About Me

I saw my first Sailors’ Valentines at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island when the museum opened many years ago. I stood there admiring the pieces for almost an hour, marveling at the intricacy of the shell work and the extraordinary breadth of the shells’ natural colors. After that, I sought out any book that might have photos of or information about Sailors’ Valentines and began to scour shell shops (and beaches when possible) for miniature shells to use one day to make my own Valentines.

I have been a shell collector most of my life. I have also designed jewelry, stationery items, and am a freelance graphic designer. Making Sailors’ Valentines has allowed me to combine my love of shells with my love of design. My Valentines have been on display at the Cross Mills Public Library in Charlestown, RI, featured in a designer’s showcase on Cape Cod, and awarded ribbons at the Philadelphia Shell Show and the prestigious Sanibel Shell Show.

In my work I use shells from my own collection, those given to me from the collections of others, and those I’ve purchased over the years. There are never enough of them! The shells are glued on acid-free matte board and, for the most part, my work reflects the style of the original Sailors’ Valentines. I am proud to count myself among a growing number of artists reviving this traditional craft.