This blog post is part of a new series called “A Tangible Challenge” where each month I take one in-person class related to something I know nothing about. The goal is to step outside my comfort zone and create something new. I am so excited to share this month’s endeavor: painted shells. (Read January’s adventure in pottery; February’s adventure in plants; March’s adventure in mosaic art lamps; April’s adventure in dumplings; May’s adventures in candles; June’s adventure in embroidery; and July’s adventure in soap here.)
I was rushing down the street, 4 minutes until class was to begin when I realized I was on the wrong side and would need to double back to cross. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw another woman doing the same but thought next to nothing of it. That was, until I met my friend at the door and she also met her friend at the door—our shared mutual friend. Already, we were off to a great start. I was on time and was going to make a new friend.
We were directed to the back of The Ditty, an adorable bar in Astoria, Queens with a gorgeous outdoor area. We were just getting situated at a four person picnic table of sorts when another woman came up and asked if she could join us. Two friends and a new class experience? The energy was high and the vibes were sublime.
Class began with our teacher Caitlyn West, a former elementary school educator who left her job in 2020 to pursue her passion of creating and designing handmade accessories, clothing, and decor. She named her business Lemon Water Studios and it is the most charming and beautiful collection of things you’ve ever seen. She does other classes as well which you can read about on her website.
Class began with Caitlyn giving us practical painting tips and a crash course on mixing primary colors. We were given colored pencils and paper with shell outlines to practice our designs. Then, we were handed beautiful seashells, sourced from Rockaway Beach. Our class also came with a free drink (tip included!) from the Ditty so cheers to sipping pineapple juice while playing with seashells.
I went for a more abstract design with my shell—small colorful hearts on a white backdrop and a metallic gold rim on the edge. I’m not sure what I’ll keep in the shell yet, but for now I’m enjoying staring at its shimmery outside and knowing that I did something on a Thursday night in the middle of a long week to make my heart feel lighter.
The two hour class went by in a blink—I think mainly a result of excellent company. It was a complete joy to mix colors and share stories and I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience something like this with friends. So here’s to new adventures… to going out when you’re tired… and to trinket dishes filled with hearts and made with love.
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