Shellers are the Best People

“Before we parted ways, Mary gifted me a bracelet...”

I have come to believe that seashell hunters are some of the best people on Earth and my opinion was proven right, once again, when I met Mary Koester on a stretch of shoreline in Islamorada. I had pulled over to get my “feet-in-the-water” fix (and do a little shelling) when Mary pulled over too and joined me in the water.  

We began a conversation from a distance, by shouting over the noise of passing cars and rolling waves, and before long, we were chatting it up and becoming fast friends. Turns out that Mary and her sister Barb are quite the duo, known as the Shelling Sisters. They create beautiful artwork from seashells that they’ve collected. You may have seen their work at MoradaWay in Islamorada, Shady Palm Art Gallery in Marathon, or at other festivals and galleries.

Before we parted ways, Mary gifted me a bracelet, the one she was wearing. It was a stunning charm bracelet made from seashells that she had collected and drilled by hand!

She said since I loved shells as much as she did, she wanted me to have it. Can you believe that? I am still in awe. The soothing jingle sounds that this bracelet makes instantly transports me to the beach. Thank you again, Mary, for such a remarkable and selfless gift. I am forever a fan – and a friend.