Handcrafted Oyster Shell Art • Coastal Trinkets • Beach-Inspired Ornaments
Welcome! I’m Kristin, a lifelong beachcomber who turns the beauty of the shore into one-of-a-kind coastal décor. Every piece in Coastal Creations by Kristin is handmade from sustainably sourced oyster shells, scallops, and other ocean treasures collected along the Florida and Maine coasts.
What You’ll Find
- Oyster Shell Art – gilded edges, decoupaged interiors, and unique wall pieces
- Coastal Trinkets & Keepsakes – jewelry dishes, bottle charms, wine stoppers
- Holiday & Everyday Ornaments – perfect for beach weddings, gifts, and seaside holiday décor
- Custom Orders – personalized colors, monograms, or event favors
My Story
I started creating shell art after I retired and moved to Florida. Along my many walks on the Gulf coast of Florida I managed to collect a substantial amount of unique shells. I joined a local shell club and participated by making shell crafts. After a while, I decided to start creating shell art at home and even had my debut at our community craft fair last year.
What began as a soothing hobby became a way to share the calm, healing spirit of the ocean with others. This year I discovered the joy and Zen meditative state of creating decoupaged oyster shells.
Pete and I have enjoyed tasting our share of oysters this year. The shells come home with me and sit for days in bleach and soap, are scrubbed, left in the sun for a week, bleached and cleaned one more time before they are ready for a new beginning. Harry often helps with this stage of the project.
Some shells are so beautiful, I keep them plain just adding a bit of shine. Other shells are painted, decoupaged, trimmed with liquid gold paint, sealed, and finished with eco-friendly materials so they are ready to brighten your home or make a memorable gift.
Why Coastal Creations by Kristin
- Eco-friendly & sustainable sourcing
- Made in the USA – crafted by hand in my home studio
- Perfect for coastal homes, beach weddings, and nautical décor lovers
Oysters in History
Archaeologists have uncovered oyster shell middens, giant heaps of discarded shells, from coastal communities dating back more than 4,000 years. Romans prized oysters so highly they shipped them across the empire packed in snow. In 19th-century America, oyster saloons were as common as coffee shops are today.
Oysters have long been symbols of love and prosperity. Ancient Greeks linked them to Aphrodite, goddess of love, which likely seeded the belief that they are natural aphrodisiacs. Some cultures viewed pearls, formed when a grain of sand irritates an oyster, as tiny tears of the moon.
Fun Oyster Facts
- Water Filters: A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, helping keep coastal ecosystems healthy.
- Pearl Surprise: Not all oysters produce pearls, and the ones we eat rarely do. Pearl oysters belong to a different family.
- R-Month Rule: The old saying “only eat oysters in months with an R” came from pre-refrigeration days to avoid warm-water spoilage—modern cold chains make oysters a year-round treat.
- Flavor Terroir: Just like wine, oysters reflect their environment. The French call it merroir—the “taste of the sea” unique to where they grow.
Serving Inspiration
Whether you enjoy them raw with a squeeze of lemon, baked Rockefeller-style, or grilled with garlic butter, oysters offer a direct connection to the ocean’s wild beauty.
From Ocean to Ornament
After the devouring these yummy shellfish, the real fun begins for me. Each empty shell is a tiny canvas, its ripples and pearly interior catch paint, gold leaf, and resin in ways that feel almost enchanted. In my studio, I transform discarded oyster shells into shimmering trinkets, ornaments, and keepsakes for Coastal Creations by Kristin. It’s a way of honoring the oyster’s long history while giving its shell a beautiful second life.
Giving Back to the Ocean
Because the sea inspires everything I create, I’m committed to helping protect it. A portion of every Coastal Creations by Kristin sale is donated to the Oceanic Society, a nonprofit that has been working since 1969 to conserve marine wildlife and habitats worldwide. The Oceanic Society focuses on responsible travel, community education, and hands-on conservation projects from supporting sea turtle protection to guiding eco-friendly expeditions that fund research and inspire ocean stewardship.
By purchasing one of my handmade oyster-shell pieces, you’re not only bringing a bit of coastal beauty into your home, you’re also joining a global effort to keep our oceans vibrant and healthy.
Cardinal Collection
Many cultures and faith traditions see cardinals as messengers between the earthly and the spiritual. Their vivid red feathers stand out even in winter, a flash of color that symbolizes vitality, love, and the enduring spirit. People looking for signs note that a cardinal’s sudden appearance is said to mean that a loved one who has passed is visiting to bring comfort. This combination of beauty, resilience, and hopeful meaning has made the cardinal a cherished emblem of remembrance.
I’m delighted to share my Cardinal Collection, a series of hand crafted oyster shells created to honor the memory of loved ones who remain close in spirit. Each shell is a one-of-a-kind piece, featuring a vibrant red cardinal perched against the natural shimmer of the oyster’s interior. These remembrance shells make thoughtful gifts for anyone seeking a gentle sign of connection; a small, enduring symbol of love that bridges heaven and earth.
Shells available on my Facebook page Coastal Creations By Kristin or by sending me a direct message.
Thanks for visiting my blog and checking out my latest adventure!
