[Nfb-krafters-korner] Two Simple Crafts with Shells

[Dixie]

The boxes with the shells are called "Sailor's Valentines."  The sailors
used to make them while they were away at sea for their loved ones back at
home, to give to them, the loved ones,  when they, the sailors  returned to
shore.





Dixie

~ @-> ~ <-@ ~
ISAIAH 43
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed
you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your
name; you are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame
scorch you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your
Savior;
 ~ @-> ~ <-@ ~



-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eleni Vamvakari
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 12:50 AM
To: nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Two Simple Crafts with Shells

Hi again,

  I've begun collecting the shells from when I eat clams.  Of course,
I wash them carefully with soap and water but I figure why waste them
when I can turn them into wonderful crafts?  So I want to share with
you two easy crafts that I've done in the past with shells.  The first
won't work with clam shells, either the large or the small but may
work with the baby ones that are too small to eat.  Regardless of
which kind you choose, you need really small ones unless you have a
very large mirror and cardboard.  Note that these are my directions
and were not found online.  So if something is unclear, please tell
me.

1.
Shell Mirror
I made this in high school and Mom loved it.

Things you'll need
1 piece of oval-shaped cardboard
1 flat oval mirror, about half the size of the cardboard.
enough shells to cover cardboard with mirror in center.
1 stick or bottle of glue.

Directions
1. Add some glue to center of cardboard.
2. Place mirror ontop of glue.
3. Allow to dry.
4. Add glue all around edges of mirror, so that rest of cardboard is
covered.
5. Apply shells to cardboard.  Use whatever designs, colours or
textures come to mind.  Be sure that there are no shells hanging off
the edges of the cardboard, since they could break off.
6. Allow to dry.
7. Enjoy for yourself or give as a gift.

2.
Shell Box
I did this a few years ago while at the Diamond Spring Lodge, a
wonderful place in NJ from the AFB.

Things you'll need
1 plain wooden box with hinged cover.
enough shells to cover box.
decoration for top of box. (optional) Can be anything from an old pin,
to a stone, to a textured design.
short fringe or beed to go around box. (optional)
textured lining for box. (optional) Felt or velvet is nice.
1 stick or bottle of glue.

Directions
1. Be sure box is closed tightly so that no glue enters it.
2. Add glue to top of box.
3. Place ornament on centre of box top.
4. Start placing shells ontop of box.  Be sure that none hang off the
edge as they could break off.
5. Allow to dry.
6. Add glue to sides of box, being sure to leave room for fringe if
desired by not placing glue on that portion.
7. Add shells to sides of box.  If you have any more ornaments such as
beads or flowers you can add them here as well if you desire or you
could just use the shells.
8. Allow to dry.  You may proceed to next step without drying but this
can be messy and you don't want the fringe itself to get glue on it.
9. Add glue to bare portion of sides of box.
10. Add fringe to sides of box so that it goes around the box like the
shells.
11. Allow to dry.
13. Open box.
14. Add glue evenly to inside of box. Be sure to add only the needed
amount so that it doesn't run onto the fabric.
15. Place lining inside of box.  Be sure that it's even.
16. Enjoy for yourself or give as a gift.  These make great jewellery
boxes, or for those like me who aren't into jewellery, can serve for
keeping little nicknacks like keys or pins.

  I hope everyone enjoys these crafts as much as I have.  If you can
think of any more involving shells, please let me know.  I've got
large and medium ones (the latter are the ones most often used in
clams cassino if that helps.  I'm thinking of creating a necklace with
a single shell for my grandmother because she loves the colours of one
of them.  I might also make her a bracelit, since I have another that
looks almost the same.

Take care,
Eleni

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