2010 SANIBEL SHELL FAIR

Almost nothing could make me voluntarily go through the hassle of dragging the motorized scooter chair I have to use to get around until I can walk again into and out of the car so I can travel anywhere. But this past Thursday was the first day of the Sanibel Shell Fair and there was no way on earth I wanted to miss being there. I won't go into the efforts involved in getting me and the chair to the island and back, but suffice it to say I'm not likely to put my poor husband through that again unless it's a life or death event.

That said, let me point out that the level of shellwork and related artworks seen at the Sanibel Shell Fair are among the finest examples of creativity and craftsmanship seen anywhere. This year's entries were exceptional and I want to share my photos of the outstanding shellwork seen there this year. My photos aren't the best, but even the best can't compare to actually seeing these works in person. Every day or two I'll be changing the photos ... I took gobs of pictures, too many to show in a single posting. So please stop back again and again to see what it is that makes the annual Sanibel Shell Fair such a phenomenon that it is, so much so that even Martha Stewart made it the focus of one of her t.v. shows.

Rose made entirely of tarpon scales

A tiny swan made of angel wing shells holds a bouquet of flowers created from shells

and sea urchin parts.

A sailor's valentine in a delicate hearts and flowers design consisting of tiny all white shells rests within it's own hinged wood box.

I love this sea urchin cacti with dentalium shell spines and a tarpon scale flower. So clever!

This orchid is made of scallops, cut shells and nerites yet looks amazingly real.