Frequently Asked Questions
Every Shells by Elaine piece begins with a real shell and is finished by hand. Because natural materials and handmade work are involved, no two pieces are exactly alike.
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our shells, our process, ordering, care, and shipping.
Shells and Materials
Are these real shells?
Yes. Shells by Elaine pieces are created using real shells, so every piece begins with its own natural shape, texture, coloring, and character.
Where do the shells come from?
Shells are individually selected for their shape, condition, and suitability for Elaine’s artwork. The oyster shells used in Elaine’s art are all locally sourced from the Rappahannock River. Their size, shape, thickness, and natural markings will vary from piece to piece.
Are the shells cleaned before they are decorated?
Yes. Each shell is cleaned and prepared before the decorative process begins. Every shell receives a 12-24 hour bleach bath, thorough scrubbing, and extensive sun-bleaching before any artistic work begins.
Why aren’t all of the shells the same size or shape?
That is part of working with a natural material. Oyster shells are wonderfully irregular, and those differences are one of the things that make each finished piece unique.
Are cracks, ridges, spots, or uneven edges considered defects?
Not necessarily. Natural variations, ridges, small pits, uneven edges, and other irregularities are normal characteristics of real shells. We consider those features part of the individual personality of each piece.
Elaine hand-picks every oyster shell, and strives to seek out the best examples for her work, however, if a shell has a feature that significantly affects its appearance, we make every effort to show it clearly in the product photographs.
How Our Pieces Are Made
Are the shells handmade?
Yes. Each piece is individually prepared and decorated by hand by Elaine.
What is decoupage?
Decoupage is a decorative technique in which printed artwork is carefully applied to a surface and incorporated into the finished design. Elaine uses this process to transform natural shells into decorative pieces featuring coastal, floral, seasonal, holiday, and other designs.
Are two shells with the same design identical?
No. Even when the same artwork is used more than once, the natural shape of the shell and the handmade application process mean that each finished piece will have its own appearance.
Will the shell I receive look exactly like the photographs?
For individually listed one-of-a-kind pieces, the shell shown in the product photographs is the actual shell you are purchasing unless the listing clearly and specifically states otherwise.
We photograph each piece carefully so you can see its artwork, natural shape, and overall appearance before ordering.
How large are the shells?
Sizes vary naturally. Product listings will include measurements for the individual piece whenever possible so you can see its approximate dimensions before purchasing.
Using & Caring for Your Shells
What can I use my shell for?
Shells by Elaine pieces are primarily decorative. Depending on the design and size, they can be displayed on a shelf, table, tray, dresser, desk, or other decorative area.
They also make lovely gifts, keepsakes, seasonal decorations, or coastal accents.
Can I use one as a food dish or serving piece?
We recommend treating Shells by Elaine pieces as decorative items rather than food-service pieces unless a specific product listing states otherwise.
Can I put my shell in the dishwasher?
No. Handmade decorative shells should not be placed in the dishwasher or submerged in water.
How should I clean it?
For routine care, gently dust the shell or wipe it with a soft, slightly damp cloth when necessary. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scrubbing, soaking, and harsh household chemicals.
Can I display my shell outdoors?
We recommend indoor display unless a product is specifically described as suitable for outdoor use. Prolonged exposure to moisture, weather, and direct sunlight may affect decorative finishes over time.
Will the artwork fade?
As with most decorative artwork, prolonged exposure to strong direct sunlight can eventually cause fading. Displaying your shell away from extended direct sunlight will help preserve its appearance.
Ordering
Are your shells one of a kind?
All Shells by Elaine pieces are individually listed and one of a kind. Once that particular shell has been purchased, that exact piece is no longer available.
A similar design may appear again, but because every natural shell is different, a future piece will not be an exact duplicate.
What happens if something in my cart sells before I finish checking out?
For one-of-a-kind items, availability cannot be 100% guaranteed until checkout is successfully completed. If another customer purchases the same piece first, that exact item will no longer be available. The Shells By Elaine store offers a fifteen minute courtesy hold on any item placed into a cart. If you can place the item in your cart, it is available for you to purchase.
Do you restock old designs?
Sometimes. Elaine may revisit popular artwork or themes, but the new shell will still be unique in shape and appearance.
Do you offer seasonal collections?
Yes. Shells by Elaine offers seasonal, holiday, coastal, floral, special-occasion, and other themed pieces throughout the year.
Availability will change as new pieces are created and stock is sold.
Do you take custom orders?
Custom-order availability may vary. If you have a particular color, theme, occasion, quantity, or design idea in mind, please contact us.
We’ll let you know whether Elaine is currently accepting custom work and whether the requested project is a good fit.
Keep in mind that custom orders will typically take a minimum of one week before the shipping process starts. Rush orders may be available, depending on workload, for an additional fee.
Can I request an exact copy of a shell I saw previously, in the store or gallery?
We can certainly use a previous piece as inspiration, but an exact duplicate isn’t possible. Natural shell shapes vary, and handmade pieces will always have small differences. If there is a particular design you are after, Elaine can approximate the design onto a new shell, and send you photos of the work before you commit to purchase it.
Use our contact form for any inquiries. We will do our best to accommodate you!
Gifts & Special Occasions
Are Shells by Elaine pieces suitable for gifts?
Absolutely. They work especially well as handmade gifts, coastal keepsakes, hostess gifts, holiday gifts, birthday gifts, housewarming gifts, wedding gifts, and decorative pieces for someone who enjoys the ocean or handmade art.
Can I order several shells for an event or special occasion?
Possibly. If you are interested in multiple coordinated pieces for an event, wedding, party, holiday, or other occasion, contact us as early as possible.
Availability will depend on the quantity requested, design, materials, time available, and Elaine’s current workload.
Can you make several shells that coordinate with one another?
In many cases, yes. Coordinating pieces can share a theme, artwork style, color palette, or occasion while still retaining the natural differences that make each shell unique.
Shipping & Delivery
How are shells packaged for shipping?
Because real shells are naturally fragile, orders are packaged carefully with protection intended to keep the artwork and shell secure during shipment. We use boxes with appropriate packing material, not bubble mailers or envelopes.
We make every reasonable effort to ensure your item will arive to you in perfect condition.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping charges are shown during checkout based on the shipping options currently available for your order.
Any applicable free-shipping offers or thresholds will also be shown before you complete your purchase.
We strive to keep our shipping costs as low as possible, while providing the best protection for your purchase.
How quickly will my order ship?
Processing and shipping information will be provided with the order and on the applicable shipping information shown on the website.
Because Shells by Elaine is a small handmade business, processing times may occasionally vary during particularly busy periods or around major holidays.
We typically have existing inventory items shipped within 24 hours, and modest-moderate custom orders shipped within 1-2 weeks.
Will I receive tracking information?
Yes. Tracking information will be provided via email, and available on your account, once the order has been prepared for shipment and registered with the carrier.
Do you ship multiple shells together?
When practical, items from the same order are typically packaged and shipped together while still being individually protected against damage.
For more information please see our Shipping Policy.
Problems With an Order
What should I do if my shell arrives damaged?
Please contact us as soon as possible and include your order information along with clear photographs of the damaged shell and packaging.
Because every piece is one of a kind, an identical replacement will not be possible, but we’ll work with you to determine the appropriate next step.
What if I received the wrong item?
Contact us with your order number and a photograph of what you received so we can look into the problem.
What if my package appears to be lost?
If your tracking information has stopped updating or the package appears to have been lost in transit, contact us and we can review the available shipping information with you, and ensure you receive the necessary assistance through the shipping provider.
Can I return or exchange a shell?
Return and exchange eligibility is governed by our current Returns & Refunds Policy. Because Shells by Elaine pieces are handmade and one of a kind, please review that policy before placing your order.
If there is a problem with something you received, you are always welcome to contact us.
About Shells by Elaine
Who makes the shells?
Shells by Elaine pieces are created by Elaine, whose work is inspired by a lifelong connection with the coast and time spent around places ranging from Maine and the Caribbean to the Chesapeake Bay and Mobjack Bay.
Each piece combines that coastal inspiration with the individual character of a natural shell.
Is Shells by Elaine a large production or dropship company?
No. Shells by Elaine is a small handmade business. Pieces are created individually rather than mass-produced, which means collections and available inventory will naturally change over time.
All oyster shells are locally sourced and hand-picked by Elaine, and every design is hand-crafted by Elaine, one-by-one.
How can I hear about new shells and collections?
You can join the Shells by Elaine newsletter for occasional updates about new designs, upcoming releases, custom-order availability, and other Shells by Elaine news.
I still have a question. How can I contact you?
Please visit our Contact page. We’ll be happy to help with questions about a product, an existing order, custom-order availability, or anything else you’d like to know.