Christmas Countdown 12: Christmas tree #14 - Seashells by the seashore.

Decorative shell trees

Advent Blog  Day 14 - Seashells by the seashore 

 Shell tree

In the 1800's decorative gifts  called sailor's valentines were made with seashells. It is then not too much of a surprise to hear that Christmas trees created  from shells are a popular decor item, especially if one lives near a beach.  My favourites are the more unusual shells with naturally beautiful colours.   

Blue green limpet shell tree

Cone shell tree

Mussel shell tree

While these tabletop Christmas trees are all beautiful, I am more impressed by the community effort of the people in Sorsogon, (Philippines). They created a tableau of 30 Christmas trees and many lanterns all made from  discarded seafood shells - 'baluko'  (pen shell). 

Baluko trees in Sorsogon, Philippines

 These trees were built a little over 5 metres tall and each took a small team about five days each to construct. Not only was the collection of the shells for this project a waste management solution to the growing piles of baluko shell litter along the foreshores, the Christmas trees attracted tourists to the town, thus boosting the economy.

Shells by themselves have a lovely lustre, but I guess at Christmas a little extra sparkle  can be expected .   

Oyster shells with pearls 

Shells and sea glass 

Shells and beads 

 With only a couple of weeks to Christmas now, there's probably not enough time to collect  enough sea shells to make a tree, but perhaps a Christmas tree ornament ?  A Nutcracker ballerina or a Christmas angel ? 

Nutcracker ballerinas 

Sea shell angel tutorial 

What a great theme for an Australian Christmas - Seashells by the sea shore! And tomorrow - just a bit of extra sparkle for your Christmas...