Sea Shell Folk Art

With the great weather we have been having, rated a 10 by my calculations, it is time to hit the shoreline to gather shells I will  use throughout the year to make a variety of folk art items.

In the world of antiques folk art has a special place.  Folk art is created by average folks, in earlier times such folks were sometimes called peasants. The items produced by peasants were decorative and utilitarian. The rules of fine art which led to creating masterpieces were ignored because the items were not created for purely artistic purpose.

Folk artists did not attend the great art schools, or follow the techniques of the great schools of art who produced the artists featured in art history books.  Folk artists learned from each other in the community in which they lived and created their art.

Folk art has also been called tramp art. Tramp art was made by the artist whittling wood from cigar boxes and packing crates. There is much variety to Tramp Art which has become greatly desired in recent times.

Folk art created from shells has included decorating mirrors, boxes,  picture frames.  The mirror that hangs in my side hallway is a piece of shell folk art made by a relative.  It is a treasure to me for several reasons.

Folk art dolls made of seashells have delighted children and adults for years.  Souvenir shops have commercialized the art form.  Still shells gathered by your family can become a family heirloom and family tradition as each summer a new shell doll is created for the collection.

Being a doll collector, shell dolls hold special meaning for me.


Another favorite of mine is make a miniature picture album using a clam shell.

 Drilling a tiny hole at the top of each shell allows you to connect the shells with ribbon, I prefer silk tied in a bow.  Trace and cut several pieces of decorative paper or fabric to use as the pages of the album.  I then glue photos of dolls taken from magazines onto the pages.  Decorate the shell covers and frame the pictures inside using ribbon, lace, or decorative paper. Adding tiny buttons and flowers are other special finishing touches you can add to your folk art picture albums.

Some folk artists create pictures made entirely of shells.

Links

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/seasonal/summer/seashell-crafts/

www.marthastewart.com/275561/shell-crafts

Till next time, stay well, stay happy

www.antiquesattheirongate.com
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Girls Night Out

I had a wonderful evening of shopping at Vaillancourt Folk Art Studio in Sutton.

Their studio is now located in an old mill that has been renovated.  That is enough to make me shop there.  I love it when townsfolk take the care to preserve their history by preserving the early buildings that housed the industries on which the town was built.


The studio specializes in all things Christmas.  Their specialty is making decorations from antique chocolate molds. The hand painted Santas  made from chalk ware poured into early chocolate molds is a sight to see.  Each piece is hand painted,  Some are tiny, about an inch tall, others are large, about two feet is my guestimate. It is a family run business that provides excellent product and great customer satisfaction.  There is a collector's club, glass blown ornaments, and a special section of the store is  a museum devoted to showcasing all the pieces they have made through the years.  

The shopping is leisurely, light refreshments and holiday music. It's a great place to visit, whether you purchase something or not.  

Till next time, stay well, stay happy

www.antiquesattheirongate.com