Eye Candie

While traveling through Indonesia, I ventured over to the West coast of the island Sumbawa and stayed in a tiny village called Sekongkang, known for its world-class waves and reef break. The first day I arrived, professional surfer Dane Reynolds was out in the water and there were approximately six other people staying at Rantung Beach Resort ($7 USD/night). The second night Jordan and I were the only guests staying there... incredible!

The view from Rantung Beach Resort. World-class surf dead ahead.

In addition to being one of the most beautiful beaches I stayed on and being almost completely deserted, this beach also had an abundance of the best shells I have ever seen. Naturally I spent hours combing through the sand, collected a bag full of the finest shells and promptly mailed them home from Bali to avoid having them all break in my backpack over the course of another six months of travel.  They arrived safely on my mother's doorstep three months later and opening the box in February was akin to opening presents on Christmas day.

I collected the shells from Sumbawa with intentions of turning them into artfully crafted pieces of surf-inspired jewelry. Since I am still unemployed and have copious amounts of free time on my hands, I have had the opportunity to get started on this project. Here is what I have come up with so far...  

Top: shells from Sekongkang, Sumbawa, Indonesia buffed and polished by yours truly with

jade beads from Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Top and Bottom: shells from Sekongkang, Sumbawa, Indonesia buffed and polished by yours truly with

turquoise beads from Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Top: shells from Sekongkang, Sumbawa, Indonesia buffed and polished by yours truly with

jade beads from Chiang Mai, Thailand.

I apologize for the rudimentary photography, but you get the idea. :) Hurray for new eye candie! 

Which one do you like best?