As we were making our first children’s book, ABC: An Animal Alphabet Adventure, we knew we wanted to create a special collection for its launch. Inspired by the alphabet, Stephanie created a new Storytime pillow, a fun zipper pouch, and even an ABC block tissue box cover. It also felt like the perfect time to relaunch a beloved Coral & Tusk Alphabet classic, the Sea and Match memory game, our very first product! *Updated - Limited edition Sea and Match memory game is now sold out
Above: The 2026 Sea and Match reissue carrying case and cards.
What is Sea and Match?
Sea and Match is a memory game that also doubles as an alphabet. The game set includes 26 pairs of embroidered fabric cards (52 cards total). The cards are stitched with depictions of sea and shore creatures that follow the alphabet: from A for Anemone to Z for Zebrafish. It is also the product that started Coral & Tusk!
We are reissuing the memory game set for a limited time only, we only created 36 pieces and once it sells out, it won’t be back! *Now sold out
Above: the original Sea and Match!
It all started with a gift…
Over 17 years ago, Stephanie set out to create a handmade gift for her friend’s new baby. She planned to create an ocean-themed memory game and would hand-embroider 26 pairs of fabric memory cards. (Not to mention she would also cut and sew the cards and the carrying case!) After MANY hours of hand stitching, she couldn’t help but wonder: “Is there a faster way to embroider 52 cards?!”
Above: The original pencil drawing for the Sea and Match carrying case.
What Would Martha Do?
Stephanie began to research embroidery machines. She knew she needed something small-scale that would translate the detail of her drawings and convey the hand-stitched feel. While flipping through Martha Stewart Living, she noticed a photo of Martha’s own craft room, which featured an embroidery machine. After tracking down the same machine, a Husqvarna Viking Designer SE, Stephanie took a leap of faith. The machine itself was a huge investment, inspiring Stephanie to find a way to justify the purchase and support paying the machine off.
To pay off the machine, Stephanie began offering machine-embroidered editions of the Sea and Match game set along with other items, including baby onesies, t-shirts, and accessories. From this small collection of machine-embroidered goods, Coral & Tusk grew!
