A Gift From The Heart...

My brother-in-law has lived on Nantucket Island (MA) for over twenty years, and it's one of our favorite places to visit in the fall. By October, many of the tourists have headed to the mainland and there's a little more breathing room on this tiny but bountiful island. We always have a great time when we're there.

On many of our trips, I have admired the Sailor's Valentines, but have resisted purchasing one because even the contemporary works are a bit expensive. (Forget purchasing antiques, unless you have a significant amount of money to spend.)

Sailor's Valentines represent one aspect of Nantucket's vast whaling heritage. In the early 1800s, sailors returning from long whaling voyages would present one to their sweetheart or wife as a declaration of their love. They are created completely of seashells. Lots of seashells. I can't even imagine how much time is involved in making one!

Long thought to be crafted by the sailors themselves, it is now believed that they were more likely created by locals in some of the port towns where the sailors stopped for supplies (Barbados, for one). You can read more about them through a Google search or this Wikipedia link.They're so pretty and intricate, and there are a half dozen or so recognized styles. This style is called "The Windrose", and I'm sure you can tell how it got its name from the center motif. When I think of Nantucket, I think of the signature baskets, those beautiful grey-sided homes, cascades of hydrangeas...and Sailor's Valentines.

This past Christmas, my future sister-in-law and Handsome's brother sent this one to me as a gift. I started to cry when I opened the box, instantly recognizing the treasure within. I am now the lucky owner of this fascinating piece of Nantucket's history. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought you might like to see my most recent Valentine - not only created with gifts from the sea, but given as a gift from the heart.