Oh, Abalone!
GUEST BLOGGER: Molly Watson
Here's what readers of sfgirlbybay may not know: When Victoria asks you to do something, you do it. First, you know it's going to be a good idea, because that's all she seems to have. Second, you know it's going to be fun, because--you guessed it--that's all she seems to have.
But what do I, a humble food writer, have to offer to the world of home décor and design?
A dilemma, that's what. Last summer my cousin took up abalone diving. We have a deal: whenever he gets abalone, I cook it for him. Amazing meals have been had. Plus--and here's where you come in--I've ended up with several beautiful abalone shells. So far I've used them to sit on the deck outside the kitchen. Three of them have spent months out there and are a bit dulled and sun-bleached. The latest one--just cleaned last Friday--is still shiny and bright inside. Any ideas internet? What would you do with these shells?
If you'd like to know what I did with the abalone, check out The Dinner Files. To see how to clean and cook it yourself, see this handy guide on my Local Foods site.
12 comments:
My dad used to use one as an ashtray. :-)
I'd put tealights in them.
Or maybe string them onto the corners of a tablecloth to hold it down in the wind outside.
I have one tucked in some ground cover, when I water it catches some and looks like mini pools. I have a few more that get put out with tealites for evening parties.
i burn incense, sage, and tea lights in old ablone shells-- i know, i know... it doesn't really do wonders for the pretty pearly interior.
When in a shop in Half Moon Bay, I was advised not to sand or try and polish shells. They are very toxic.
You can use them on the deck or in the garden, when wet one can see their beauty.
In New Zealand they are called Paua and an eccentric old couple covered their whole house in Paua! The house became a tourist attraction and when they passed away the local museum bought all their belongings and it is being recreated as a display.
see story:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress/4514042a6535.html
oooh...i like bacchus' idea. that sounds pretty.
but, hmmm. i think molly, it's time for your house to be covered in abalone shells!! :)
and, please...can you make me that recipe sometime? it looks amazing!
I've used oyster shells (substitute the abalone shells) for holding rings/jewelry. I have also used a latex spray polyurethane to keep them shiny on the inside. You might give that a try -- it worked great!
How about holding tacks, paperclips, etc., in an office? Or pins in a sewing room? Display a bunch in a bowl (after the polyurethane of course). Just a few ideas... hope this helps.
As much as I'd like to take up smoking... don't get me started. These are great ideas. The poly-spray seems like could be very useful. I'm leaning towards some kind of outdoors creation. I'll let Victoria know what happens and pass pictures along!
They would make cute soap dishes in the bathroom!
Maybe, use them for drawer pulls - a clear washer inside, holding a screw would hardly show...
Col, Canada
i've planted succulents in them and like to store my bangles in one on my dresser!
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