Sailors' Valentines - by Shannon Webster

Summertime in north Florida is a delightful time. The air is laden with the wonderful scent of Grand Magnolia Blossoms. As I drove through the country roads with few buildings save old farmhouses, the beauty of this gorgeous bloom inspired me to create the 8″ Valentine appropriately named SWEET MAGNOLIA. It is encased under glass in an double grooved routered oak case and is presently available for sell at Showcase Shells on Sanibel Island on the west coast of sunny Florida. The centerpiece Magnolia is made with white Cup shells and dyed green Gar scales were used for the leaves. Surrounding the Magnolia are sliced Strawberry Strombus shells with alternating Squilla Claws from the Manta Shrimp for accent. Several rows of creamsicle Clam shells and Emerald Nerite Snails complete the circle. The border of the circel and the 4 pointed star is made of honey colored Rice shells. The star itself is ivory colored fish scales with the background in champagne colored dyed tiny Gar scales, brown striped micro Clam shells topped with bold orange Cat Eye Operculumand trimmed with white Rice shells.