This is a super cute, tiny scallop shell was collected from a beach somewhere in the UK by a friend of mine who is a retired professor of marine biology. He has an extensive shell collection and he's been good enough to let me have a few of his spare shells.

The print is taken from the actual shell. As with any printing done using the Gyotaku technique, ink is brushed on the surface of the shell and then a fine paper, in this case, a Chinese paper, is pressed on to the surface. This is just the first stage as the print then needs to be flattened out so it can be framed. For this I use an authentic Japanese technique called Urauchi or wet mounting. A thin paste made from flour and water is used to press the print and a backing paper together and they are left to dry on a board until completely flat.

My prints are all unique, although I take multiple pressings from the same shell, it has to be inked each time so they are all slightly different from one another. The are all finished off with my Hanko stamp and a signature.

Shipping to the UK is free.

The scallop shell is a significant maker of pilgrims and particularly associated with the trails of the Camino Santiago de Compostela.
It has another meaning here in Wales as in Welsh mythology. Legend has it that a Welsh king was holding court in Aberffraw – his wife was walking on the beach there and, spotting a pretty scallop shell, asked for a cake to be baked in the same form. And so the Aberffraw biscuit was born. It's said to be the oldest biscuit recipe in the UK! As Aberffraw is just a short drive from my home, I've eaten the biscuits many times and can vouch that they are pretty good!!