There’s something magical about holding a piece of the ocean in your hands—especially when it carries a cherished memory. At Shell Tales Cape May, every shell tells a story, and every story begins with love, intention, and a little salty breeze. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share how a simple seashell becomes a meaningful keepsake—personalized with your photo and handmade with heart.
🌊 Step One: Shell Seeking & SelectionThe journey starts at the Jersey Shore. Whether it is Cape May, Stone Harbor, or even Point Pleasant, I can spend hours selecting the perfect shells for each piece. I often walk along the shoreline carefully sourcing sustainable shells; I look for shapes that feel right in the palm and natural textures that will hold your memory beautifully. I have learned that low tide is the best time to find these treasures and to spend more time searching only for the bigger ones. I can be mesmerized by all shells! No two shells are ever the same—which makes your keepsake one-of-a-kind!
🧼 Step Two: Cleaning & PreparingEach shell is gently cleaned and prepped by hand to ensure it is smooth, strong, and ready to be transformed. My first attempt last year in prepping was to boil the shells. Now, the shells are bleached, steamed, sanded, and painted to ensure a smooth surface. It’s important to honor the shell’s natural form and create a perfect canvas for the image that will live on it. later, This is where the shell starts to whisper its tale…
📸 Step Three: Photo Transfer MagicOnce your photo is received—a wedding/anniversary moment, a beloved pet, grandchildren’s antics, or a memory of someone missed—it’s carefully resized and edited for clarity and any other changes you may request. A clear photo with space around the subject works best. A laser printer is used with lightweight paper to print your photo. The paper is cut to the shape of the shell. A transfer gel is then applied to both the photo and the shell, and the paper is gently placed (reversed) into the shell. Twenty-four hours later, the paper is steamed off the shell, revealing your beautiful photo! This is a new technique I recently discovered, and it works quite well! Photo editing has been a year-long learning process to ensure the photo’s composition matches the aesthetics of the shell. Many types of paper, from copy paper to mulberry paper and rice paper to various grades of tracing paper, were explored all year -many not worth the process!
✨ Step Four: Finishing TouchesAfter the image is set, I seal it for protection and longevity. Then comes the fun part—adding decorations if desired or simply letting the shell’s natural beauty shine through. A faux pearl, bow, lace, small shell, or rose completes the process. Each piece is then embellished with your choice of paint and a little sparkling Cape May sand. Every shell is packaged with care, ready to bring a smile to your face or the heart of someone you love.💌 Every Shell Has a Story… What’s Yours?Creating your custom shell isn’t just about the technology and art—it’s about connection. I’m honored to help turn your meaningful moments into lasting treasures. Whether celebrating a special occasion, remembering a loved one, or surprising someone with a gift, your Shell Tale is uniquely yours and a natural canvas to enjoy for years.🌊 Nature Meets MemoryYou're not just framing a photo—you’re merging a memory with a piece of the natural world. A seashell carries the energy of the ocean, and when it holds a loved one's photo, it becomes a soulful, tactile connection to both nature and the moment captured.
🐚 Want to Create Your Own?It’s easy! Just visit shelltalescapemay.etsy.com or shelltalescapemay.com, choose your style, and email your photo to shelltalescapemay@yahoo.com. I’ll do the rest.Let your memories live by the sea—forever preserved on a Shell Tale.