Seashells and Lemons Story

Life is too short not to do something with your time that you really enjoy.

​After our family was touched by cancer, we realized what was really important in life. - Family, feelings, faith, health, happiness & a lot of humor!

With a quest to love the life we live, we created Seashells and Lemons, a small business that allows us to pursue our passions. We are passionate about traveling and exploring new places, photographing our adventures, hand crafting and graphic designing, as well as sharing our stories.  

We started creating graphic designs with our photographs and printing them on metal, which is why we started out as Mood Metals but then in 2019, after really diving into the business - we re-branded. We grew into more of a hands-on crafty small business offering greeting cards, embellishments, junk journal and planner accessories, as well as digital downloads so you can create your own masterpiece.

Determined to use ONLY quality products for our paper crafting, In February 2019 Shelly become an Independent Consultant with Close to my Heart so you can rest assured that our handmade projects, kits and items are made from quality sourced materials.

MADE IN THE USA!

Shelly & Lucia, Connecticut coast

Jersey City, NJ

Shelly Straub, the worker bee
My employment began in 1990 when I graduated early from High School at 16 years old and worked as an on-site receptionist for a construction management firm in Central New York. I helped to build Seneca Mall and Price Chopper for the Golub Corporation in association with Pioneer Development.  I answered phones and handled the filing and typing.  From that point on, I worked with every major developer, Architect and construction management firm in Central New York including JD Taylor, Holmes/King/Kallquist Architects, Widewaters and Pyramid Companies to name a few.  My last construction endeavor was to help build DestinyUSA as a project manager in 2013. At the height of the project, we worked 12 hours a day.

​In 2013, my career ceased as I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent extensive treatment for nearly 2 years.  More about that on this blog --> A tale of 2 boobies

​Something happens when you go through a life threatening disease like cancer. I am forever changed. I now enjoy working my day job from home in Connecticut. I also enjoy the life of an entrepreneur and growing a business. The thrill of getting even one new fan on facebook brings me immense happiness! I keep life as simple as I know how. Chaotic and busy, but simple.

I have been an avid crafter all my life.  Sharing new techniques with others is a passion of mine. I've recently been delving in the world of youtube and Facebook Live, creating tutorials and fun online events!  To shop in my online store, visit https://shelly.CTMH.com 

Lucia Camarda, the enthusiastic traveler
Without hesitation I joined the U.S. Army right out of high school and was sent to South Carolina for training.  Once training was complete, I was shipped off to Germany and my love affair with traveling began.  While there I not only took the opportunity to see other Countries such Austria, Italy, Spain, France and the Czech Republic, but I also spent time walking the cobblestone streets along what was once the Berlin Wall.  I sat in a Monastery listening to the intense music of Mozart in his hometown of Salzburg as a celebration of his birthday.  Needless to say, that all of the finer details of high school social studies that had once escaped me, ignited a fire within and sparking my interests to see more.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from American Intercontinental University South Florida Campus.  I have since spent time traveling the North East taking photos of small towns, nature and anything that fascinates me.  My traveling was a direct result of being the graphic designer for Connextions Magazine and could not have imagined traveling without Shelly Straub. 

We enjoyed traveling so much, we started venturing out to the Caribbean upon the decks of the massive cruise ships, where my photography blossomed and passion for traveling continues to thrive.  Since Shelly’s diagnosis and battle with cancer, I realize just how precious God’s creation really is.  Not only do I enjoy embracing all the moments I am fortunate to have with Shelly, but we deeply enjoy sharing our joys with others.

Aruba

Whiteface Mtn, Tupper Lake

Dave Iannuzzi, the old-school hippi 
With his passion to create, Dave Iannuzzi brings his talents to the canvas with playful yet distinctively detailed paintings. Using his horticulture degree from Alfred State, he is best known for a unique artful ability to create low maintenance yards full of color that bloom in all seasons. Lesser known is Dave’s mural work which has been seen in Juanita’s Restaurant and Landmasters Group in Cicero. Adored by his family, we bring you the series “Paintings by Papa” which are reproduced prints of his work, with an original signature on each piece.

---