capiz ring

At our local co-op, I get the opportunity to teach a class my daughter is in. Our topic this week was oceans, and I couldn't pass on a chance to share my shells I had collected at the beach this past summer. When at the beach, I love walking along the shore and picking up all types of shells, some whole, some pieces, but all with a bit of lovely to them. I took many types of shells with me and let the children play with them, talk about them, and pick their favorites. The boys strung shells on jute to make necklaces and the girls made rings. I made my ring out of capiz shells.

Here are the rings for the girls. Each was able to pick her own shells and I hot-glued them onto the ring blank.

islamorada necklace

I love the beach, especially when I get to walk in the water and collect shells. When we visited family in Islamorada, Florida a few years ago I was able to collect some very pretty shells which I have been saving. I decided I would like to make a necklace out of them, as they are so iridescent and pale.

I drilled a small hole in the hard end of each shell, then added a silver connecting ring.

                      

I then built the necklace using needle nose pliers and a few materials. I was actually sitting in the car making this while my husband was taking scrap metal to the recyclers. We multi-task around here. :-) I think this is a nice way to enjoy my memories.