Sailor’s Valentine Workshop

Monday and Wednesday May 21^st and 23^rd
9:30 am -3:30 pm

at the Atwood House Museum

In this two day class, students will learn how to lay out a design, sort shells, build their collage and set it into a sturdy octagonal case. Each student starts with the same design but ends with a completely unique piece. When finished, the student’s work will have an estimated value of around $2,000. All materials will be provided, including a handmade mahogany case, a variety of quality shells, tools, glues, design and individual instruction from Sandy Moran.

Cost: $800 (deposit required with reservation)
Chatham Historical Society members only

Due to the anticipated popularity of this course, space is limited and available to members only. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chatham Historical Society, please click here. To reserve your space for the Sailor’s Valentine workshop please email info@chathamhistorical.org or call 508-945-2493.

History of the Sailor’s Valentine

Idle hours aboard whaling ships in the 1800’s was thought to be the time and place for crafting Sailor’s Valentines. However the creation of Valentines was actually a cottage industry on the island of Barbados. Once a stopping point on long sea voyages, sailors happily ordered and/or purchased a Valentine to bring home and present to a family member or loved one. A true sailor’s valentine was said to include a flower design, a heart in any form, and a special verse or message. Many of these pieces had messages inscribed with small seashells such as “Think of Me”, “ Timeless Treasure” and “Forever and Ever”. Some expressed a bit of sadness which represented the feelings of men whose jobs kept them away from home for long periods of time. Many left a space for the insertion of a picture, perhaps a wedding photo or a photo of the sailor and his sweetheart. These works of art were made in octagonal wooden boxes and were usually two sided and hinged, covered with a glass overlay, and closed with a heart shaped lock. When closed, the shell work is hidden and the glass protected so that the Valentines could be stored safely for travel.

About Sandy Moran

Sandy Moran’s valentines include patterns and flowers of various unusual seashells. Many of the shells were discovered in old shell collections. The natural colors and detailed work are encased in quality, hand-made cases of cherry and tiger maple. Some of the valentines utilize round ivory scrimshaw centers, others have one of a kind oil paintings in the center and still others have delicate seashell center designs. Having reached pre-eminence in her field, Sandy Moran has earned numerous first-place awards, beginning in the early nineties and she continues to receive awards today. Additionally, she was a featured artist on a PBS fundraiser show, featured in Martha Stewart magazine, Coastal Living magazine, La Vie Claire Magazine, Yankee Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, as well as in various Florida publications and national television.