While I was visiting my parents in Florida, my Mom mentioned something I had never heard of before, and it seemed fitting for the time of the year – Sailor’s Valentines.
According to Wikipedia, sailor valentines were “a type of antique souvenir, or sentimental gift, originally brought home from a sailor’s voyage at sea for his loved one between 1830 and 1890. Sailor valentines are typically octagonal, glass fronted, hinged wooden boxes ranging from 8″ to 15” in width, displaying intricate symmetrical designs composed entirely of small sea shells of various colors glued onto a backing. Patterns often feature a centerpiece such as a compass rose or a heart design, hence the name, and in some cases the small shells are used to spell out a sentimental message.
Those are so pretty and very neat. If I lived near the ocean, I might attempt one myself.
The first Sailors’ Valentine can be purchased as a kit through http://www.nantucketsailorsvalentinekits.com. They have other designs as well. I know many people that have purchased their kits and have been very pleased.
This art is magnificent!