Shells and Threads

I live and create in the beautiful area of Saltmills in Southern Ireland. The land, sea and rivers that surround our home are my constant inspiration. My studio is above Bannow Bay which is fed by the tides daily. This shoreline and land is abundant with wonderful wildlife and a rich natural history.

Our cottage and family are nurtured here. This is my calm and quiet place where I can create and get daily inspiration. As I have such a love of the sea and sewing , it is only natural that they should come together.

From daily walks along the shore, I collect shells, small stones and the odd piece of sea worn ceramics. To me each one is a special treasure, to keep, to enjoy, to think about its journey to our shore.

On one such walk I found a number of limpet shells with their tops broken open. I considered making some sort of chime for the garden or my studio. They lay beside my sewing basket and this set me to thinking about bring the two together. And so my Shells and Threads project began.

I have taken the shells and soaked and scrubbed them clean. I have considered the colours that best blend and show the shells at their best. I want to pay homage to this little shell, to give it new life. To allow it to become part of my creativity. 

Some will be part of a wall hanging mixed media piece that I am currently working on , the others maybe become a brooch with intertwined threads and beads.

It is exciting and interesting to explore how I can use them in my work. I shall keep you updated on my progress and makings as they happen. This is me in the picture below collecting shells and seaweed to use in firing my pottery, but that's another tale for another day.