FAQ's
?- Where do you buy these in order to sell them on Nantucket?
(Yes, this was a real question asked of me...)
A- I don't "buy" these Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights pre-made. I make them myself, with light strands from an industrial supplier and Nantucket Bay Scallop Shells from the waters surrounding Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, USA. I do not have any employees or help, of any kind. The process, itself, is many hours, per light strand. This is an artistic product, made by me, on Nantucket.
Please see "My Process" for a full description.
?- Are these real shells...and where do you get them?
A- Yes, these are real shells! They are real Nantucket Bay Scallop Shells...as opposed to Sea Scallop shells.
I have a Shellfish License and I "push rake" for them myself, I open them, I eat them and I use these shells for my Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights.
?- What happens if a bulb burns out?
A- First of all, I would NEVER make my Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights with "store bought" lights!!! For more than 23 years, I have worked with an industrial supplier who guarantees the light strands for 3 years or 3,000 hours and if one bulb goes out, they don't all go out. And it is a heavier gauge wire, with three wires between each bulb. When I pack and ship a set of Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights, I always include the replacement bulbs and fuses provided by the manufacturer, as well. (These bulbs and fuses are in a small plastic packet, attached to the light strand, itself, by the manufacturer.) The adhesive I use is simply glue-gun glue. You can soften the glue with a hair dryer, open the shells, replace the bulb and reglue the shells.
?- Can I hang these outside?
A- I recommend NOT hanging your Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights outside in the elements, e.g., summer heat, winter cold, wind, etc. The light strands themselves are of commercial grade; however, temperature can affect the adhesive. In each box of Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights, I include a disclaimer, stating this advice. I do not want a client to decorate with these outdoors, only to find their shells on the ground! I do not repair/reglue any shells after purchase.
?- How do I decorate with them?
A- First and foremost- on your Christmas Tree!!!! I recommend stringing your Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights on your bare Christmas tree, before any other lights or ornaments are on the tree. This way, you can see if you need more Nantucket Scallop Shell Light strands (you can always be in touch to purchase more!) After you have your Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights on your tree, then you can supplement them with your choice of white or colored Christmas lights, followed by your choice of ornaments, tinsel or garland.
Additional decorating ideas: mantels with (or without) evergreens, banisters with (or without) evergreens, around doorways, windows, French doors, bedstead headboards, bay windows, as an edge trim to a buffet table...the choice is up to YOU!!
One client shared with me her decorating idea one Christmas...after she used her Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights as a trim around her buffet table for a Christmas party, the guests moved to another room. She then gathered the Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights together, placed them in an over-sized crystal bowl on the now empty buffet table, and turned out the room lights...voila! Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights as a night light!
?- How do I order them from you?
A- I do not have a "Shopping Cart." Please click on, "Order/Contact Me," and email me. Once we are in contact, more detailed telephone conversations may be required to discuss your order, the state of my supplies, etc.
Since my process is a lengthy one, taking place over the course of many months, AND a solo art, I have at any given time an abundance of supplies OR NONE! (When our Nantucket Bay Scallop population was down in 2018/2019, my supplies were also down; therefore, the number of Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights I could make were limited.) With that being said, I require clients to email me, personally, with their request. At that time, we will be able to communicate personally, and I can share with you details of my supplies and how many Nantucket Scallop Shell Lights I can make for you. Thank you for your understanding!
