LA DOLFINA

I've had this arrangement in what I like to call,   "My Cabinet of Curiosities",  for several years now and felt like it was time for a change. "  Inspired   by this set of 20 vintage shell specimens I purchased from my friend Janet at French Blue , who found them on one of her trips to France, I set about changing it. The first thing I did was swap out the botanical prints for the collection of delicate boxed shell specimens identified in French. I must admit that it was hard to decide what to feature in my "new" cabinet as I've amassed quite a collection of God's treasures and wanted to showcase them all! But in the end I defaulted to sticking to the same configuration as my old "Cabinet of Curiosities", introducing similar but new treasures. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out! Some things just can't be improved upon... Believe me... I tried! I even went so far as to leaving just the boxed shell specimens ...

I can't tell you how long I have wanted to create one of these shell type-trays.     (Click on any image to enlarge for close-up detail) Ever since I first laid eyes on the one in India Hicks home years ago...     I have wanted to create one of my own.    Well, I finally collected enough shells, coral, sea glass, and bits & pieces of nature's art to complete one!  I think it's my very favorite treasure and says more about me than anything else I own.

I was so excited to see French Blue's post about her Dream Cabinet of Curiosities   that I just had to share mine.     I fill it with God's art.  

A friend of mine told me about a cute little shop by the name of "Souvenir" and suggested I check it out... ... so that's just what I did! My Mom and I were greeted by the lovely Victoria... ...who beckoned us to come inside and explore. Immediately our hearts began to beat a little faster! We liked what we saw. There was a fantastic selection of beautiful religious statues and Santos figures. There was something to delight in every nook and cranny! It was visually stimulating to say the least. My sweet Mom always finds a fleur de lys. I'm sorry I didn't take a better photo but the felt clock face in the foreground is actually a french beret!  It's got Kellie from Cashon & Co.'s name all over it! There were mannequins aplenty, beautiful paintings, old books & birdcages, prize ribbons, maps and travel posters, and pastel colored seashell boxes! There were gnomes and mushrooms under glass domes! Before w...