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Sailors' Valentines: Their Journey Through Time

Seashells from the worlds' oceans have fascinated people since the dawn of time, and they continue to inspire study, collections, and decorative uses today. This new and stunningly beautiful book showcases seashells that have been assembled by shell artists in sailor's valentines, the octagonal-framed plaques with love messages and floral designs that were said to have been made by Victorian sailors as love tokens for their sweethearts at home. Learn their history, lore, and reality, and be introduced to exquisite designs, both antique and contemporary. Over 200 color photographs, maps, and drawings reveal unique sailor's valentines and shell collectors' chests from England, Barbados, and the United States over a two-hundred year period. Modern sailor's valentines, created by 19 shell artists, display creative interpretations of the traditional style with a wide variety of materials. Their beauty is disarming and their appeal is universal. Enjoy this nautical and historic journey through time.

Hardcover: 158 pages

Publisher: Schiffer Publishing; y First edition edition (July 1, 2007)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764323784

ISBN-13: 978-0764323782

Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 0.9 x 11 inches

Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,089,787 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #154 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Folkcrafts

I found this to be a beautiful book. The photography and skill of the artists featured is remarkable. It is an inspiration for all artists (whether just beginning or established) who lovingly work on or collect sailor's valentines.

Paired with What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor? Unexpurgated Sea Chanties, this book has me feeling more and more connected to the maritime culture of New England! I recently visited The Maritime Museum in Cape Cod, where they had an excellent display of sailor valentines. They even have a workshop that I would to take, if it were not $550. Alas, even fine folk art has its price. This book however is a nice fix - more than nice really. It's beautiful and inspiring! Everything you want to know about the topic is in this book, including large quality images, historical context, and descriptions of the process. If you are interested in this rare art form, look no further!

This book is a pictorial feast for the eyes. The folk art of Sailors' Valentines has been captured in all its historical beauty. The intricate detail of each of the pictured works is simply amazing, and as an artist and craftsperson, I truly appreciate the skill and beautiful symmetry as documented in this book. The colors and photography are superb and the historical background and information are clearly detailed.

A beautiful, well researched book. Very tastfull with the best photographs of Sailors' Valentines. A one of a kind keepsake.

Miller's book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about sailors' valentines. She thoroughly covers the history of valentines, in an engaging manner that imparts a good deal of information. She has compiled a large collection of full page photographs of valentines from across the years - just beautiful! We found a wonderful artist who makes sailors valentines, and chose several to give as gifts, with this book accompanying them. A great read and a visual treat!

I purchased this as a Christmas gift for my daughter and of course read it myself first. It provides a history of sailor vanlentines and some photos of vintage ones still in existence. The majority of the book is photos of newly created shell art, especially interesting if you are a shell collector and would like to begin making your own valentines.

A Fantastic book to take to the beach. You will never look at shells the same way after studying these "sailor's valentines." I just wonder what the recipients thought when they were presented with these incredible works of art.

If you love shells you will love this book. Even if you don't love shells, the beauty of these will capture your imagination. The pictures, descriptions, and history of Sailors' Valentines is very well done. There is usually only one pictue per page so it makes it very clear and easy to see the finest details. My only problem is getting over the urge to make one of these since I don't need to take on any other projects.

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