Mini Valentine’s Inspired by the Sea

In the 19^th century, sailors brought home souvenirs known as Sailors’ Valentines to their loved ones.  Most Sailors’ Valentines were made by women in Barbados and were created using tiny local shells enclosed in a hinged octagonal wooden box.  Designs were symmetrical and often featured a heart at the center, accompanied by a message such as “Remember Me” or “Forget Me Not.“