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This item is made-to-order and will be posted to you by Sea&Shore Art within 3 days of receiving payment.
| Shipping destination | Cost | Additional items |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £3.50 | £1.00 |
| Europe | Doesn't deliver here | |
| United States | Doesn't deliver here | |
| Rest of the World | Doesn't deliver here | |
Free gift wrap with every order.
All shells are unique. There are no two the same. So please be aware my shells are not identical and will differ.
Please be gentle with my shells. Do not submerge in liquid, don’t use to serve food. A dust with a soft cloth is ideal. Enjoy!
Shell only - No props included
What is decoupage? It originates in Siberia and was used to decorate tombs, by 1200 it was seen in China then later in Italy.
It is the method of layering different types of paper, tissue, building up layers and depth. Up to 40 layers of varnish were added and then it was very carefully sanded to achieve a mirror finish. There are 2 notable decoupeurs, Mary Delaney, she worked in the court of George III and Queen Charlotte, producing the most astonishing and detailed botanical artworks. Her work can be seen in The British Museum of Art. More recently, Liz Barker cam to the fore during the COVID pandemic, using materials such as masks, swabs and PPE
This is a custom-made item and cannot be returned unless faulty.
Please note that if your order is being posted outside mainland UK, you (or the recipient) may have to pay customs or VAT charges and a handling fee. The seller is not responsible for any charges or fees that may incur.
Full description
A little ladybird nestled in an oyster shell. I have applied pearlescent paint to the inside of the shell, this covers the natural marks left by the live oyster. This little ladybird is a vivid red beauty, the detail is amazing. I have handpainted the edge of the shell with antique gold gilt.
The outside of this shell has some lovely lamination, you can see the natural layers of the formation of the shell over the years. 10cms length
Oyster shells are a by product of the food industry. They are also ground up and used in the poultry industry along with the horticultural sector. Obviously the shells need to be cleaned and prepped for sale, general they are scrubbed and left to soak in clean fresh water and then left to dry in the sun.
Most crafters buy them already prepared, so when they arrive, we can get crafting! I like to inspect them for damage and quirks! So the shape dictates which pattern will work. I paint all my shells with either white acrylic or pearlescent paint, sometimes I might use a cream or buff depending on the shell. Then I add the pattern and leave to dry. After several coats of varnish and several hours of drying, they are ready to ‘glam up!’ Gold paint or gilt depending on the effect I want. I often handpaint extra details in, grass, reeds, feathers etc. They are left to dry and hardened before being gift wrapped and sent to their new home!
Designed by Sara in North Yorkshire
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