MaKiNG tHe DeCOratiON
Cockle shells found on sheltered, sandy beaches are often punctured with small round holes. These are made when carnivorous snails devour the cockles in their shells. Threading a length of wire through these naturally formed holes creates a simple decoration. This acts as a reminder of a summer’s day on the beach. Before use, the shells are sterilised for 10 minutes in a pan of boiling water. They are then drained, rinsed and spread on a tea towel to dry. A length of wire approximately 40in (1m) long is cut. At one end, the wire is bent back on itself to form a loop. This stops the shells falling off, as they are threaded on. Periodically, the wire is gently shaken to encourage the shells to nest within each other. A pleasing effect is gained by grading the shells by their tone and threading in approximate order from darkest to lightest. The other end of the wire is threaded through the holes in the cockles. Each shell should face in the same direction to create a nestled effect. When sufficient shells have been added to create the size of wreath required, the excess wire is cut off and both ends twisted together to secure the hoop.