During a recent trip to Italt, I photographed this shell on a side street in Noto, Italy. It's 11 1/2" across and I'll carve it to actual size, then gild it like the Uploading Attachment...rest of my shell carvings.

Following along, Rick!!

I finally found some time to a little carving of my Noto shell. I consider this a "rough" carving to begin with. Once everything is roughed in, I'll do the carUploading Attachment...ving/cleanup.

Cool shell! Looks like it is really happy 😊

Can you say "Homer Simpson"?

That's pretty neat! I like it.

12 hours ago, FrederickH said:

Can you say "Homer Simpson"?

D'oh!

Looks like you have a good start on this one.

Into fine details and cleanup.Uploading Attachment...

Almost ready for the finishing phase. The small splinters in the corners are driving me crazy. I'm tempted to take a propane torch to the carving to make them disappear!Uploading Attachment...

That is a happy looking shell, beautiful work.

Plaque, for the shell, is now complete. For some reason, I selected a very, very heavy piece of poplar wood(it was just the right size) but turned beautifully. I had curls coming off of the edge when turning. Now, it's down to the basement for the finishing process!

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The gesso is applied and the gold leafing has begun.

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Amazing transformation when the gold is applied!

The shell is officially gilded, with only the plaque to be done tomorrow, and the two joined. It's hard to believe that there's almost $130 worth of gold on this shell!

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Really beautiful!

Your talent shines as usual Fredrick, beautiful finish.

Almost done except for mounting to the plaque and selecting a location in the house to hang it. Good memories of Noto, Sicily!Uploading Attachment...

Wow!