wall art

Seashell Photography Metal Poster Art

Now that my seashell collection has been ramped up immensely (see my previous post) I decided to make more posters in my Zazzle store Seashells by Millhill.

You may recognize some of the shells in this poster. The big white shell is a knobbed whelk and the brown spirals of a lightning whelk can be seen at the bottom. Above that, the brown swirl is the top of a West Indian Crown Conch. They differ from the crown conchs I find locally because they are rounder and much smoother without all the spikes forming a “crown”.

Metal Poster Wall Art

Pink Scallop Seashells Collection Photography Metal Print
by millhill

The seashells are my own. I photographed them and then digitally enhanced the images but kept the true colors. The color print is 20 x 24 inches, and the black and white is 20 x 30 inches.

At the top of the photo the large purple and pink scallop shell provides the color for this image. Behind it is the inside of a murex, which is also a lovely pink. The spotted cowry is showing it’s teeth, and a couple of fighting conch shells appear at the bottom. One “arm” of a starfish / sea star is draped across the whelk.

Seashells Collection Black n White Metal Print
by millhill

Buy it As a Puzzle

Beach Shell Collection Photography Jigsaw Puzzle
by millhill

My seashell store was started with photos of my favorite shells. That was quite a few years ago. I have not been inclined to dig out my shells and arrange them to photograph until recently. Even so, many pictures of shells can be found for sale online and in shops so the competition is great. I guess it’s why I don’t bother.

Florida and the tropics provide warm waters where amazing mollusks reside. Each is unique and builds it’s own spectacular home (the shell). I enjoy sharing the beautiful works of these sea snails and I hope you enjoy them as well.

Seashell Boat Wall Art at Goodrich’s

seashell wall art — Seashell “boat” on wall at Goodrich’s Seafood Restaurant

Recently my sons and I went out to eat at Goodrich’s Seafood Restaurant in Oak Hill. As I was admiring their new open deck eating area (see my photos below), I noticed this seashell boat art on the post near our table.

Because I spend a lot of time searching for seashells and write about them, readers often ask, “How do you display all those shells you collect?”

Personally I put them in glass bowls, or decorative platters (like in the photo below), and set them on tables. It’s a simple and uninspired way to show them off, but it works. So that’s my answer. Some people buy display cases or shelves their prettiest seashells. Other than using shells to create crafts (mirror frames and box lids), that’s about all I can think of for display ideas. The little boat art was something unique.

seashells in a big round bowl — My Seashell Collection

This “boat” looks like it was made by weaving sticks together and filling them with shells. This simple and creative idea would be worth trying if you like a rustic look.

I should have asked the waiter about the decor, but I didn’t. Many of the shells inside the decoration don’t look like shells I collect in the area. I’d like to think they are local shells and the item was put together by a local artist.

I will have to remember to ask next time I eat out. Goodrich’s is one of the Places to Eat on the Water in the New Smyrna Beach / Oak Hill area which I wrote about in a previous post.

They made this new deck eating area after the Hurricanes of 2017 damaged their old deck. The old boat docking area is gone, but there is a new one at the end of the deck.

new deck at Goodrich's restaurant — New deck eating area

view from deck at Goodrich's — View from the table out to the ICW

I didn’t know that fig trees could grow out in the direct sun, but this one seems to be thriving.

Their food is good and the atmosphere is casual, with a view from the spacious deck you just can’t beat. There is usually a breeze near the water and our visit in September was very comfortable. I’ve only had one bad experience with a grumpy waitress on a busy weekend day. Since then, we’ve been served by super friendly and attentive folks.

Looking out on the water to the south is Mosquito Lagoon and Cape Canaveral. To the north is New Smyrna and Ponce Inlet.

The Ocean For Your Wall

scenic ocean photography — Photography by Tom Purse

I have a friend who I work with at Zazzle and he takes beautiful scenic photos of the Pacific northwest, including the ocean along the Oregon coast.

I live in New Hampshire and have never been west of Kentucky, but viewing Tom’s photos take me to beautiful places I will most likely never see in person. I’ve been an admirer of his work for years as he is a true professional.

I especially want to point out his gorgeous seascapes. Click this link, or the photo above, to see more. If you are in the market for some scenic art for your walls, you will not be disappointed when visiting Tom’s store. He also photographs other subjects like flowers, wildlife and even fantasy creatures.

Now if I could just get him to head to the tropics and get some palm tree and seashell photos!