On this week’s Summer time Throwback situation, we’re going means again to some reader-favorite tales from summers previous, like this one:
One positive signal of summer season 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 ebook).
I suppose it was inevitable, then, that the remainder of the household would get into the sport. Just 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:
Pictures 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 buy the clams recent, cook dinner a pleasant meal and save the shells.
Supplies
- Clear razor clam shells
- Small rotary drill (I used the Grasp Mechanic Rotary Instrument Package ($20.99 from Goal)
- Scrap board on which you’ll drill
- A pendant fixture
- Gentle wire
- Clippers
Directions
Step 1: Prep the shells. In case your finds are already bleached by the solar, nice. Greater than doubtless, 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. Should you don’t need to wait, use bleach and a scrub brush.
