Collecting seashells fascinates children,who gather these treasures and store them in away in a box or basket or chest.  They could wander up and down the beach for hours looking for special ones.

They send grandparents on shell searching expeditions when traveling and ask, “Did you bring me home any seashells or stones (if we haven’t traveled near the sea)?”

Our granddaughter found a box of seashell treasure at a yard sale when she was a pre-schooler.  The owner saw Kara looking at the shells, noticed her fascination and said the little girl could have the box for free.

When Kara outgrew interest in the shell box, her brother acquired it.  There he put his shell treasures we brought home from trips.

Shells are for more than collecting.  Interest in them leads to looking through books and learning about the different types.  They’re also great for crafts of various types.  They’re soothing to hold and dream about.

Do you have seashell collectors in your family?

(Amazon image)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Edited by Marcie

To answer Pamela, I found the perfect shell craft book for her!
Shell Craft is the perfect beginners book for crafting with shells.

“Step-by-step instructions and an abundance of illustrations show how to create decorative boxes, mirror frames, and fanciful soap dishes; fashion attractive bracelets, pendants, necklaces, and earrings; encase shells in resin to make paperweights and napkin holders; do shell printing with crayons and linoleum blocks, and more. Includes supply sources.”
Enjoy Pamela!

Post from: Blisstree

A Box of Seashell Treasure

 Sailing on the ocean, swimming at the beach, learning about the tides and building sand castles…these constitute just a few of the activities we might consider for “Ocean Adventure,” the theme of One Book Two Book and Camp Weary Parent this week.

Are you enjoying ocean adventures this summer…a day at the beach…a cabin near the sand…lighthouse visits…seafood recipes and so many others?

Share with us your adventures.

(Amazon image)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

“Ocean Adventure” – the Theme for One Book Two Book This Week

 As you wonder how to keep your youngsters occupied this summer, once the newness of summer vacation wears off for all of you, take a look at Karen’s post, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, here at One Book Two Book and Char’s at Weary Parent, Keeping Teens and Tweens Busy This Summer.  Also, those who left comments at Char’s post have great ideas.

Summer was a wonder time when I was growing up on a farm.  We had to work, but there was so much to explore out-of-doors.  My mom was a great one for pointing out the wonders of nature.  My dad related tales from his childhood.  Grandma helped my sister and me sew doll clothes.  This also was a time for escaping to read whenever I had spare time. 

 (I don’t remember ever getting bored.  Perhaps that was because “being bored” was solved by a list or more chores!)

When my daughter was younger, we explored many crafts with her cousins and other members of the 4-H club I led.  There was the fun of getting these items ready for the exhibit at the county fair.  Beth, her close girlfriend, and cousins buried themselves in books, too, and have continued to be avid readers into adulthood.

What special activities are you planning with your youngsters this summer?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Activities For Your Youngsters This Summer – Reading & Others