She sells Seashells

[amandainvermont]

A while back I bought some vintage figurines, I believe from the 30’s, made of seashells. Ever since then I have a constant “vintage sea shell” search going on eBay and some really fun stuff has turned up. If someone collected kitsch seashell vintage art - eBay would be a great source. This first one is for Jonathan.

and this is carved into the shell -

I like the seashell pins/brooches, but know I would break them right away.

And there are tons of seashell containers and figurines and embellishments - here are some of the more interesting from my perspective...

 

[retro ruth]

I love the photo-frame! How old is it, do you know?

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

those flower pins are amazing!

 

[cmpollack]

Those are all amazing, Amanda--thanks for sharing!

Do you know the approx date range for them? (I'm guessing that incredible owl is more recent than the photo frame, for instance!)

 

[MyVintageCocktail]

Those are beautiful, Amanda! Love the shoe and the cameo, and, of course, the brooches!

My kids love to collect shells at the shore, so when we go in June, maybe I'll bring a big lidded jar to put them in and see what we can make out of them. Be a good way to keep them busy for a few days this summer!!!

 

[amandainvermont]

I think the frame was Victorian. The turtle container is 50's and guessing by the eyes on that owl - 70's or more recent. In no time I'm sure I'll be able to post more.

 

[thevintagebungalow]

It's so cool that you posted this today Amanda! I found this brooch last week at a garage sale along with other jewelry (I'll be posting questions soon!).

 

[APrizeEveryTime]

Amanda, I've always *loved* those things! Beautiful! Thanks so much for posting them. I want to see more!

Carrie, that brooch is extraordinary.

Do you guys know about the exquisite book by John Fondas called "Sailors' Valentines"? It's available on Amazon (remember the VFG link) and marked down (but still spendy; it's gorgeously designed and photographed). A friend gave it to me as a gift several years ago, and I LOVE poring over the delicate, quilt-block-like, very carefully constructed objects, almost like micro-mosaics. They're small and made with lidded frames so you can put it in your pocket safely before sailing home with it for your sweetheart.

 

[retro ruth]

Originally posted by amandainvermont
I think the frame was Victorian.

The photo in it certainly looks Victorian...