Woman shells out her own 88th birthday present

It took three months, several pounds of glue and hundreds of seashells, but Sarasota resident Ailine Burke was determined to celebrate her 88th birthday in an extraordinary way — by turning an ordinary bathtub into an exquisite work of art.

Burke, who decided to extend her love of shell crafting beyond mirrors and vases, was inspired after seeing a formal shelled tub on Sanibel Island. She and her daughter, Evadne Mela, combed various beaches for shells for several years, and, as her birthday present this year, she requested an outdoor bathtub suitable for shelling.

“Most of the shells, with a few exceptions from the craft stores and yard sales, were collected locally,” she said. “I think all the shells have beauty, even the old and worn ones. It has been a wonderful experience — everyone likes it.”

Burke will celebrate her 88th birthday Sunday, Aug. 29.