Shellamps began the way many great ideas do, by the ocean, with a spark of curiosity and a whole lot of trial and error.
We’re Fraser and Dave, a young couple living on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Our days usually revolve around the sea; surfing, fishing, and soaking up as much sun as possible. The coast has always been our happy place, and in a way, it’s also where Shellamps was born.
The Idea That Started It All
The first Shellamp wasn’t something we planned to create. It began with a request from Dave’s sister, Ebony. She had been looking online for vintage shell lamps (those beautiful coastal pieces that capture the magic of the ocean) but couldn’t find anywhere to buy one in Australia. So, she asked the question that started it all: “Could you make one for me?”
We didn’t know much about lamp-making at the time, but we loved the idea. We started searching for shells big enough to house a light bulb, and almost as if it were meant to be, we found a lovely couple just 40 minutes away from us who sold large shells. It felt like a sign that we were on the right path.
The First Shellamp
Dave has always been creative, always tinkering and building things in the shed. Using a few tools he already had and some old lamp wiring we found lying around, he put together the very first version of what would eventually become a Shellamp. It was rough around the edges, a little uneven, and far from polished but when we turned it on, we could instantly see the vision.
The soft light glowing through the shell created a warmth and beauty that felt alive. It wasn’t just a lamp, it was a little piece of the ocean, brought indoors.
Finding the Perfect Light
Once we saw what was possible, we couldn’t stop thinking about how to make it better. We spent months searching online for the right bulbs, cords, and fittings. eBay became our second home. We tested all sorts of combinations, different volts, colours, and shapes. Until we finally found the perfect fit: small LED bulbs that were bright enough to beautifully illuminate the shell, but cool and compact enough to work safely inside the shells while keeping it's integrity intact.
We made the first finished lamp for Ebony, then another for Dave’s mum. They were still a bit rough, but everyone who saw them loved the concept. Friends and family kept saying, “You should sell these.”
That encouragement was all we needed to take it seriously.
Taking the Leap
We started gathering what we needed to make more lamps, but there was one major challenge: we couldn’t find a power cord that suited the design. After searching everywhere, we decided to design our own. We found a manufacturer who could make exactly what we wanted and to Australian safety standards, but the minimum order was 3,000 cords.
At that point, we hadn’t sold a single lamp. It was a huge commitment, but we believed in what we were creating. So, we took the leap and trusted the vision.
From Backyard Shed to Small Workshop
With the cords underway, we got creative with the rest. We bought a travertine paver from Bunnings, along with a hole saw, and Dave cut seven round bases by hand. Then we added a drill press to the shed and began shaping the bases for the wiring.
Next came the challenge of figuring out how customers could change the lightbulb. We wanted something elegant and practical, not just a hole at the bottom. After a few late-night brainstorming sessions, we designed custom gold coins that could screw into the base; doubling as both an access point for the bulb and a place to showcase our logo. Two birds with one stone, literally.
When the first proper batch of Shellamps came together, we could feel how much they’d improved. Each one had its own character, but the overall design was becoming more refined and consistent.
The Market Test
Our first step into the world was through local markets and social media. We set up stalls along the Sunshine Coast, chatting with people face-to-face, showing them the glow of the shells as the sun went down.
The response was mixed. Some people were instantly captivated, while others couldn’t get past the price. There were moments we questioned ourselves: Were we charging too much?
But then, sales started to come in. Slowly, steadily. People who understood the craftsmanship and unique attributes of each lamp were willing to pay for quality. It didn’t take long to realize the truth: we weren’t charging too much; we were charging too little.
The time, care, and creativity that went into every lamp were far greater than we’d imagined when we started. Between materials, market fees, packaging, and countless hours spent refining the process, it wasn’t a profitable venture yet, but it was something special. And with every lamp we made, the design got better.
Evolving the Design
Over time, we began redesigning our components to make them more professional and consistent. We updated our custom gold coins, refined our logo, and started working with another manufacturer to produce travertine bases pre-drilled to our specifications.
For the first time, everything started to feel polished and purposeful. We launched our website Shellamps.com, and began selling online. That came with new challenges: website fees, shipping costs, and the occasional postal disaster but it also opened us up to a wider audience who loved what we were creating.
Our First Christmas
The real turning point came at Christmas in 2024. We were blown away by the number of orders. Our little shed turned into a full-time workshop, and we spent long nights sanding, wiring, packing, and labelling orders as quickly as we could.
Then, disaster struck! Four lamps broke in transit. It felt devastating. We remade each one, repacked them with extra care, and sent them off again, holding our breath until they arrived safely.
It made us realize how fragile our creations were and how much care was needed to get them from our hands to yours. We spent months testing different packaging methods and even tried a few different couriers, but nothing was perfect. Eventually, we went back to the good old Australia Post and decided to do what we do best: handle it ourselves and pack each one with as much protection as possible.
So far, so good.
Finding Our Balance
As Shellamps grew, so did the need to dedicate more than just the odd afternoon or weekend to it. I (Fraser) was working in a sewing factory at the time, and Dave is a renderer by trade. After a lot of thought and a few long chats in the surf, we decided that I would leave my job and commit full-time to the business while Dave continued working to cover the bills.
Since then, the business has managed to keep itself afloat, with both of us adding small chunks of extra funds whenever needed. These days, I make all the lamps myself (with a helping hand from Dave when we’re busy or behind on orders), manage our social media, pack and ship orders, and run our website while keeping up with the household side of things like cooking, cleaning, and washing.
Some weeks, I feel completely on top of the world, with time to sneak out for a surf and feel grateful for the flexibility we’ve built. Other weeks, I feel buried under it all, with the world of Shellamps resting on my shoulders. But I’ve tried to design the business around the lifestyle we love—the ocean, the balance, and the freedom that comes with creating something of our own. A little stress here and there is all part of the adventure.
Where We Are Today
Fast forward to today, and Shellamps has come a long way from that first rough prototype in the shed. We now have a trusted relationship with our shell supplier just down the road, we’ve received our second batch of travertine bases, and our little business continues to grow.
As we prepare for another Christmas season, we’re filled with the same excitement we felt when we first turned on that original lamp. Every piece we create still feels special, like capturing a bit of the ocean’s calm glow and bringing it into someone’s home.
The Heart of Shellamps
Each Shellamp is handmade with care here on the Sunshine Coast. We design them to be more than just lamps, they’re heirloom-quality, pieces of art meant to be cherished and passed down. Each shell carries its own story, formed by the ocean over years, and each base and fitting is finished by hand to bring that natural beauty to life.
What began as a gift for a family member has become something much bigger, now it’s a way for us to share a little piece of coastal magic with homes all across Australia.
And while the journey hasn’t always been easy, we wouldn’t trade it for anything. The lessons, the long nights, the challenges. They’ve shaped Shellamps into what it is today: a small business built on love for the ocean, a belief in craftsmanship, and the joy of creating something truly unique.
From our hands to your home, every Shellamp tells part of our story and we’re so proud to see that story glowing across living rooms, bedrooms, and beach houses everywhere.