Back in the Middle Ages it was thought that Mary symbolized Sea Star or  Stella Maris in Latin. The Lady of Carmel has been the advocate and patron of Mariners, sea men and fishermen who expose their lives in the waters everyday.  A tradition in Spain since XVII and in Puerto Rico for the last century.  Where they take the Virgin out to the sea in fishing boats on Her day the 16th of July .  

The Coquille was the perfect placement for her, how fitting to make a shrine using something inspired by the seas she keeps safe!

My hometown patron, as I grew up turned out the same in the town I chose to call home 30 years later.  Although traditions were a bit different since we were landlocked in the center of the island in the mountains.  But where I live now it's a coastal town and the yearly procession takes place at Sea.

You can find processions like this on YouTube by searching "La Virgen del Carmen".

There's a mystique in faith and worship.  A history that may or may not touch you but it's palpable in every culture.  Golden shrines and altars were carved of wood and inlaid with gold flakes or made of solid gold all the way back to Egypt.  They cross faiths as I have seen them with Budha in China or the old Catholic churches in Mexico.  Every continent, every culture is fascinated by it.  This is my humble homage to my upbringing.

I prepared a Snapguide for you on how to create this Shrine!

RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Egg Shrine

RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Coquille

RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Dresden Trims

Sol, Small gold,

Daisy chain, small gold

Halo Gold

Rosette, gold