Selkie Mara Studio makes wearable art from natural oyster shells — each one a tiny world, each one of a kind. Made to be worn close, kept long, and meaningful in ways that are sometimes hard to explain.
Winslow Homer, Cannon Rock, 1895
COLLECTIONS
THE RETURNING
Oyster shell pendants made with hand-painted seascapes, pressed glass mermaid tails, glitter, and iridescent bubbles.
They might represent the dive inward; the return to your true nature. They might remind you of the joy of swimming in the ocean and the wild beauty of the beach. However they speak to you, they make a beautiful statement.
THE RADIANCE
THE BECOMING
Adornments featuring decoupaged peacock imagery, precious Czech crystals, freshwater pearls, glitter, and other embellishments.
For those who have stopped making themselves smaller. Inspired by the flowing lines of the Art Nouveau movement and the Victorian fascination with peacocks, these pendants and brooches embody the spirit of vintage elegance.
The idea that started it all. Wearable art featuring decoupaged aurora borealis imagery, brass charms, Czech crystals, tiny rhinestones, freshwater pearls, and glitter.
Those still finding their way may connect with these sea creatures as they journey skyward to a new world. Never arriving, never leaving. Always becoming. If that sounds like your journey, look for your personal talisman here.
My work is currently available on Etsy; soon appearing at metro Atlanta craft shows and select retailers.
Here’s a look at the themes I’m currently exploring as I create wearable adornments designed to reflect and support your own journey.
New pieces arrive when the tide brings them. New themes will emerge as my own life evolves.
CREATING WEARABLE WORLDS
It started on a beach.
I was collecting shells with a fellow artist when we found oyster shells with tiny shells already nestled inside them — whole worlds living within worlds. My friend held one up and said "there could be a whole world in this shell." She was right; there already was.
What I make.
I paint oceans and night skies inside oyster shells. I send sea creatures rising toward the stars. I tuck mermaids mid-dive into handpainted interiors and surround them with Czech crystals, freshwater pearls, brass charms, and glitter that catches the light the way water does.
Each piece is one of a kind — because each shell is one of a kind. I consider its shape, its size, its particular curve and depth. The shell tells me something. I respond.
These are not just adornments. They are talismans. Portable worlds. Objects that carry something of the tide's long patience and the shore's quiet magic.
What I hope for you.
Many people choose a piece for what it means to them — a reminder of transformation, a token of courage, a little piece of the ocean carried through an ordinary day.
Or even just a beautiful piece of wearable art.
If something here speaks to you, trust that. The sea is selective about what it leaves behind.
Barbara Smith
Decatur, Georgia
@SELKIEMARASTUDIO ON INSTAGRAM
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©2026, Selkie Mara Studio. All rights reserved. All images, text, and designs are the original work of Selkie Mara Studio and may not be reproduced without permission.