Shell Crafts - Grand Strand Shell Club

 

At the March meeting of the Grand Strand Shell Club, one of our very crafty members brought along some of her craft items that she made for us to see.  She also gave a talk on Sailor's Valentine and later gave a craft lesson in how to make shell flowers and butterflies.

 

Here is a sample of some of the flowers and butterflies that Sue Ann made.

 

Her display gave us ideas of what to do with the flowers we made.  She had various size boxes and picture frames.

 

My friend Irm, who is an expert in making shell crafts, is helping me with my shell flowers.

 

 

I did manage to make two flowers and a couple of butterflies.  I think I need a little more practice  and I will keep at it.  My flower has the little red centre.

 

No, I did not make this wonder tabletop.  The is a sample of the shell crafting that my friend Irm produces.  I am very fortunate to own two pieces of Irm's work - a shell box and an awesome shell wreath.  To own one of her tables would be PRICELESS to me.

 

Paul and I always look forward to being part of the Grand Strand Shell Club when we are in Surfside Beach during the winter months.  We have met some very nice people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2012



During our travels to Nova Scotia last week, we attended the 86th Annapolis Valley Exhibition (13 to 18 August) in Lawrencetown.  It was our first time experiencing a "truly" local country fair and it was interesting.  It sure was a different kind of life style than we are use to - horses, cows, ox pull, tractors, veggies, crafts, etc. and of course, music.

Bridgetown Fiddler
A group of 20 musicians who have been entertaining audiences for over 25 years.  They perform at churches, community halls and fundraisers throughout the Valley.

 

 

Nothing like enjoying homemade french fries outside the cow barn!
(LtoR:) Bren, Gerry and Paul

 

A view of the Exhibition grounds

 

The tractor area

 

Lots of horses, stables, etc

 

Some of the prize winning quilts
Amazing work

 

 

 

Local crafters working on a quilt

 

My favourite was this lighthouse quilt
Each individual square was a hand-painted picture by different artists.

 

 

 

Miniature Equine Obstacle Driving

We attended concerts on Thursday and Friday evenings at the John Langley Memorial Riverside Concert Stage.  Charlie A'Court gave another outstanding performance on Thursday evening but unfortunately it poured rain so the attendance was very poor - nonetheless an encore was demanded by his fans.

Friday evening was a better evening weather wise for a concert
(LtoR:  Paul, Gerry, Bren)

Friday evening we were treated to a great concert by Honeymoon Suite, a 1980's rock band hailing from Niagara Falls, Ontario, currently touring Canada.  A great performance.

Honeymoon Suite

    

Paul and I enjoyed having the opportunity of experiencing a local country exhibition and plan to attend again in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listuguj First Nation Pow Wow

On the weekend while our US friends were visiting, we drove to Campbellton and crossed the bridge into Quebec.

We attended the Listuguj Pow Pow which was being held in Quebec.

These are some of the baskets that were made by the local people and offered for sale.

Some baskets were made by the children, as young as Grade II.

The moccasins were very nice and well made.  They were much better quality than ones I bought out West last year, for the same price.  I will keep these in mind for later shopping.

The bead work was very eye catching.


We found that the dress of the Listuguj First Nations to be very colourful.  Here are some of the dancers we saw at the Pow Wow.

   

 

 

 

 

 

It was a very interesting event for us and we would not have attended if our friends had not suggested it and we are happy that they did.  Paul and I will mark our calendar to attend the Pabineau First Nation Pow Wow in our area early in July 2013.

Sea Shell Crafting

Earlier this week, I was invited to lunch and an afternoon of sea shell crafting with Irm and Susan.  Irm first treated us to her homemade butternut squash soup, which was absolutely wonderful, and definitely worthy of a second serving.  I actually didn't make a craft but picked up valuable tips on how to start a project and work with the glues, etc., from my two experienced crafting friends.



These are the shells that Susan collected on a Florida beach that she brought along to use on the picture frame she was making.  I am happy to say that she was kind enough to give us a baggie full for a future project. 

Here is Susan busily working on her project, which will be a gift for her friend.  I realized when I got home that we were so busy chatting and admiring all the shells, that I did not get a photo of Susan's finished project, a shelled-covered photo frame.

This centrepiece on Irm's table is one of her earlier creations.  The vase is full of some very interesting shells, sea urchins, sand dollars, etc.  I fell in love with the shell ring at the base of the vase.  I hope to attempt to make one, but I know mine will not be as beautiful as this one.

Each time I visit with Irm, I am amazed by her latest creation, like this fish.  She designed and created this piece of art from coloured beer caps.  It was so interesting.

I now have to go to the local craft shop to get my glue, wreath ring, etc. so I can get busy with my project once I am back in my craft room.  I hope I remember all that I was taught.