These DIY Seashell Frames Are Inspired By Sailors' Valentines—Here's How to Make One

Conchylomania—the love for collecting seashells—had a strong hold on members of the European elite during the 18th and 19th centuries. Passionate, sometimes even obsessive about seashells, collectors would display intricately crafted designs known as "sailors' valentines" in their curio cabinets to be seen as cherished gifts from sailors who traveled to far-off places. 

While the notion of sailors painstakingly crafting these pieces during their time at sea is quite romantic, these works were actually made by local craftspeople and purchased by sailors when their ships docked along trade routes. They showcased beautiful seashells often depicted as flowers or in concentric designs, and sometimes incorporated phrases such as "Forget Me Not" and "Think of Me."

One thing that visibly sets sailors' valentines apart from a shell frame you might find at a souvenir shop is the stunning use of symmetry. Symmetry elevates the designs, making them appear more like pieces of art and less like an afternoon spent crafting with a glue gun.

Since my family and I have never been to a beach and left empty-handed, I knew this was the perfect project to display all the cherished seashells my daughter has collected on our vacations over the years.

For this project, I used a mix of shells found at the beach, shells I picked up at the thrift store, and shells I ordered online. I recommend buying a bag or two of the tiny shells online, as they provide a great base layer for coverage and can fill in gaps. I used frames found at the thrift store and painted them a deep brown color for contrast against the white shells.

Whether you research sailors' valentines and use symmetry to create intricate designs or use an organic, "more is more" approach, shell frames are a great way to incorporate mementos from vacation into your home décor.