If you are like me, you have done it a lot… weather you are scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming in the ocean, or simply walking along the beach; you have picked up a shell or two. In my case, I have collected shells. These beautiful, oddly shaped shells with oh so beautiful designs, sometimes with bright beautiful colors are irresistible to the eye.
Over the years, I have amassed a collection of shells plentiful enough to fill a basket. First, in a tin. Then, in a box. And finally, in a basket. And until recently my basket had remained just that- a basket full of shells. Sad, unattractive, boring looking shells. Beauty lying hidden underneath a layer of sediment.
My mind was made. It was time to reclaim the lost beauty of my collection. After gathering the right tools, I began to work. Water, sanding, acid, and lacquer all played a trivial role in restoring the natural colors of my seashells. Beautiful colors once lost to years of disregard.
The abalone shells were my favorite to clean. Their hidden iridescence proved itself to be the most satisfying to reveal.
I was going to remove this barnacle from the shell, but the character it brought to the abalone shell prompted me to leave it on.
I partially stripped this one just to show off its inner beauty.
Now these surprised me. I did not expect them to be this beautiful.
The outcome of my labor only brought more validation to my efforts as I continued to unveil beauties old to the shells, but nonetheless new to me. I no longer had a basket of shells. What I had was an ornamental basket of treasures I never before had expected to have in my possession. The surprise was more than a welcome one.
So, if you have a tin, a box, or a basket, or even a handful of shells, I may only usher you towards their secret charm. Do not be unwilling to clean them up and show off your collection of shells. It is worth it.
Leave a Comment