Shell Chic: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Home With Seashells by Marlene Hurley MarshallX

Last Minute Sales & Specials

Lucky Sea Bean, Purple Unicorn, Pink Scallop Moon, Crab's Eyes, Yellow Landsnail, Pearly Nautilus -- splendid names for natural works of art that have captured the imaginations of artists, architects, society collectors, and beach worshipers for centuries. In 18th-century England, shell mania knew no limits. Country estates were outfitted with grottoes, where every surface was covered with intricate layers and patterns of shells. Later, throughout much of the 19th century, shell-encrusted furniture was displayed in upper-class homes, and sailors' valentines were brought from Barbados to waiting sweethearts. In the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright was greatly influenced by a univalve design while working on plans for the Guggenheim Museum. "Certainly, " said Wright, "Divinity is manifest here in these shells in their humble form of life, such greatness with such simplicity."

Clearly, shells capture a romance and an exotic flavor that continue to enchant and inspire. Now Shell Chic brings the design and imagination of today's shell enthusiasts and artisans to the home. This is a book to be savored for its eccentric decorative flair, its lavish sense of fun, and its practical instructions for shell projects and design ideas that will work in any home decor. Frames, chandeliers, unusual boxes, mirrors, a child-size clawfoot tub -- all are fabulous possibilities for shell encrustation. Memories of peaceful beach vacations become ravishing decorative items when glued to lampshades and screens.

In all, 14 step-by-step illustrated projects and 20 design ideas cover everything readers need to know to create richly marvelous objects. To lend inspiration, there are profiles of contemporaryshell artists photographed with their creations. One profile features Marian McEvoy, editor of House Beautiful, who has embellished her Manhattan apartment with an estimated 15,000 shells.