Product Description
Add a piece of local art (and history) to your Christmas tree this holiday season with this hand-crafted Nutcracker Oyster Shell Ornament! Each ornament is made from oyster shells, paint, and decoupaged illustrations and is finished with an edge of gold paint. We have included several pictures on our website to show the variety of styles you may receive, but your exact ornament will be as unique as an oyster shell. Makes a great gift!
Features
- Handmade Oyster Ornament
- Measurements vary - approximately 3-5"H
- Exact styles vary
- Made in Virginia, USA from USA and imported parts
About the Artist
Living her life on the York River, Renee Dobbs's passion has always been to portray the beauty of coastal life. Her talent and unique artwork have brought light and life to so many throughout her career. Following a lengthy cancer diagnosis, Renee started her healing journey by designing her shells, channeling her energy into pieces that are sentimental and will last a lifetime. When not working on her shells, you often find her spending time with her granddaughters.
Inspiration
Inhabitants of the Chesapeake Bay region have enjoyed the oyster for centuries. They were a staple in Indigenous people's diets long before European colonists arrived, some of who would also have been familiar with them, and have remained a favorite in the area ever since.
Oysters were more than just a source of food. When burnt, their shells were used to make lime for building materials such as concrete, mortar, and tabby, which were used in the construction of original buildings in Williamsburg.
Today, you can see oyster shells on paths, holiday decorations in the Historic Area, and the menu at our taverns and hotels.
Many aspects of the local cuisine have changed significantly from the 17th to the 21st century, but the oyster has never been off the menu in the Chesapeake.
The article, Familiar Fare, from Trend and Tradition Magazine has even more fascinating history about the oyster (and some of our favorite recipes from Colonial Williamsburg, too!)
