Sea Shell Embroidery

This is a small freestyle embroidery that I completed over Christmas. I collected some of the shells from a holiday resort in Malaysia and the others from down the road in Llantwit Major! The flatter shells were couched on to a piece of Aida and the larger shells were sea-worn so I could attach them through natural holes like I might sew on a bead. Then I just played, filling in the spaces between shells with random stitches and different threads. To give the piece extra texture I finished off with plenty of French knots and some beads. I really enjoyed doing this piece - particularly because I could do what I liked and just "go with the flow"! When I get some time I plan to do some more with a variety of shells from beaches both local and abroad.