They made great last-minute gifts after months at sea.
"I hope to bring someone "CLOSER" To me my Valentine YOU" MSS 11074-23
Hello! Happy February! How are you doing this week? Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you have been around the blog for a while you might know that Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday (aside from Christmas). You also know that I am a collector of things and I am here to tell you that it's very hard to find interesting Valentine objects to collect --- always looking, hardly finding. I have boxes full of the old paper valentines which are fantastic and far more lovely than ANY cards we can buy today -- the graphics, cut-outs, pop-ups, and embossed designs are unreal. But there is not much you can do with cards when you are decorating in February for the 14th. Which brings me to this wonderful seashell clad heart-shaped box that I found and purchased in Tarpon Springs, Florida because it reminded me of the antique sailor's valentines. Are you familiar with sailor's valentines? A sailor's valentine is a form of shell craft, a type of mostly antique souvenir, or sentimental gift made using large numbers of small seashells. These were originally made between 1830 and 1890 and they were designed to be brought home from a sailor's voyage at sea and given to the sailor's loved one or loved ones. Sailor's 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. Although the name seems to suggest that the sailors themselves made these objects, a large number of them originated in the island of Barbados, which was an important seaport during this period. Historians believe that the women there made the valentines using local shells, or in some cases using shells imported from Indonesia, and then the finished products were sold to the sailors. (Source Link) Here are a few examples. Who knows? You may just run across one of them when you are out treasure hunting. This one was sold on Ebay A gorgeous modern hand crafted version found here A collection of old shell art pieces -- from Pinterest. If you would like to have a new one made for your special Valentine, you can do so by visiting Bill Jordan's website here Do you collect shell art pieces or antique sailor's valentines?
Vintage Die Cut Mechanical Valentine Card Little Sailor Boy Riding Sea Turtle Stands approx. 7" T Condition: G crease
To shell-ebrate Valentine’s Day this year, we’ve made our own version of a sailor’s valentine – a coloring page that’s reminiscent of these intricate designs made of seashells. Plus, a little splash of learning about seahorses + seashells… AND the flexibility to turn this into a simple paper plate craft! Hey ocean lover! You might…
Explore Two Crazy Crafters' 219 photos on Flickr!
I'm not overly wild about things made with shells, but sailors' valentines can certainly be compelling. Of course, I know what they are about--sailors gathering shells while on shore when away at sea. They think of their sweethearts back home and make elaborate valentines (or boxes or whatever) to give them upon their return. Well, in a lot of jewelry I purchased a bit ago, I found two necklaces of rather beautiful little shells and instantly thought of an art project for my kids. A quick Google search of sailors' valentines turned up some amazingly beautiful and elaborate examples--I was in awe of some of them. Well, the ones above are my kids' results! I was pleased and quite impressed actually what a 9 year old boy and a 7 year old girl could do. I think they turned out beautifully--and it gave them a unique, interesting, and inexpensive art lesson not to mention a pretty way to use up those shells.
This Americana and Folk Arts, Furniture/Decorative Arts, Maritime Arts piece is offered in our October 12, 2013 Auction. Register to bid with Rafael Osona Auctions Nantucket, MA.
OH BUOY, VALENTINE--CAN'T YOU SEA I LOVE YOU? This vintage die cut Valentine's Day card features a cute little SAILOR boy in a boy loaded with Valentine hearts. He looks through a telescope. Give this to a special sailor or keep it for your collection. Or, re-purpose this in a paper craft project, use it as a vintage Valentine decoration or display. UN-used. NO Envelope. This is an ORIGINAL, vintage new old stock Valentine card. It is NOT a copy, a reproduction or a download.
A Bit of History of the Origin of the Sailors' Valentine, plus simple instructions on how to make your own Sailors' Valentine. Beautiful gift & home decor
More Retro Vintage Valentines How darling are these little vintage valentine cut-outs? Perfect if you are sailing out to sea on a cruise ship... {wink!} {Click to download/save jpg image...} This polka dot bear is so adorable! Perfect to give to special friends! {Click to download/save jpg image...} {Click to download/save jpg image...} Thanks again! I hope you are enjoying these fabulous vintage images! If you have a special request... Send me a message via "contact me"... I am working on some other fantastic requests that you will soon see! xo
I came across these sailor's valentines the other day. Made en- tirely of teeny shells, some claim that sailors labored over them on their long voyages. Others say they were made in by artisans in Barbados. Either way, I'm obsessed.
Seashells from the worlds' oceans have fascinated people since the dawn of time, and they continue to inspire study, collections, and decorative uses today. This new and stunningly beautiful book showcases seashells that have been assembled by shell artists in sailor's valentines, the octagonal-framed plaques with love messages and floral designs that were said to have been made by Victorian sailors as love tokens for their sweethearts at home. Learn their history, lore, and reality, and be introduced to exquisite designs, both antique and contemporary. Over 200 color photographs, maps, and drawings reveal unique sailor's valentines and shell collectors' chests from England, Barbados, and the United States over a two-hundred year period. Modern sailor's valentines, created by 19 shell artists, display creative interpretations of the traditional style with a wide variety of materials. Their beauty is disarming and their appeal is universal. Enjoy this nautical and historic journey through time.
Make this super easy Sailor Knot Bracelet for Valentine's Day or just because! Perfect for any teen, girlfriend, or mom. Video tutorial makes it a breeze!
The new valentine box arrived yesterday. I am so impressed with the workmanship of the box. Every joint is smooth and letter-perfect. The craftsman who built these boxes is a true artist. I found h…
I stayed up until 5 last night drawing these so I could make it in time to get them printed today =___= The actual printed versions are foldable cards. Now to get some heart stickers to go with them…...
This Collections piece is offered in our October 11, 2014 Auction. Register to bid with Rafael Osona Auctions Nantucket, MA.
Explore tomandcindy's 2458 photos on Flickr!
Use your Collection of Seashells to create a one of a kind DIY Sailors Valentine.
More Retro Vintage Valentines How darling are these little vintage valentine cut-outs? Perfect if you are sailing out to sea on a cruise ship... {wink!} {Click to download/save jpg image...} This polka dot bear is so adorable! Perfect to give to special friends! {Click to download/save jpg image...} {Click to download/save jpg image...} Thanks again! I hope you are enjoying these fabulous vintage images! If you have a special request... Send me a message via "contact me"... I am working on some other fantastic requests that you will soon see! xo
They made great last-minute gifts after months at sea.
