As a girl growing up in land-locked Kansas, I was fascinated by sea shells. I read books about the varieties of sea shells, bought shells when I could and collected the few freshwater clam shells that I found. Looking at photographs of these beautiful creatures from the sea introduced me to an exotic, beautiful world. As soon as I could, I visited beaches to collect my own. Some of my best specimens, I have to admit, I bought in shell shops, such as the conch shell my daughter is holding in my painting in the Happy Birthday card shown above. Most of the shells I've collected are small, and I arrange them in small jars with a little sand to give as gifts to other shell-lovers and beach goers. You can enjoy the beach year-round!
Greeting cards are another way to share sunshine, sand and sea shells. I'm among scores of Beach-lovers and Sea Shell Admirers who design cards using sea shell art and photographs at Greeting Card Universe.
Here are birthday cards featuring shells and shell collecting, left to right, by Robin's Coloring Book, Catherine Sherman, Leslie Stones, Sun at Night Studios and Catherine Sherman.
Here are cards featuring shells for other occasions. From the left, are Father's Day card by Featured Art of M.A. Nolan, Gifts of the Sea blank note card by Christian Slanec, Say it With Shells Love card by Jamie J. Rice; and Thank You for the Wedding Gift by Sheryl Kasper.
Here are charming Christmas and holiday cards featuring shell motifs. From the left are Shellebrate Christmas by Corrie Kuipers, Christmas Tree on the Beach by Elaine Presser, Turtle and Shells Season's Greetings by Dinah Green, Holiday Shellebration invitation by Corrie Kuipers; and Santa on Holiday by Martha Dryfhout.
