thumb|A sailor's valentine from circa 1870
'''Shellcraft''', also known as '''shell craft''' and '''shellwork''', is the art and craft of making decorative objects, and of decorating surfaces, using seashells. It is a form of folk art and decorative art. The craft includes the design and creation of small items such as shell jewelry and figurines made from shells; middle-sized objects such as boxes and mirror frames covered in shells; sailor's valentines;<ref name=fondas>Fondas, John. ''Sailors' Valentines'', Rizzoli International Publications, 2002</ref> and larger constructions including mosaics and shell grottos.
Some shellcraft is done as a hobby for enjoyment and making gifts. Among Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander communities, shellwork is an important traditional art, including Bidjigal shellwork. Pieces are held in art galleries and museum collections. In some parts of the world, including the Philippines, it is a business.
==References== {{reflist}} * [http://www.conchsoc.org/node/2028 2010 article about shellcraft by Janice Light] on the Conchological Society website
==Further reading== * Logan, E.D. 1974. ''Shell Crafts''. Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York. 214pp. * Toller, J. 1969. ''The Regency and Victorian Crafts or The Genteel Female – Her Arts and Pursuits''. Ward Lock Ltd, London. 96pp. * Virginia Fowler Elbert, 1993. ''Shell Craft'' 288 pp. {{ISBN|0486277305}}
Category:Mollusc products Category:Seashells in art
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