Uh, yeah I'm the lady in line at all the estate sales with the basket full of miscellaneous shells. Sometimes large baskets full of quite large shells and I'm getting these pitifull stares, like why would you pay good money (usually all of a dollor or maybe 2) for something somebody picked up on the beach. I buy them when ever I find them. I've got bowls full of shells all over the house but besides enjoying them as is I like to get out the glue gun and stick them to things.
This project has been on my list for some time. This vintage mantle was a gift from BFF Tammy and I took off the legs and turned it into a "shelf" on my screened porch. Today was a long overdue crafting day, turning this mantle "shelf" in to a beautiful piece of art for the porch.
After the mantle was painted white, it was mounted on the porch wall. It functioned well as a display shelf, but it was definitely crying out for some embellishment.
I like to start my seashell mosaic projects with a central cluster of large shells and work out from there. It takes me hours to work out the placement of all these shells. Even when I do a small mirror, I go back and forth with the placement before finally committing and setting the shells down with the glue.
Ok, five hours later I'm finally done and I love it.
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You should keep buying shelves and making lots of these!!
Posted by: karla nathan | July 19, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Great project...really turned out cute - that shelf was cute before, but now it is CUUUUTTEEE!
Posted by: laurie | July 20, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Oh wow - that is fabulous
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | July 20, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Oh this us divine!!love love love it, it is surely worth all those pitifull looks. I need one of them myself, need one I tell you, I must off to the beach!
Kiss Noises Linda
Posted by: Linda Lilly Cottage | July 20, 2009 at 01:10 AM
WOW!!! Your shelf is gorgeous, and worth the many hours you spent on creating it. Yes, and even worth the pitiful looks from the other yard sale go-ers! Those non-junkers just don't understand...when we have a vision, and find what we need to complete this vision, we are happy! Happy is a good place to be...LOL *elaine*
Posted by: *elaine* | July 20, 2009 at 05:54 AM
I'm addicted to Seashells too, one of my favorite souvenirs from vacation! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Posted by: svelteSTUFF | July 20, 2009 at 06:31 AM
WOW, that looks fabulous!!
Posted by: 36oldsgal | July 20, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Holy, Mackrel! What a lovely mantel! You did GOOD, my BFF!~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Holcombe | July 20, 2009 at 08:20 AM
That's beautiful!! It almost looks like a picture attached to the mantel!! Very cool!
Posted by: Jenny | July 20, 2009 at 09:07 AM
YAY! This is one of my summer projects. I bought a mantel a few years ago, but it's too plain. I've been the pitiful shell-buyer at estate sales too and am gearing up. Do you have any tips? I'd love to hear them!
Thanks so much for posting this! I know it'll take a long time, but am psyched. I'm also now inspired to cut off the legs, since they're pretty beat up. Suzy, I can't thank you enough!
Posted by: sue | July 20, 2009 at 09:26 AM
AWESOME!!!!
and you need TONS of shells to do these kinds of projects!!! :)
what glue did you use??
I have been using aleenes tacky glue for all my shell projects!!!
always love popping by...
Have a GREAT week!!
Smiles, Joy~
Posted by: the Vintage Rabbit | July 20, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I love it too! Awesome work of art...and inspiring.
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | July 20, 2009 at 11:46 AM
WOW Love it! You go girl!
Posted by: Vicki | July 20, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Add me to the list of people singing your praise. You should be selling these.
Posted by: barbara | July 20, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Love the shelf! So awesome - You should think about marketing your shell art work - I'm sure people would really appreciate your designs.
Posted by: Stacey Newton | July 20, 2009 at 02:37 PM
So pretty. I am mentally decorating my imaginary beach cottage with it - it looks perfect!
Posted by: Amy | July 20, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Wow! It looks amazing!
Posted by: martha brown | July 20, 2009 at 03:19 PM
ooo, Love it. I've been wanting to do some shell art too lately, must be because it's Summer.Take Care,
Tracy M.
Posted by: Tracy M. | July 20, 2009 at 04:51 PM
That is absolutely one of the prettiest things I've ever seen, Suzy! Send those photos to a magazine and share with the rest of the world!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | July 20, 2009 at 07:24 PM
That is the so darn cute!!!
What a great idea...you've got a cool porch my dear!!
jen
Posted by: jennifer | July 20, 2009 at 07:32 PM
Way too cool! If I recall right cloth paper scissors was aksing for submissions of sailor valentines made of shells. You should so enter this. It is great!
Posted by: Cindy Is Crafty | July 20, 2009 at 07:54 PM
ohmygod it's great-you should sell these (or "shell" them)....it's really beautiful!
Posted by: tammy smith | July 21, 2009 at 08:15 PM
WOWEE Suzy! I knew it would be cool but that's WAY cool!!
Posted by: jen duncan | July 21, 2009 at 09:45 PM
Your shelf is just beautiful! I would buy one too.
Pam
Posted by: one gal's trash | July 22, 2009 at 12:03 AM
woa! I love it too!
Posted by: julie | July 22, 2009 at 10:48 AM