When someone brings one of my pieces home, I want it to last. Not just for a season, but for years — displayed proudly, admired often, and passed along someday if the moment calls for it. That's why I put as much thought into how these pieces hold up over time as I do into making them in the first place.
Gilded shell art is more durable than it looks, but like anything handcrafted from natural materials, it does best with a little intentional care. Here's everything you need to know to keep your piece looking exactly as it did the day it arrived.
Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight
Natural shells are porous, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and brittleness over time. Gold paint holds up beautifully in most indoor lighting — including bright, sun-filled rooms — but I'd recommend avoiding placement directly in a south-facing window where UV exposure is intense and sustained.
A well-lit wall, a styled shelf, or a display cabinet with indirect light is ideal. The piece will still catch the light beautifully without the long-term wear.
Dust Gently and Regularly
The most common care question I get is about cleaning, and the answer is simple: a soft, dry brush is your best friend. A clean makeup brush, a soft watercolor brush, or even a clean pastry brush works perfectly for getting into the crevices between shells without disturbing the finish.
Avoid damp cloths or cleaning sprays directly on the piece. Moisture can affect both the adhesive and the gold paint finish over time. Dry dusting every few weeks is all it takes to keep things looking fresh.
Mind the Humidity
Coastal homes often have higher humidity — which is fitting, given what these pieces are made from — but extreme or fluctuating humidity isn't ideal for any art made with natural materials. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are best avoided as permanent display spots.
If you live somewhere with high seasonal humidity, a small dehumidifier in the room where your piece is displayed can make a real difference in its longevity.
Handle with Care (But Don't Be Afraid to Touch)
These pieces are built to be displayed and admired, not locked away. If you need to move or reposition your piece, hold it from the base or frame rather than gripping individual shells. Most of my sculptures and shadowboxes have a solid foundation, but the shells themselves can be delicate at their edges.
If a shell ever does come loose — it's rare, but it happens — a small amount of clear-drying craft adhesive will reattach it cleanly. Reach out if you're ever unsure and I'm happy to help.
Storing Your Piece
If you ever need to store a piece temporarily, wrap it loosely in acid-free tissue paper and place it in a box with enough padding to prevent shifting. Avoid plastic wrap directly on the surface, as it can trap moisture and affect the finish.
A Piece Made to Last
Every shell I select, every layer I build, and every stroke of gold paint is done with longevity in mind. With just a little care, your piece will hold its beauty for years — a small corner of the shoreline, right where you put it.
Have a care question I didn't cover? Reach out — I love hearing from the people who bring these pieces home.