Tchochkes

Sea Urchin

I love seashells.  Seashells in their natural form,  seashells as art or as treasure.  I have a collection of shells that I started years ago.  As objects of beauty, seashells can be displayed in many ways.  It is best to organize them on shelves and if possible to keep them enclosed in a dust free display case.

Shown here is an old key box that I picked up at a flea market. These boxes were used to hold keys to establishments like hotels and public garages.  I added the plexi-glass shelves and made it into a seashell display case.

If you find the right resources and make sure not to exploit nature, seashell art can be a nice decorative accent in the home.  Many of the shells used for commercial use are from shell suppliers all over the world.  Here are some items made of shells that are beautiful and kitsch in the same breath.

I thought this box was amazing in its display of fine shells and pattern.  The top looks like it came straight from the sea.

and another treasure of a box…

I think a mermaid dropped this one!

Here is a contemporary piece using a giant white sea urchin.  I think this lamp is very tastefully done.

Urchin hanging lamp from Flos, only$3,196.00 USD!

This one is really neat. It looks like an x-ray of a nautilus shell but It is actually a couch made by the design firm Haldane Martin.

Here is the couch in a more conventional shot.

And of course there is seashell art, this shell is made out of paper.  I can see making a few of these in bright colors and decorating a beach house wall…

Happy shelling, happy summer!

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