Preparing the Journey from Shore to Home

While the stories themselves have been quietly taking shape for some time, there has been another part of the Shellfolk world unfolding behind the scenes.

The journey from the shore to a new home.

I have been spending many hours thinking about how shells and Shellfolk should arrive when they are sent out into the world. It hardly feels like work, because it is something I care about deeply. Each piece deserves to travel safely, of course, but also beautifully.

After much consideration, the packaging has taken on a little story of its own.

The foundation will be simple brown craft paper, chosen because it reminds me of the shoreline itself. Nestled within it will be a sprinkling of bright blue shredded paper, which I will shred by hand. This will represent the water, the gentle movement of the tide around the shells.

Among that blue will be a scattering of white paper, printed with tiny Shellfolk characters. These pieces will sit quietly within the box like small discoveries waiting to be found, much like the little treasures that appear in the surf.

Everything inside will be wrapped in soft white tissue paper before it begins its journey.

Those who welcome shells into their homes will receive a beautifully printed card inside a natural brown envelope, thanking them for giving those shells a new place to belong.

Those who adopt a member of the Shellfolk collection will receive something a little more ceremonial. Tucked carefully inside the parcel will be a beautifully printed and embossed Certificate of Authenticity, presented in a pearlised envelope. Alongside it will be another pearlised envelope containing the Certificate of Adoption.

I have imagined the moment when the box is opened, the tissue paper unfolded, and the Shellfolk revealed inside. The unboxing experience should feel gentle, thoughtful, and perhaps even a little magical.

After all, if these little beings have travelled from the tide to your home, it seems only right that their arrival should feel worthy of them.