Sea Breeze

Handmade so far:

• mirrors
• garlands
• wind charms
• wall decorations
• photo frames
• candle holders
• magnets
• and more...

Made with shells

I create many things with shells. At first I started making garlands, then mirrors, photo frames, etc. I try not to buy shells. Not because I do not want to spend any money, but I like to search for them myself; wherever I go I try to find a beach and I can look and collect for hours! I only collect from the beach, never when I am snorkelling or diving. I believe that what is on the beach, the sea does not want anymore. Every country, every area has different shells and I am always pleasantly surprised with what I find.

As extra decoration on the garlands I sometimes put sea grass or straw between the shells. Once for Christmas I got a special order and I made this huge garland with mussels and pearls in between and I varnished the mussels to let the colour speak as much as possible. Usually I make garlands on assignment and I let the person who orders choose for themselves which shells, in which colours and in which style they want their garland.

The same goes for mirrors or photo frames or any other creation for that matter. Depending on the size of the mirror or photo frame, you can make your own creation with your favourite shells. Also you can bring your old mirror and photo frame and I can restyle it with shells. Another favourite shell creation of mine is the shell pie. It is just for decoration, but it looks really nice on a table!

Made with gypsum

Whenever I would run out of shells (which does happen now and then) I try to find something else to keep myself busy. I started working with gypsum to make wall decorations like little frames, key racks, mirrors, length meters, etc. With gypsum it is even easier for the person who orders to choose colours and/or designs, since paint comes in all colours and I have many designs to choose from. I also make candle holders, magnets and paper presses.

Made with paper mache

I believe this is nicer to work with than gypsum. With paper mache I can create all kind of shapes and forms and the different techniques create many possibilities. Sometimes I made decorations with a special theme, like masks for the carnival. But what I like most, is something I have started to do recently and that I absolutely love and that is fixing old pieces of furniture with paper mache. My first project was pimping up an old ugly wooden mirror and it was a big success. But you can also pimp up chairs, tables... many things. 

Mosaic

Mosaic is a different story. Since I went to Morocco quite a few years ago, I am absolutely crazy about mosaic. But it is something that takes up a lot of time (and patience). So far I have made mirrors and wall decorations, but also here the possibilities are endless. If I get an assignment, having a small budget, I try to use materials like (old) bathroom tiles. But if I have a bit more to spend, I can work with glass, marble and even china. Also with mosaic you can create your own design. But remember… it must have something to do with the sea (of course I do make exceptions now and then, on request ;-) !

Check the Photo Gallery for photos. Unfortunately a few years ago my old laptop crashed and most of my photographs got lost so there are a lot of products missing, mostly made in "the early years" but I managed to retrieve a few and my recent creations are all there.