Artist ~ Jennifer ~ Barrington

Artist’s name: Jennifer 

Shop name: The Shell Shed

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShellShedShopp

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheShellShed

Instagram: @TheShellShed

1. Tell us about your work 

I sell seashells by the seashore! I find shells at beaches and tidal flats around Rhode Island, and turn them into little dishes with paint and decoupage. Quahogs and oyster shells make the best dishes. 

2. Is there a story behind the name of your business? 

I really love puns, and will take every chance I can to be a little ‘punny’ (just ask any of my friends). Show And Shell seemed like a fun take on “show and tell” and it made me smile. 

3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer? 

For my birthday in March, a friend gave me a shell, some paint, and decoupage. The goal was to make a shell to keep my jewelry in. I loved the process (and the resulting shell) so much that I found a few more shells. The more shell dishes I made, the more fun I had. Soon my home was covered in little shell dishes, more than I could possibly use. I either had to start selling them, or stop making them, and stopping wasn’t an option. 

4. Where do you draw your inspiration? 

I try to draw my inspiration from the shells. I like to think about what would look best in each one based on the size and shape, and the majority of my shells are nautically themed. I live near the beach (which is helpful for when I need shells), and really love all The Ocean State has to offer. 

5. I really dig your shells. Can you tell us about the process? 

I really hope that was an intentional pun! First, I find the shells. Sometimes, this part gets me into trouble. I bought a house in July, and the closing took place in a building that had part of the Barrington River behind it. I was early to the closing, it was low tide, so I went searching. I kept finding very large oyster shells, and with every shell, I walked further out into the tidal flat. Next thing I knew, I was knee deep in mud. I completely sank down. I had to pull myself out, and then go back for my shoes. I showed up to the closing wet, covered in mud, and asked if anyone had a plastic bag I could borrow because I may have lost my shoes, but I did not let go of those shells. Next, I clean the shells, using a toothbrush for the really stubborn ones. I sand down any rough edges, give them a nice coat of white paint, then start the decoupage with the chosen design. I make every shell to order because it gives me the chance to pay special attention to each shell and customer. Lastly, I paint the edge and back of the shell with gold. This part takes the longest, because I want it to look as nice as possible. My hope is that at first glance my shells do look like little dishes, and it’s only on closer inspection that someone will notice they’re real shells and be surprised. 

6. What’s your favorite item to create? 

Any big shells! I found a clam shell not too long ago that was 6 inches across. I had so much fun making a special design using several patterns for that one. It was hard to let go! Several of my friends wanted me to keep it, but the woman who bought it was so happy that I knew I made the right decision. 

7. What’s your best seller? 

This is a tough one! When I started out, it was the ginger jars. People love the blue and white ginger jars! But lately the best sellers have been the sailboats, whales, lobsters, and hydrangeas. Classic Rhode Island summer shells! 

8. How long have you been in Rhode Island? 

I moved to Providence in August of last year from Boston. I fell in love with Providence while dating my boyfriend who lived there at the time, and decided that was where I wanted to be. Shortly after signing our lease, I got a job at Brown and my first day there was the day following my move to Providence. It was serendipitous. Then this year, we left Providence for Barrington. Providence will always be my first love, but access to the beach is a nice runner-up. 

9. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island? 

This is an impossible question. Everything! I love how friendly people are, the smell of the ocean from almost everywhere, the great restaurants, the beautiful green spaces, the history! I don’t see myself ever leaving. 

10. Favorite place to take out-of-towners? 

Providence! Most of my friends and family still live around Boston. When they come to Providence, they’re amazed by how great the food is, how beautiful the city is, and all the available parking spaces! Providence has the same feel as Boston, but it’s just so much better. I love to walk out-of-towners around the city to see the architecture, go to restaurants, and to Providence Bruins games. I love seeing how surprised they are about all it has to offer, and how quickly they want to come back again. 

11. Any advice for new/wannabe makers? 

This is going to sound cliché, but make what you love! I wasn’t sure people would like my shells when I started, but I knew I liked them. Do what you love, and people will come! 

12. Please include anything else you’d like to add: 

I love the chance to make people things they really enjoy. The goal when I started was to spread some joy, and I’m so grateful to be able to continue doing that.