Ahhhh, Valentine’s Day! Such fond memories of making those little “mailboxes” decorated with glittery hearts, tissue paper flowers and bits of anything sparkly… I can actually smell the glue as I write this. Remember the anticipation of seeing all those pretty little cards from classmates and hoping that a “special” one would come from that boy you had a crush on? It was always so fun to sort through them and pick out my favorites to display! Sure wish I’d saved all those!

Today’s feature on ColorCafe is all about valentines and our special guest is Judy Dinnick and her beautiful “Sailor’s Valentines”.

Seashells have fascinated the world for centuries. The aesthetic beauty of shells has influenced architecture, art and science in many forms. Great collections exist worldwide, and still today, children and adults stroll the beaches looking for gifts from the sea.

During the days of the magnificent sailing ships in the 19th century, Barbados was a port of call where sailors purchased artistic shell mosaics from local islanders to take home to loved ones after their long journeys. These mosaics came to be known as sailors’ valentines, and many contained love messages. Antique valentines are highly prized. Sailors’ valentines are traditionally made in an octagonal wooden case, resembling a compass. They are then covered with glass, which is secured to protect the shell work. Inspired by the history and romance of days gone by, contemporary artists are enjoying the resurgence of this fascinating art.

Judy Dinnick is a Canadian artist who has been involved in the decorative arts for many years.  She studied at the Ontario College of Art and also in Mexico.  She creates Sailors’ Valentines and has won several awards at the annual Sanibel Shell Show.  In executing her exquisitely detailed valentines, she paints the miniature centres herself and incorporates natural coloured shells from all over the world.  Judy first became acquainted with sailors’ valentines while living in the Bahamas where many antique valentines are held in private collections.

Thank you Judy for sharing your amazing talent!

Now, onto some other heartful art from some friends-First, from the lovely and talented Ms. Laura Bray, this adorable little heart box. Perfect for keeping all those special little love notes in, don’t you think? visit Laura’s blog to see more!

And these handpainted little gems from Jacquelynne Steves, The Noble Wife.

Here’s a heart themed image from Helena Maratheftis

From 365 Days of Crafts with Niki Meiners- ( visit her blog to see the whole tutorial ) It’s made using tissue paper!
From my good friend, Karen Embry- this painting featuring some of her lovely hand lettering. Visit Karen’s blog to read a special post for Valentine’s Day!

From your’s truly, this mobile was made using my various dies I’ve designed for Sizzix. Brenda Pinnick  ( Some new dies are on their way…just wait till you see them- so fun! )

Here are a couple of sweet contributions from Samantha WalkerHere’s one more from me.