Locally, you may have spotted her beautiful oyster art at Cool Beanz, Coast and Creek Outfitters, or Vino 1910. Amanda Deal is the amazing artist behind Oyster Girl: one of a kind, handmade oyster art.
Deal graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor's in Fashion Merchandising and Minor in Business Management. She began her oyster art back in 2022, first selling it at her sister’s salon, 30 Volume and Boutique. Her inspiration to make art from oyster shells came from her family's love of the coast.
Deal says, “We have always made trips to the beach, a yearly tradition—one that I hold near and dear to my heart. We collect seashells when we are there and I have always found beauty in how unique each shell is and how the characteristics were so intriguing to me. Taking something that is normally discarded and turning it into something that is beautiful and one of a kind.”
That one of a kind uniqueness is found in all of Deal's creations, from seasonal designs to local flora and fauna she captures in the shells. She makes a variety of oyster art including keychains, Christmas ornaments, trinket bowls, bottle charms, napkin rings, garlands, jewelry, prayer beads, and home decor, always incorporating new ideas she has into items.
Deal shares, “It’s such a feeling of true joy and gratitude that comes over me when I hear positive feedback on my work.”
Deal is able to work from home and make her own hours, which she says was very important for her—being able to be there for her family while also pursuing her dream. She says that crafting oyster art is fun and relaxing and enjoys the process of taking raw materials and making something different and one of a kind.
After Deal cleans, thoroughly scrubs, and disinfects the shells, she sorts them by size. Once prepped, she paints, decoupages, and gilds the shells.
Deal says, “I feel it breathes new life into the oysters and creates something really special. It’s such a unique product that I felt was so different from anything else offered in town. There is something about oysters - their shape, color, the coastal lifestyle - that inspires me to make them into beautiful art for others to enjoy!”
Deal is constantly researching different ideas for her designs. She says her inspiration comes from the changing seasons. For Spring, she likes colorful and floral designs, in Summer, it's nautical and coastal designs, and in Fall and Winter, she creates seasonal designs for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She also likes to incorporate classic designs for customers who enjoy a more natural aesthetic.
Deal’s busiest time of year is the holiday season. She is a vendor for markets in Statesboro, Glennville, Twin City, and Swainsboro, as well as attending events at local businesses. She has also had wholesale success with IHS Pharmacy in Metter, Virginia Luxe in Statesboro, and Molly Maxine in Hinesville.
With a website and Etsy shop in the works, Deal hopes to soon sell her art on a larger scale.
Deal says, "It really is a great community of small businesses we have! My customers are so supportive and really encourage me to continue this little hobby-turned-small business of mine. I am so grateful for everyone along the way that has supported and encouraged me to push myself out of my comfort zone and makes me absolutely love what I do!”
Currently, Deal takes orders through her Facebook and Instagram pages. Keep an eye out on her social media for updates on her upcoming website and Etsy shop.
