An astonishing number of people make a hobby of shellcraft, the art of combining sea shells in an endless series of patterns for ornamentation and decoration.

Some of these products are fashioned into souvenirs in coastal cities. They are sold in vast numbers to tourists, and present an astonishing range of taste.

Other shellcraft ornaments are made in homes by workers who conduct something like a cottage industry, selling earrings, plaques, or ash trays to local distributors, such as gift shops.

Many carry on shellcraft just for the fun of it, using their hobby as an outlet for their decorative or creative urges.

Shellcraft is also used by school teachers in programs which require handwork, and by camp counsellors, who find that shells have an outdoor, nature significance, very appropriate for a camp program.

Some therapists have found shellcraft very helpful in their work with the handicapped or with convalescents.

Beginners in shellcraft usually work, at first, with some set of simple examples or patterns which have been prepared by others. To do this they usually turn to books of explanation and direction, which are the best form of aid in this kind of work.

Here are some popular Shellcraft Books that have loads of ideas and inspiration.

Image courtesy of Flickr.