Hope Inspired Art
Moving to Florida was exciting at first, especially since I visited nine different gulf beaches within my first month! I have always loved the beach and it's been a place where I feel closer to God. Something about breathing in ocean air, watching the waves, feeling the sand... it fills my soul and gives me peace. How can someone sit on the beach and look out into the vast ocean and not be humbled in spirit and overwhelmed with thankfulness?
After being here for a period, I started feeling a little homesick and started praying about God's purpose for me here. What do I do now? At some point, the thoughts of starting my own small business with seashells came up. Kinda makes sense as I love to ​​
​shell hunt, and now I can like never before. At first, the business idea seemed like a joke, you know "Cheryl sells seashells by the seashore," but then the ideas began to take shape.
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So to make a long story short about how I started Low Tide Joy, the simplest version is, I love the beach and I love Jesus. I wanted to combine the tangible signs of God's splendor with His Truth, and offer it in a unique way to bring glory and honor to Him. My prayer is that the art will be beautiful reminders that God loves you and will bring you joy.
A sampling of what you can find in my Etsy shop
About my process
All the shells are authentic! I've personally gathered them all, with the exception of when my husband wants to join in on the fun. I do not gather live shells, and when I do pick one up, they are carefully returned. My favorite shelling spots (so far) are Lido Key, Siesta Key, and Sanibel. I also enjoy combing the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Venice. It's always fun to see what will be available, because it's always different.
• After I get them home, they go through a multi-step process over the course of several days to thoroughly clean them and bring out their unique colors and beauty. Please note that I do not use any type of clear gloss or sealant on them after they are cleaned. I prefer they remain as natural as God made them, so I'll give them a nice rub with some mineral oil as a final touch. And, yes, I do this for ALL of the shells!
• I spend time creating the word art of some of my favorite Scripture verses and beach-related quotes. After selecting particular fonts and sizing, I tweak them until I feel I get them “just right.” Unfortunately for me, I'm a bit of a perfectionist... so sometimes this takes more time than I'd like!
• The text is then printed on fabric – not paper. I believe the fabric adds further beauty to the final product. After experimenting with a variety of fabric, I believe I found good options for beach art.
• After printing, the fabric is then permanently adhered to two different backings to provide the support needed.
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• Now I'm finally ready to sit and create! While I did take art classes in high school and college, I've never been an aspiring artist. I just know what I like, and understand composition. Again, I take my time, finding the "right" place for each shell and look to bring certain color schemes together in different pieces. The adhesive I use to secure the shells is also permanent. Each piece ends up being completely unique.
• The art is then framed within a glass front shadowbox, and I give the backs some attention for a "finished" look. Please note that I will photograph the art without the glass before final framing. The photos you see on Etsy are without the glass.
The final product is one-of-a-kind. There will never be two exactly alike. Just like us. God created each one of us to be different, special. Maybe that's a reason I've always loved shells so much. Each are so different - and no two are alike (unless they are man-made). Perhaps shells are like little love letters from God, reminding us how beautiful we are.
The whole Earth
is filled with awe
at Your wonders
Psalm 65:8