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5. Make a tiny bow from 1/8" ribbon and use it to hide the area connecting all the
shells. This creates the look of having a body. A small rosebud is a nice touch.
6. On some, you can even cascade tiny buds or flowers along one edge or side of the skirt.
7. Make a loop about 3" long of 1/8" ribbon and glue to the back of the head to hang inside
the "bowl."
These make great ornaments, gift package toppers, and even to hang from a rear-view mirror.
Sailor’s Valentine by Anonymous
In the early sea going days, sailors would collect shells from all over the world and create what is
called a “sailor’s valentine.” I took that idea and created many gifts! All it is a box (I use deep
picture frames or sturdy decorative 1 to 2 in. deep boxes that prepackaged items come in like
perfume gift boxes).
1. Cut strips from a plastic or paper milk container making them as wide as the box is deep.
2. Cover them with gold, silver, or any coordinating contact paper.
3. Trace a design (I use PA Dutch Hex designs) in the bottom of box.
4. Glue the covered strips onto lines to create well compartments.
5. Glue 1/4 " thick poly quilt fiber in each compartment and place shells into each well. You
can sort them by color, type, etc. to create a visual design.
6. Next, take the lid, or make one. Cut out the top leaving 1/4 in. border around the top of
the lid.
7. Glue a plastic window inside to create the picture frame glass. Place on box, make holes
on each side corner of box to put straight pin in to secure.
8. Glue lid and put pins in.
Now you have a beautiful gift or memory box from a shore trip etc. I also use this same
technique to make picture frames by making the wells only around the centered picture. I then
put a picture in and glue a small shell at each corner of photo (on the wall sides, not on photo).
This will help hold the photo so it doesn't fall forward when hung on wall.
