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Journey to Creating the Coastal Nutcracker with Caracola Creations

Updated: Sep 25


Close-up of the Neptune Nutcracker, featuring intricate seashell attire and detailed shell designs that highlight its artistic craftsmanship.
The Neptune Nutcracker showcases a stunning array of fashion-forward seashell attire, beautifully crafted to celebrate the essence of coastal artistry.

From the seashore to the showcase, our passion for the Coastal Nutcracker shines through at Caracola Creations. Join us as we dive into the world of competitive artistry, showcasing our Coastal Nutcracker and winning top honors for our unique coastal designs. With Caracola Creations leading the way, our artistic journey is filled with creativity, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories. Dive into our story and discover the magic behind the Coastal Nutcracker today!

The Birth of the Coastal Nutcracker Design: Neptune Nutcracker

Preparing for seashell shows is an exhilarating journey, filled with creativity and anticipation. For me, it all started with a single piece that sparked my passion for entering the world of competitive artistry—the Coastal Nutcracker. This creation, named Neptune Nutcracker, was inspired by my love for the holiday spirit and the enchanting Nutcracker ballet. My mom, the amazing seashell artist Bea Valiente, saw something special in this piece and encouraged me to showcase it, marking the beginning of my Coastal Nutcracker journey.

Crafting the Coastal Nutcracker: Neptune Nutcracker in Detail

The Neptune Nutcracker, a perfect example of a Coastal Nutcracker, was born from a plain wooden nutcracker transformed into a beachy masterpiece. Coral became the hair, and with each tiny shell meticulously placed, this coastal design came to life, truly embodying the essence of a Coastal Nutcracker. Sculpting with shells became my passion project, especially as I combined my love for the sea with a classic holiday theme.


Side view of the Neptune Nutcracker, highlighting his beached coral beard and intricate 3D shell attire, showcasing detailed craftsmanship.
A captivating side view of the Neptune Nutcracker, featuring a unique beached coral beard and meticulously designed 3D shell attire that embodies coastal elegance.

Side view of the Neptune Nutcracker, showcasing more of his face along with the beached coral beard and intricate 3D shell attire.
An engaging side view of the Neptune Nutcracker, revealing his charming face adorned with a beached coral beard and beautifully crafted 3D shell attire.

Close-up of the Neptune Nutcracker's bottom half, featuring a heart-shaped abalone belt buckle and his fashionable pants and boots.
The bottom half of the Neptune Nutcracker showcases a unique heart-shaped abalone belt buckle, paired with stylish pants and boots that highlight his coastal-inspired fashion.

Showcasing the Coastal Nutcracker at Shell Shows

Entering my first seashell show was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. The Broward County Shell Show, a hub for seashell enthusiasts, gave me the opportunity to showcase Neptune Nutcracker—my own version of a Coastal Nutcracker. Walking through the exhibition hall, I felt a sense of unity with fellow artists who shared my love for the ocean. To my amazement, Neptune Nutcracker was awarded "Best in Show for Professional Seashell Artist," solidifying its status as an award-winning Coastal Nutcracker.


Neptune Nutcracker displayed inside a glass dome, protecting its delicate design and showcasing its intricate seashell artistry.
The Neptune Nutcracker elegantly housed in a glass dome, offering protection while beautifully showcasing its intricate and delicate seashell craftsmanship.


ehan Valiente Davis proudly holds her Best in Show award beside the Coastal Nutcracker, showcasing her exquisite seashell artistry.
Jehan Valiente Davis celebrates winning Best in Show with her stunning Coastal Nutcracker, a true testament to her artistic vision and dedication.

The Success of the Coastal Nutcracker Continues

Buoyed by the success of the Coastal Nutcracker, my mom and I entered the prestigious Sanibel Seashell Show. Surrounded by vibrant displays and talented artists, Neptune Nutcracker stood out as a unique coastal design that captured the judges’ attention. Winning first place ribbons for both of our pieces was a triumph not just for Neptune Nutcracker but for the Coastal Nutcracker concept that inspired it.

From its humble beginnings to its triumphant victories, the Coastal Nutcracker has become a symbol of creativity and artistic accomplishment. As we continue to share our Neptune Nutcracker and other coastal designs with the world, the spirit of the Coastal Nutcracker will always be at the heart of our seashell art.

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Artists Jehan and Bea Valiente at Sanibel Seashell show
Seashell Artists Jehan & Bea Valiente





Take a closer look at the Neptune Nutcracker in this video, where the intricate seashell designs and delicate craftsmanship come to life, revealing the artistry behind this award-winning piece.




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