Sandbarshellart

Sandbarshellart Handcrafted shell art for your home
(2)

01/06/2026

I have a bit of a napkin problem… and I’m not even sorry about it! 😂

One thing I can pretty much guarantee when you come to one of my decoupage workshops is that you’ll find a design that suits you. From coastal and botanical themes to wildlife, vintage patterns and everything in between, choosing your napkin is often the hardest part!

For me, the most important thing is that you create something you genuinely love and are proud to take home. ❤️

If there’s a particular design, colour scheme or theme you’d love to work with, just send me a DM. I can’t promise miracles, but I’ll always do my best to track down something that will make you happy.

I’m even looking into bespoke napkins, which means fully personalised shells could soon be an option too… watch this space! ✨🐚

01/06/2026

I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the tiny Rhodian horses during our time on Rhodes, and it was one of the most peaceful and memorable experiences of the trip.

These beautiful little horses are far more than just a tourist attraction – they are a living part of the island’s heritage. The Rhodian horse is one of the smallest horse breeds in the world, standing at around 110cm tall, and once played an important role in everyday life on the island. Sadly, their numbers declined dramatically during the 20th century, and conservation efforts are now helping to protect this remarkable breed for future generations.

The sanctuary itself was full of tranquillity and character. The horses wandered quietly, each with their own personality, and there was a real sense of care and dedication from the people working to preserve them. It felt like stepping into a slower, gentler world.

And of course, being Rhodes, there were cats everywhere too! As if the horses weren’t charming enough, we were greeted by plenty of feline residents who seemed more than happy to share their home with visitors.

If you’re ever on Rhodes and looking for something a little different, away from the busy beaches and resorts, I can’t recommend a visit enough. A wonderful place that celebrates nature, history and conservation all in one peaceful setting. ❤️🐴🐱

31/05/2026

The blues 🩵

47. Another trip around the sun.Being away with my cousin this week has made me realise just how many years have passed ...
30/05/2026

47.

Another trip around the sun.

Being away with my cousin this week has made me realise just how many years have passed since I was his adorable but intensely irritating little cousin. How we can possibly be this age already, I have absolutely no idea!

Life hasn’t turned out exactly how I imagined it would, but then I suspect that’s true for most of us. There have been a few unexpected twists and turns along the way, and I’ve learnt that even when things feel difficult, there’s usually something good waiting to be found.

I think that’s probably why I started Sandbar Shell Art. What began as a way to fill some quiet moments and keep my mind busy turned into something far bigger than I ever imagined. It’s brought me purpose, friendships, opportunities and so many reasons to smile.

And that’s really how I try to approach life these days. Not pretending everything is easy, but choosing to look for the good bits anyway.

So here I am at 47. Still collecting shells. Still chasing ideas. Still saying yes to things that are slightly outside my comfort zone. Still finding excitement in tiny treasures washed up on the shore.

Most importantly, I’m lucky enough to be mum to two incredible children who make me laugh every single day and remind me what really matters.

Life might not have followed the route I expected, but it’s taken me to some pretty wonderful places.

Here’s to 47, and whatever adventures come next.
🥂☀️

29/05/2026

I can’t tell you how many shards of this beautiful pink shell I’ve found amongst the pebbles here in Rhodes!

I’m fairly certain it’s a bivalve of some kind, but it has a thickness and rough texture unlike anything I’ve come across before. Naturally, that sent me down a rabbit hole. I spent hours snorkelling and searching the seabed in the hope of finding a whole specimen, but sadly came up empty-handed.

The really chalky white patches are typical of shells that have been rolled around in the surf and baked by the sun for a long time, which makes me wonder just how old some of these fragments might be.

My research so far suggests it could be a type of clam, scallop or tellin, but none of those quite feel right. So for now, the mystery remains unsolved!

When I get home, I’ll be reaching for my shell books and doing some proper detective work. I’ll be sure to report back if I manage to identify it. Until then, I’m more than happy to keep finding these gorgeous little pink treasures amongst the stones.

29/05/2026

Apparently there is such a thing as too much shell chat. 🐚😂

29/05/2026

Rhodes Old Town 🇬🇷

Steeped in history and culture, with winding cobbled streets, ancient walls and stories around every corner.

But today’s highlights? A fish pedicure, a spot of shopping, and an unexpected encounter with a very chatty parrot. 🦜😂

One of those places where you can spend hours wandering with no real plan and somehow still feel like you’ve missed half of it.

Have you visited Rhodes Old Town before?

Why choose one of my decoupage workshops? 🐚✨Because they’re about so much more than just crafting.They’re about slowing ...
28/05/2026

Why choose one of my decoupage workshops? 🐚✨

Because they’re about so much more than just crafting.

They’re about slowing down for a couple of hours in a world that rarely stops. They’re about trying something new without pressure, perfection or needing to be “arty”. They’re about conversation, laughter, creativity and walking away feeling just a little bit lighter than when you arrived.

As a former teacher, creating calm, welcoming spaces where people feel supported comes really naturally to me, and I think that helps people relax and enjoy the process from the moment they sit down. I gently guide everyone step-by-step, making the workshops completely beginner friendly whilst still encouraging people to create something personal and unique.

Every shell we work with has been carefully and ethically collected or repurposed, and I love weaving in stories about the coastline, marine life and the importance of protecting the shorelines we love.

Whether you come alone, with friends, for a celebration or simply because you need a mindful evening for yourself, my biggest hope is always that you leave proud of what you’ve created.

And honestly, some of the loveliest moments happen around the tables — strangers becoming friends, people surprising themselves, and everyone reminding each other that creativity is for absolutely everybody. 💛

Lou xSandbarShellArt

28/05/2026

I’ve realised I’m not very good at stillness.

My mind has always moved like the tide — pulling one thought into another, every idea gathering momentum before I’ve even finished the last. It’s probably one of the reasons teaching eventually stopped fitting the shape of who I was becoming. I never really switched off; I carried classrooms around in my head long after the school day ended, planning lessons late into the night.

And being a single mum means part of me is almost always alert — listening, anticipating, organising, holding everything together. Even here, a little part of my brain is still quietly awake.

But this holiday has softened something in me.

I’ve walked beaches without rushing to the next thing. Sat watching the sea with nowhere urgent to be. Spent long stretches of time crouched over tiny shells and micro molluscs, completely absorbed in worlds most people would never notice.

And somehow, amongst the salt air, warm evenings and tiny treasures scattered through the sand… I have, without a doubt, slowed down.

Maybe we all need moments like that — to slow down enough to notice the small things, to breathe a little deeper, and to make the memories that really stay with us ☀️🐚

28/05/2026

I honestly find it amazing that something smaller than a fingernail can still be so perfectly formed 🐚

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