Decorative Wall Plates -Sea Shells

Most shelling experts name Sanibel Island, Florida as America's number one location for finding seashells.  

Someone who studies and collects shells is called a Conchologist

Hermit Crabs must live in shells in order to protect soft, vulnerable parts of their bodies.  But, unlike other shelled sea life, they do not manufacture their own shells.  They move into those shells that are no longer being used by others.

In a sense, they are a bit like humans, who buy pre-existing homes.  Like us, they don't evict the current owners in order to move in.  They wait until the shell is empty, and then move in.  Many times, this happens after the previous occupant has been eaten by someone else.

Shelling is the practice of beach combing for the express purpose of finding pretty, useful, or valuable shells.

When collecting shells, take only absolutely empty shells.  Never, ever take a shell containing a live creature.  Check for hermit crabs!  Also off limits are starfish, sand dollars, and other living organisms.

Sanabel Island, a barrier island in southwest Florida, is probably the best shelling beach in the United States, and among the top five in the world. People come from far and wide to collect seashells on Sanibel's famous beaches.

Don't forget a special cover for your electric plugs!  They will complete your new look.

If you would like an idea for something a little bit different that will go very nicely with your seashell wall plates, think cabinet knobs and drawer pulls.  To coordinate with the shells, how about some little creatures that live in the ocean side by side with those who inhabit hard exoskeletons.  Just navigate to this page about Starfish and Sand Dollar Cabinet Knobs to find some examples.