I recently acquired some shells and think they would work out well in a stained glass project. In a glass panel, or maybe a lampshade. Does anyone know of any pattern books or just patterns incorporating sea shells? Also, when using shells in something, do you have to do something to the shells to make them stronger?
Hi Maggie---
You have a creative and artistic mind! Try experimenting on a small scale on what YOU think you would like. Maybe a small jewel box would be a good place to start. Lately I have been incorporating additional textures into flat panels. All of the items have been made of glass, but your idea of shells sounds like a way to create visual third dimensional textures interesting to the eye.
Just as a suggestion, try dipping the shells in a clear polyethylene to enhance the normal dry and powdery surface. This clear coat should also enhance the colors of the shells - even the light pastels of some that have been laying around a beach in the sun too long.
Keep trying till you find what you and your family of friends ooh and aah over, and then move on to your real masterpiece that resides in your mind. Good luck and have fun!
SCARY as it seems, I, many, many, many, years ago made FAN LAMPS using split nautilus shells....Living on the beach, the market was good for sales in the coastal galleries........if the thought comes to mind(yours) as to why I am not doing them anymore......I do not have to do them.....I keep busy enough with out pandering to the under $50.00 crowd of touri.
PLUG: still have a few bases and splits left.............ask if you are serious about WANTING TO BUY SOME!
The nautilus shells are basically INDESTRUCTIBLE............
just foil the thin edge, and solder......flux, patina and heat did not hurt tem at all.
before you get too into "saving" the shells from destruction, heat a few, solder a few and pour flux and patina on them (does not have to be in this order)
you may also get in touch with me: inhockdee@peak(dot)org remove (dot) and use a .
-- snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com In the words of the IMMORTAL USED CAR DEALER: THERE IS AN ASS FOR EVERY SEAT!
Many artisans have made beautiful lamps and windows incorporating shells. They can be foiled the same as glass, or inserted into lead. I can't suggest anything to strengthen them, but will offer a couple of suggestions on using them:
Some shells ar biologically dangerous to grind as well.
Chunk vroc 5679
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