A Sanibel Summer

I have been playing with those Paper Fig shells that The Shell Lady sent to me last month. If you missed it, you can see that post here. I made a tropical necklace with one of them to commemorate where she found them. I still thank her in my mind each time I see, hold, or use one of her shells! Thank you Cheri!

This Paper Fig is just as pretty!

I sanded the edge nice and smooth, and hit it with a coat of clear gloss.

The bail is gold plated, and it hangs on a bright brass chain.

I made the little flower with flower part beads, a leaf bead, and a tiny pearl. A nice little feminine touch.

This shell makes a nice size pendant, and just whispers summer to me.

I really enjoyed playing around with this shell, and making this necklace!

Simple, summery, and feminine! Some of my favorite things :)

I have a few more ideas for Paper Fig Shells, and I can't wait to complete and share them.

Thanks again Cheri! These Paper Figs really made my summer!

A Wonderful, Beachy Weekend

I don't think I can quite express how much I enjoyed my weekend. Although it was a bit chilly, and windy, we still had a great time, and did a little shelling. I didn't find all the minis I wanted to, but I'm sure I will next time.

We met up with an old friend in Ft. Myers, went to lunch, and then headed over to Sanibel. We hit Bowman's Beach first, at least I think that was the name of it. This is where we found the most shells. Tons of calico scallops, cockles, other clam shells, hubby found a beautiful 4 inch whelk, and I found a little 1 1/2 inch whelk. It is darling! I have made 2 necklaces with little lightening whelks, so I'm not sure what I'm doing with this lil' cutie yet. I'll post some pics after I clean my shells. I'm still a bit sore from doing the 'Sanibel Stoop' too many times! It has been months since we've gone shelling, and my bod is out of practice. I can't wait to get it whipped back into shape!

Our next stop was Sanibel Lighthouse Beach. We saw a dolphin swimming around, I think it was his dinner time.

you can just see his fin sticking up

Della and David at the Sanibel Lighthouse

Me at Bowmans Beach with my shelling bag

I did stop and take a pic of the beautiful Magnolia tree by She Sells Sea Shells. While I was at it, I also snapped one of the pretty sign.

I love the font on this sign!

Next time we go down, I want to take a look around this shop.

Our last stop was somewhere along the way, where you can pull over, picnic, fish, and hang out. Our friend said this place has the biggest shells he's ever seen. Of course, I had to see what he was talking about! OMG big southern quahogs are what he was talking about. We picked up a few, and most are as big as my hand, and larger! I will probably use the largest one for a soap dish.

Sanibel is a really pretty place. I love how the shops and stores go with the Island theme. Even the 7-11 is pretty! I think I'll have to start looking for places to spend a weekend down there for our anniversary, or our birthdays.

I think tomorrow may be nice enough out to clean my shells, and sort them. I can't wait to play with them!


Del