Sunday, March 18, 2012

Shell Lamp

One of the most common seashells found on Ocracoke Beach is the calico scallop. They are often colorful with a variety of patterns, usually in pinks and reds. Although many beachcombers pick them up, they are rather common, and not as remarkable as the larger conchs, whelks, and helmets.

Below is a photo of a lamp shade made by a friend many years ago. Each one of the scallop shells was found on Ocracoke.

Scallop Shell Lamp


















Look for these beautiful shells on your next walk on the beach.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
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3 comments:

  1. Margie and Jim, St. Charles, MO8:50 AM

    Beautiful lamp! My wife and I have collected a number of the most colorful scallops we could find on Ocracoke beaches and have displayed them in many ways around our home. We have salvaged some old clear glass lamp bases and filled them with a variety of island shells and bits of coral, small driftwood pieces and other sea "treasures" we've found on our many beach walks. Every day we turn these lamps on we are reminded of our favorite vacation destination.

    How are the shells attached to the shade form? Maybe leaded or grouted? We would like to try making a similar lamp to display our calicos.

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  2. debbie s.11:32 AM

    i know what i shall be doing with my shells this year :)

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  3. Philip11:36 AM

    Margie & Jim, I did not make the lamp myself, so I am not sure how the shells are attached, but it does not look like it is leaded. The shells are imbedded in some sort of a hard, black material.

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