Sailors' Valentines Shell Art

In the mid 1800's it was a popular custom for sailors to bring home octagonal boxes decorated with seashells after long journeys at sea.  

Known as the Sailor's Valentine, the hinged box, that was typically around nine inches wide, contained a decorative, and usually symmetrical, seashell pattern inside which was then covered with glass to protect it.  When the box was closed, the shells were hidden from view which helped to keep them safe for travel. 

The name "Valentine" came from the fact that they were given to sweethearts or loved ones.  Also, the design elements usually included hearts, flowers and sometimes sentimental wording, such as "To My Love", which was written with little shells within the design.

(Photo credit: Modern day Sailor's Valentine "Mermaid Delight" was created by Sandy Moran.  Photo used with permission.)

The name may make it seem as if the sailors made the boxes themselves and originally it was believed that they had, but the items needed to do so would not be available to them, such as hinged boxes and shaped glass covers.

Actually it was the business venture of two Englishmen who brought about the industry of the valentine.

The truth behind the origin of the original antique boxes became clear when they needed repair.  It was discovered (through papers found inside) that most had been purchased at shops on the island of Barbados. 

Entrepreneurial brothers from England, B.H. and George Belgrave, had set up a "Curiosity Shop", (or two as this article in the Barbados Advocate says), in Barbados that sold many of the valentines.

The Belgraves were wise to realize this business opportunity by mixing seashells, which were covering the area I imagine, with the many sailors who became their customers at the popular port.  It was a lucky combination of supply and demand.

(Seashell photo by P. Carter)

I would love to see more of the old, original Sailor's Valentines because I'll bet the makers used some really gorgeous seashells.  In fact, I'll bet beautiful shells were sold in the same shop as the Valentines. 

Through my research of sea shells I've discovered that the largest and most coveted shells usually come from the Indio-Pacific and Caribbean waters.

(Photo credit:Pixabay)

Although each Sailor's Valentine was unique each of them typically had some or all of these qualities:

• An octagonal box representative of the nautical compass rose
• Seashells - many hundreds or even thousands were used
• Colored paper (usually pink)
• A glass cover to protect the design
• The design included a flower or flowers and /or a heart
• An affectionate message or text of some kind, usually written using small shells
• A lock or a clasp on the hinged boxes

The wooden cases were usually double-sided and hinged and were made in either of two sizes:  9 1/2 inches or 12-14 inches.  Sometimes a blank area would be left in the center of the design for adding a special photo.

You don't have to buy a ready-made kit to make your own shell art box.  Head to a craft store and pick up the supplies which would include a box, shells and glue.

Thanks writer, Sylvestermouse, at the Squidoo site, you can read how to make your own Sailor's Valentines.  She made some for her children, and on her page you will see how she used a pattern to create the boxes with shells inside.  She started her projects with some very unique boxes.

Sailors' Valentine Art
Unique and beautiful Sailors' Valentines by Judy Dinnick. Many have her painted images in the center.

Sailor's Valentine Studio
Cape Cod artist, Sandy Moran is a creator of custom Sailor's Valentines. She also teaches classes about her art.

Sailor's Valentine Craft Winners at Art Show
Blog post with photos of sailor's valentines boxes that won prizes in a contest / show.

Art Antiques Michigan
New design in an old frame.

Sailor's Valentines by Joyce Amend