Sailor's Valentines and Shell Art

Featured artist: Dana Behnke, specializing in Sailor's Valentines, a maritime art thought to have originated in the early 1800's. Sailor's valentines are octagonal wooden boxes decorated with seashell mosaics and covered with glass. They were bought by sailors in the port of Barbados from 1830-1880 and given to their sweethearts when returning from long journeys at sea.

Sailor's Valentines by Dana Behnke ...two examples are shown below... For a larger view of these and additional sailor's valentines, see our Products list on the left.

Along with Sailor's Valentines, we carry shell mirrors, chandeliers, handbags and other seashell gifts.

Our products make great gifts for all special occassions including birthday, Valentine's Day, and Christmas.