Bringing Home a Piece of the Coast

Souvenir shopping is a must when traveling to new places. You want something to remind you of what you saw, felt, and experienced.

When I moved to Florida in 2020, I’ll never forget the first time I stepped onto the beautiful, sugary white sand of Navarre Beach. As I gazed out at the breathtaking ocean waters, I was in awe! The vibrant blue and green hues were unlike anything I had ever seen. On the shore, I was equally amazed by the abundance of seashells scattered along the beach. I felt like a little kid on an Easter egg hunt—every step I took, I spotted another incredible shell.

“Oh, look at this one! Oh, that one is so pretty!”

I wanted to bottle up everything—the colors, the textures, the feeling of being there—and take it with me. Thankfully, I didn’t have to. I live here! I felt so lucky to have an endless supply of treasures to remind me of this coastal paradise.

Turning Beach Treasures into Art

Over the next few months, I collected countless shells and displayed them throughout my home. I made a wreath of shells, a nautical star collage, seashell-bordered frames, and other coastal-inspired décor. Crafting has always been a passion of mine, and with each trip to the beach, I came home with new materials and new ideas.

I had always been curious about working with epoxy resin, so I finally bought a starter kit off Amazon and started experimenting. I played around with different molds, pigments, and mix-ins, and before I knew it, I had created my first beach-themed initial keychain. It turned out so cute that I started making them as gifts for family and friends. The more I worked with resin, the more I loved it. It quickly became my favorite hobby and eventually started selling in-store and online.

Bringing the Beach to You

There’s something special about bringing home a piece of a place you love. It feels good knowing that my creations allow people to take home a meaningful, handmade souvenir—one that’s crafted with care by a local artisan, not mass-produced at a high markup.

If you’re looking for a unique and affordable way to remember your time on the Gulf Coast, stop by A Special Place in Navarre or check out my latest creations online!