On this week’s Summer season Throwback problem, we’re going approach again to some reader-favorite tales from summers previous, like this one:
One positive signal of summer time in my household: Aunt Sheila coming in from the flats carrying a bag stuffed with razor clam shells. These she employs so as to add texture all through her home, most famously on a living-room shelf (seen right here and within the Remodelista e book).
I suppose it was inevitable, then, that the remainder of the household would get into the sport. Lately, I made a decision to attempt my hand at making a pendant lamp with a razor clam shade impressed by the porcelain sculptures I noticed at Parma Lilac. The following time Sheila headed to the seashore, I tagged alongside.
Learn on for an inventory of supplies and step-by-step directions:
Images by Justine Hand for Gardenista.
To keep away from confusion, let me make clear: On the East Coast, what we name razor clams (as a result of their elongated form resembles that of an old school razor) are literally Atlantic jackknife clams, Ensis directus. These are to be distinguished from Pacific razor clams, that are extra oval in kind. Atlantic jackknife clams are discovered all alongside the East Coast. Or you should purchase the clams recent, cook dinner a pleasant meal and save the shells.
Supplies
Clear razor clam shellsSmall rotary drill (I used the Grasp Mechanic Rotary Instrument Equipment ($20.99 from Goal)Scrap board on which you’ll drillA pendant fixtureLight wireClippers
Directions
Step 1: Prep the shells. In case your finds are already bleached by the solar, nice. Greater than possible, although, they’ll want some assist. Fortunately, all this requires is time. I laid out mine for a pair weeks on my sunny deck till the brown bits had dried up sufficient to be simply scraped off, leaving pristine white shells. If you happen to don’t need to wait, use bleach and a scrub brush.
