Tortoise Shells!

I've always been a fan of tortoise shell anything…furniture, antique boxes…even earrings! But lately I've found myself wanting a little bit of the real thing! The actual tortoise shell!

I mean it's beautiful in appearance with it's subtle changes in color and it gives that burled wood effect.

 I can't even imagine the craftsmanship that went into creating these lovely antique boxes and trinket cases.

But what I really want is a real shell to mix in like they did with this antique quill box. 
 (another favorite of mine!)

Just look at how well it blends with almost anything!

Bunny Williams did a fabulous job when she placed this large shell on the center of this beautiful table and mixed it in with antique lamps, etc…I actually have a pair of lamps almost identical to this in my youngest son's room. 

I even like it mixed in with these framed butterflies and different types of coral and shells.

Look at the interest the white shells create when hung on white planked walls.

This grouping shown above is simply stunning!

And this collection of miniature boxes is amazing!

And as a lamp? Wow! I really like it on the acrylic base.

We brought back a lot of flatware from the Paris flea market when we went and I will always treasure those pieces!

You can really add a little bit of tortoise shell just about anywhere and it will look good!

But here is where it gets tricky! When you see it up close and personal…and you find out it's name is Reese….at what point do you ask the man if you can have the shell one day?

I mean really! It's one of the prettiest shells I've ever seen! It looks like the inside of a tree…it's perfect!

They were just out for a leisurely stroll and I found myself coveting that tortoise shell!

Only on the streets of New Orleans would one ever see this! They had walked for several blocks mind you!

This only increased my love for tortoise shells. However, it was the first time I've ever been to New Orleans and not had my most favorite dish there…Turtle Soup!

 I just couldn't make myself eat it after this!

Hope you are enjoying a wonderful week!