Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Sea Shell Chic

It's been unusually cold and rainy here in Michigan, so I thought what better to do than go to the beach!  Well, not literally!!   But I can dream and imagine being at the beach, though!  I am an "aqua baby", and am happiest when I am by (or in!) the water!

I love shells and shell crafting, and I usually don't bring out my shell things til summer time, but felt the urge today to get them out.  Whenever we travel somewhere warm and tropical, my very favorite thing to do is walk by the ocean, collecting shells.  I could get lost in shelling for hours (and I have!).  I've been shell crafting for a few years now.  It's so fun to make things that bring back memories of wonderful trips!  I thought I would show you how I decorated the antique hutch in our living room today.


I'll show you a closer look.  I love the way these shells and sea urchins look in vintage glass creamers!











And here is a close up of a some of the boxes  I covered in shells. The one above (I've shown you two views of it), started out as a metal recipe box!                                                                                                                                                                                  
Of course, everything looks better under a glass cloche, don't you think?!  This sweet pink depression glass creamer was given to me by my Mom several years ago.  This picture frame is my first shell crafting project.  That is hubby & me at Lake Michigan.  I do love our Great Lakes!



This shell mirror took many, many hours, and tons of shells!

These are actually mirrors, but I thought that they would look pretty on our coffee table with votive candles in the center.  They look so pretty at night!  I have had these mirrors since I was a teenager, & tucked them away for years, almost forgotten!  Glad I kept them!  The last photo is another box, which started out as a lidded tin.  For some of these projects, I did supplement with a few shells that I bought at the dollar store, but most were gathered on our trips.  Lots of memories, lots of glue gun burns, too!   I will be sure to share with you in a future post more ways that I use and display shells!  I am linking today's post up with Faded Charm for White Wednesday 
and Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday 
and Funky Junk Interiors SNS

13 comments:

the gypsy magpie said...

Bienvenue! I was so happy to find your blog this morning (linked through Reinvented's 'Trash To Treasure' hop) I spent some good time this morning going through your posts and thoroughly enjoyed them. And yes- I saw that you found some vintage sheet music! Thanks for your sweet comments and I'm sorry to reply this way- I couldn't find an e-mail link for you. Nice to meet you and you can bet I'll be following what you do from now on!!!

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Your shell mirror and picture frame are awesome! I love shells, too and always bring some home from vacations. I love that no two are exactly alike!

Amanda

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

I love decorating with shells and if you look on my blog header you will see the shells in my livingroom. I absolutely love your shell boxes and that mirror is 2di4! I tried making one and it took so many shells and lots of labor, so I can appreciate the work and beauty of yours.

I hope the sun comes out tomorrow and you have a lovely week.

hugs
Sissie

{oc cottage} said...

What awesome creations!

m ^..^

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I love all your creations! The large wall mirror is just beautiful ~ and I also like how you used smaller ones for candle bases. I think those are my favorite! I also love the tray you did in the previous post...great idea!

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Donna,
The oval shell mirror is gorgeous! Funny I was just catching up on Martha Stewart on my DVR and she made as shell nightlight... cute!
Thanks so much for visiting me!
Bella

Hootin Anni said...

How wonderful....I live just 15 minutes' drive from the coast and have collected many shells in my time....mine are all in apothecary jars, but I really think I like your idea better!!

My Show n Tell is my finished, newest, watercolor painting...I do hope you can stop by to view it and give me some critique!! Click HERE

Have a great Friday.

Andrea at Opulent Cottage said...

Your shell creations are just stunning! Really gorgeous, and made all the more special by the fact that you found all of your shells! Thank you for such a lovely inspiration.
Cheers, Andrea

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

What's not to love about sea shells!
You would probably love the cornice board featured in Paula Deen's new book, Savannah Style, made of oyster shells. It's over the top! I'm a new follower and would love you to share this on Modern Craftswoman Monday!
Rory

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

Donna your wall mirror is really beautiful. I like the little ones with the votives on them too.

Decor To Adore said...

Such a clever and creative girl. My heart is going pitty pat.

Jane B. said...

Beautiful Shell accessories! Thanks for sharing. And I followed too. :)

Jane
Finding Fabulous

Mikey Fuller said...

I love it! Shells can be so elegant and casual at the same time!