By Deena. Almost every woman we have gotten to know on the islands is a talented artist. Their raw materials are the free treasures that are in abundance everywhere we go: different colors and grains of sand, myriads shells, sea urchin spines, seeds, palm and pandanus leaves, and pearls. We continue to be inspired by the creations of the local women; and we are in danger of arriving home weighed down by too many shell necklaces.