JAMESTOWN, N.C. (WGHP) — Most of us throw oyster shells away but not Virginia Washburn.
“Even the crazy-shaped [shells] have purpose,” said Washburn, who makes them shine. “Even though they are imperfect, they are perfect just like we are.”
About a year ago, she started Perfectly Imperfect , giving decorative life to oyster shells.
“I bleach them twice,” she said. “Typically, do three coats of paint.”
A nurse and teacher by day, at night she finds the shell’s beauty by making them into just about everything from natives to Christmas ornaments.
“Last Christmas, I couldn’t keep up,” she said.
Many of her ornament creations have a special story behind them. She sends some of them to people going through a tough time like fighting cancer.
“Just want people to know they are being thought about … someone is praying for them, and they are not alone,” she said.
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