25 Comments
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Penny Nurukka's avatar

OMG Carrie; one more cool thing about you. Did you collect (legal and ethical) artifacts while in New Mexico, too?

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Carrie Seidman's avatar

In New Mexico, arrowhead hunting was my thing...

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Meg Pierce's avatar

So happy to hear your description of the joy of this kind of work! I feel much the same when stitching. The mandala form is an archetype found every where and making one is healing. I have a great collection of shells that you might consider using. Lets set up a studio visit (CDC approved) so you can pick some up!

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Carrie Seidman's avatar

I would love that, Meg. I am SUCH an admirer of your work.

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Ward Pallotta's avatar

A very enjoyable read. :-)

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Kittie Anderson's avatar

I’ve never heard of sailors Valentine, what a wonderful story. The ones you’ve made for your siblings are absolutely beautiful!! A precious gift indeed.

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David Wright's avatar

What a lovely topic to write about! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog today and I appreciated seeing your beautiful sailor’s valentines. Thank you, Carrie.

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Angela Briguglio's avatar

Beautiful work ! First saw these at the Conchologists of America convention at the Hyatt, you should enter your pieces in the contest they have, it is an amazing event and those are blue ribbon pieces

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Vic Appel's avatar

Amazing work Carrie. Love the detail.

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Petrina's avatar

I have been collecting seashells for years and love them, too. I've never heard of a sailor's valentine, though I've been to Nantucket many times so I do know scrimshaw. Your work is beautiful! I don't know if I'd have the patience - it looks like painstaking detail - but love the idea.

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Susan's avatar

Thank you for introducing me to a new art form . I’m delighted that I can still follow your writing.

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Flo Entler's avatar

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. New story to me & your talents are endless!

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Tina Deters's avatar

These are lovely and I appreciate learning the history. I felt myself lucky not too long ago to find 5 sand dollars on a Lido beach walk, then I read how many you collected on one day....wow, I must be a lousy sheller!

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Carrie Seidman's avatar

Not at all. Some days there are none; occasionally there are more than you can pick up.

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Lydia Landa's avatar

Such detail and beauty. I love collecting shells.

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Arthur Boyce's avatar

Beautiful... I myself have become what my friends call a puzzle wizard

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Wendy Wicks's avatar

How wonderful! My daughter uses old vinyl to create painted mandalas, uses them as an art therapist, and now while home with her boys. The rhythm is so soothing. And what lovely creations!

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Chic Hansen's avatar

Ah, the beautiful heart of Carrie Seidman - truly a blessing! ❤️

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Alison Levin Bishop's avatar

A shell mandala! I never heard of the term Sailor’s valentine. Yours are every bit a lovely as the vintage ones you featured and are sure to bring sentimental memories to those who were lucky enough to receive them. I’ve knitted and crocheted my way through the pandemic. As I did through the time in chemotherapy with my husband. Meditation and mantras infuse each stitch with love and compassion. I meet outdoors weekly with a couple of friends to pass an hour or two in companionship as we work on our projects.

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