Seashell craft a fun way to seat your party guests

Dear Sandi: My daughter is getting married in August Her theme is coastal, and a friend of mine said they saw an article in some magazine about a year ago that showed how to make escort cards using some type of shell and that the article gave your company as the source. Can you provide me with some additional information on what type of shell, what was done, etc. It sounds like a great idea for our rehearsal dinner. —Stephanie G., Salem

Hi Stephanie: Yes, that article came out in Brides magazine in 2004.

The shell that was used for this was our classic “porcelain” scallop. Although you could use this same idea working with a number of different types of shells, this pristine white scallop is ideal. It is approximately 3 inches in diameter, has semi-deep ribbing and just enough “scoop” to hold small candies, nuts, etc.

In the magazine article, an artist wrote in black permanent marker on the backside of each shell each guest’s name. We know it can be done, but no one here has that steady of a hand, so we devised our own version that looks fabulous and can be done by anyone.

First of all, pick out a font on your computer. We experimented around with a number of them until we found one that had the casual, handwritten quality that we were going for. Make sure the size will work for every name on your list. Remember, Stephanie is going to take up a lot more room than Ann, so find the longest name on your list and make sure it fits across the back of your scallop shell.

After you have settled on your script, print guest’s names on one or more sheets of paper. You should leave about an inch of space, top, bottom and sides around each name.

Now you need to choose some type of lightweight paper to transfer names over to. You want the paper to become somewhat transparent, so heavier papers really don’t work too well for this look. We, of course, worked with a handmade paper, something we call “Coffee House” paper, which is lightweight and, while not busy, still has the added interest of some visible fiber. You will run your paper through a photocopy machine, so be sure the paper is not so lightweight that it will get stuck in the machine.

Whether you're looking for handmade paper, furniture, fabric or accessories, you will find it at loose ends. If it is unusual, organic and fabulous, then loose ends is the place. Showroom hours are 8 am to 5 pm weekdays and the first Saturday of each month 10 am - 3pm at 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, or visit us online at www.looseends.com Questions? Give us a call at (503) 390-2348.

Color also will make a difference in your finished item. If you choose a paper that is close to the color of the shell, the paper will almost (but not quite) visually disappear on the shell by the time you are finished. However, if you want to add a bit of interest, you can go with a paper that is a complementary color, maybe your wedding color or something with just a bit of shading to suggest sand or water.

When running your paper through a photocopier, make two copies of all the names so you have some spares if you should mess up. Then, tear (not cut) out each name, getting fairly close to the printing, but leaving a bit of paper around the name.

Although you can work with a number of different adhesives, liquid laminate is a good bet. It dries clear and hard, and if you want a slight sheen, you can apply a second or third coat. It also helps make the paper transparent. Apply it directly to the outside of the scallop shell, then carefully center the torn paper/name onto the laminate, smoothing it down with your fingers. A Q-tip is very helpful for working the paper into the ridges. Apply a coat of the laminate over the top of the paper to encase it between the laminate layers. After this has dried, you can apply as many additional coats of the laminate as desired.

Sandi Reinke is an author, frequent television guest and lead designer for loose ends (www.loosends.com), a Salem-based interior décor, garden, and casual lifestyle company. To ask Reinke a decorating question, e-mail info@looseends.com or mail her at the showroom address, 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, OR 97302. Phone: 503-390-2348.

I hope this helps you, Stephanie. This is a fun project, and the finished results look fantastic.

I have received so many questions on this topic and what to do with shells in general that we have decided to include this topic on one of our Wednesday Afternoon Free Demo sessions. This topic is scheduled for Wednesday. Other cool beach party ideas will be featured July 13.

July 1, 2005