For a schedule of shows and events
please click here

A collection of Lynda's works are now availble for sale
at The Ball and Claw Gallery, 20 America's Cup Avenue,
Newport, RI. website: theballandclaw.com

Some of Lynda's works were previously available
and purchased through the New York Times Store.

Click here to view Lynda's featured article in the
February 2009 issue of Country Living Magazine.

Lynda Susan has been chosen to join the distinguished
group of craftsmen who comprise Early American Life
Magazine's 2009 directory of traditional American crafts.
She was also chosen as a winner in 2008, 2007, 2006,
2005 and 2004.

Lynda's works were recently on exhibit in the Gallery
on the Plaza at the Homer Babbidge Library, University
of CT, Storrs. For more information: please click here

Sailors' valentines were made in Barbados between 1830 and 1880 by the natives and sold to English and American sailors. This was a port of call for the ships coming home. The sailors bought these souvenirs as tokens of love to their wives or girlfriends.

The valentines were octagonal boxes made of cedrella (Spanish cedar). They contained mosaic designs created from seashells often including a message of sentiment. A glass was placed over the design to protect the delicate shells.

The old sailors' valentines are coveted by collectors and demand very high prices at auction. The rest are in museums and prized. Today there are but a few of us who are recreating these treasures in the traditional style.

I saw my first Valentine in a museum on Cape Cod as a child and have always been fascinated by them. Several years ago I tried to purchase one but it was too costly. A friend suggested that I create one. It has become my passion and will be tomorrow's heirlooms.

A local craftsman makes all the octagon boxes and then I faux finish them to look like the 19th Century ones. My mosaic works are all original designs but they too are modeled after the 19th Century valentines.

Feel free to view my gallery. If you have any questions, comments, or would like to purchase my work, please contact me.