds about a quart of seashells and sand. It’s waterproofed on the inside, which keeps any water that comes along from ending up inside my car.
You could also use a bucket or a sand pail like the kids play with on the beach. Or try zip lock sandwich or food storage bags.
As you walk along keep a sharp eye on the seashells and other items that the waves have cast on the sand overnight. Keep in mind the project or projects you would like to try out from the Shellcraft-guides pages. Look for oddities among the seashells – stripes, bright colors, strange shapes, etc. Oddities add uniqueness to your shell craft projects.
Help Our Coastlines Survive
Our coastlines, both in the United States and the World, are an important part of our environment. Help our coastlines by leaving the beaches you visit for your beachcombing efforts as clean, if not cleaner, than you found them. Please do not litter. Help us make our beaches safer and cleaner, by carefully picking up and disposing properly any litter you may find.
For more on what you can do to help visit:
Conchologists of America
Beachcombing Links:
Shellcraft Seashells
Atlantic Bubble Seashells
Cleaning Seashells .
Preserving Seashells.
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