I receive a call or an email.  I ask questions and listen to  what the “seashell dream” is.  From  there I sometimes sketch an idea and email photos of possible designs and seashell choices.

Sometimes an inspiration piece, such as the plate.

See?  These communications help all of us get on the same page and once I have approval  and a 50 percent non refundable deposit…I order all that I need for the project, and get to it!

It is finished and I do think it turned out very pretty.   We only used 2 1/2 of the huge buckets of crushed shell that Judy Hagen and I collected via Kayak.  I really appreciate that I have assistants that are wiling  to work as hard as we must.  There is no mistake that parts of this job are very enjoyable, like the locations and the clients, the houses, and the art.  However, finding someone adventurous enough to paddle against the wind to an island in the middle of Tampa Bay, collect four huge buckets of heavy shell, load them up and paddle home…well that takes a very special person. Thank you Judy. We do share a lot of great laughs too.

I also want to thank  my dear friend Joseph Warren. He is an artist at heart that uses his talent on a daily basis to  artistically and strategically lead business owners in the direction of success.  Fortunately for Elegant Shells he helps me on occasion and who else would deal with 28 hours on the cement in the sun with an often times multitasking (un focused) artist? I am grateful for his eye, practiced patience and amazing SUV packing ability!

sea shell and sea glass fountain

Friday evening we finally arrived around 5:30. Fed ex did their best to get my supplies to Tampa.  3rd Street Cafe offered delicious local Grouper, crab stuffed mushrooms and complimentary Sangria. I talked to Alex about some mirrors for his restrooms and entry.

Yesterday was mostly beautiful with intermittent sun and clouds, wind that dried our grout quickly but also created some great waves for a lunch swim. Enjoyed a delicious Newlins Lobster roll w/ cherry tomatoes. YUM! Tracy mentioned some perspective sea shell clients and Boca Grande trunk shows.

Storms arrived at about four o’clock forcing us to unroll all the tarps and secure them to the best of our ability, in 60 mph winds…:-)

sautéed Soft Shell Crab at The Temp made up for the weather. Now Sunday Our Lady of Mercy at 9:00 and back to work. I feel blessed.

I am looking forward to next month Oct. 17th as this is the date for the next show on my favorite little Island of Boca Grande. This Island is inhabited by some of the most wonderful clients I have known. They are gracious, full of knowledge are serious travelers and have wonderful taste. I look forward to my visits to shell fireplaces deliver mirrors and chandeliers and attend the bi annual art show. If you are in the neighborhood please stop by for a visit.
I’m uploading a few examples of my BG work.
My best,
Heather

Boca Grande

Natural White Shell Mirror

Square, White and Cream Shell Mirror