Shell Tales Cape May

From Shore to Keepsake: Preserving a Photo Memory in a Seashell 

 Where It All Started 

Have you ever wished you could hold on to a memory forever? At Shell Tales Cape May, I transform nature’s gifts into personalized keepsakes that do just that. Every piece begins with a story—sun-soaked days, rolling ocean waves, and the shore's beauty in a seashell! My creative process transforms these stories into stunning, hand-crafted treasures that make meaningful gifts for every occasion.  

 As a child, I became fascinated with seashells—not just collecting them but giving them away. In the 1960s, my aunt owned a guest house in Atlantic City, NJ, and every room had a seashell as an ashtray. I made it my mission to find as many shells as possible for her, but no matter how many I collected, there were never enough!

 Looking back, I realize that even then, I saw a unique beauty in each shell that transcended functionality. They were little pieces of the shore meant to be shared. That sentiment inspired Shell Tales Cape May, where every piece is created to capture and preserve meaningful memories. In this blog, I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at how Shell Tales art comes to life and share tips for gifting handmade creations that show thoughtfulness and care. 

Nature Meets Art

Why shells?  They are nature’s souvenirs, each a small, beautiful reminder of the ocean’s endless wonders. Combining these natural elements with photography creates something special: a keepsake that celebrates your memories and the shore's natural beauty. Whether you want to preserve a memory of a loved one, commemorate a special moment, or create a one-of-a-kind gift, Shell Tales Cape May offers a timeless and artistic way to preserve meaningful memories.  

Handpicking the Perfect Shell

Every Shell Tales creation starts with a stroll along the beach, usually with my four-legged companion, Sadie. Each shell is carefully inspected for shape, texture, and character. No two are alike. The shells I select are more than just blank canvases; they are nature’s masterpieces, with curves and details that make each one special. I gather shells at least 4-6 inches wide, free of cracks, and rich in natural texture. Searching at low tide is the best time for finding shells. Once collected, the shells go through a meticulous preparation process. They are thoroughly cleaned to remove sand, salt and other debris. The shells are then bleached to ensure they are hygienic and pristine. Any rough edges or uneven surfaces are gently sanded down, creating the perfect base for transferring photos. Shells are painted white with an acrylic spray on the inside to enhance natural beauty and provide a smoother canvas for your photo. This preparation ensures that every piece is polished, professional, and ready to become a cherished work of art. Each shell is chosen to complement the image it will hold. Customers often tell me their shell tale feels more personal than a framed photo. It’s a window into a cherished moment, a piece of their heart preserved in nature’s art. One customer described it this way:“My Shell Tales are beautiful—they feel like a family reunion on my desk! The way the picture curves within the shell draws you in, like looking at a sweet memory through the mind’s eye. It feels far more personal than a flat picture in a frame.The artisan worked closely with me to select the perfect finishes and ensured my vintage photos were as sharp as possible. The shells arrived quickly, carefully packed in plastic boxes and bubble wrap for protection.I highly recommend Shell Tales for anyone looking for a unique, beautiful, and meaningful way to preserve their precious moments!”-- Eileen

Another reviewer said her Shell Tales gift brought tears to her friend: 

“A big thank you to Barbara of Shell Tales Cape May for creating this beautiful way to preserve a special memory of my mother and her lifelong friend, Alice. I asked Barb to do this so that I could give it to my lifelong friend, Alice’s daughter, Mary. Our mothers were best friends from the time they worked together as young women, and that relationship produced two daughters who developed a bond as strong as theirs. You can see Barb’s work on Etsy. Have a look!”     -- Debbie 

 How It’s Done

1.  Every photo is edited to ensure the best fit for the chosen shell. This includes adjusting size, brightness, and contrast and any additional edits the customer requests, such as removing backgrounds and enhancing colors. This step guarantees that the image is perfectly aligned with the natural contours of the shell. 

2.  Once the photo is finalized, it is printed using a high-quality laser printer on special transfer paper designed to embed the image into the shell. This ensures details, vibrant colors, and long-lasting quality.

 3.  The image is carefully applied and reversed onto the shell using photo transfer gel, which allows the ink to bond with the shell’s surface rather than sitting on top like a decoupage. 

 4.  After 24 hours of curing, the paper backing is gently removed using warm water, leaving the image embedded in the shell’s natural texture for a smooth, seamless look. 

Final Touches and Presentation

Once the image is fully transferred and dried, the shell is sealed with a protective finish to enhance its durability and beauty. Customers can then choose from additional customizations such as:· 

•  Adding gold or silver trim to frame and highlight the image· 
•  Adding a sand embellishment for an authentic coastal touch·  
• Selecting a back finish—left natural with a protective coating or painted in shimmering silver or gold·  
• Optional text on the back of the shell, such as a name or heartfelt message

 Each Shell Tale is inspected for quality, ensuring perfect detail before being carefully packaged and ready to be displayed or gifted.

 Why Choose a Shell Tale?

Many customers tell me that their Shell Tale becomes more than just a keepsake—it’s a profoundly personal way to connect with loved ones and memories. Here is a heartfelt testimonial from a customer:

"When my shell arrived, I was amazed at how beautifully Shell Tales transferred and preserved a cherished photograph of my brother and me onto a seashell. The attention to detail and communication throughout the process made it even more special. Every time I hear the ocean, I’ll be reminded of him. I highly recommend Shell Tales for anyone looking to preserve a special moment in such a unique and meaningful way.”   -- Chris 

Shell Tales Cape May offers a timeless and artistic way to preserve meaningful memories. Unlike a framed photo, a shell tale blends the beauty of nature with personalization, transforming an image into a treasured keepsake that’s as unique as the story it tells. Let Shell Tales Cape May help you craft a piece that honors the moments and loved ones that mean the most to you. What memory would you love to preserve forever? Visit my shop to create your own Shell Tale story! Shelltalescapemay.Etsy. or shelltalescapemay@patternbyetsy.com