Shells by the Seashore

A shell is the common name for a protective layer that was created by a sea creature such as a sea urchin, mollusk, cockle, or clam. As they wash up on shores around the world, many collect shells to keep them, turn them into creative art projects, or sell them outright. Shells have functioned as currency, hair pipes, belts, scrapers, clasps, oil lamps, soil conditioners, musical instruments, jewelry, architectural decoration, and as religious symbols. Our collection of 24 shell patterns are based on a diverse set of shell-themed photographs showing shells in their native form on the beach, and staged in various poses.