Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Coastal Decorating

I love beach combing.  Summers on the rocky beaches of mid-coast Maine are spent looking for sea glass. And this month, thanks to a camping trip to Florida and South Carolina, I got to comb unfamiliar beaches for shells we don't find in Maine.


As we explored local flea markets and antique barns throughout the South, I kept my eyes open for items in which to display some of the shells we'd collected. I came up with an olive basket, two rusty handled baskets, and a dough bowl I had on hand. 

Even after giving some of the shells away to friends, there was still quite a pile left to arrange.

I started with the tin olive basket.
My first arrangement looked as if I had just dumped the shells in.
Clearly I needed a better plan.


On my second try, I decided to take up some space in the bottom so that the arrangement would take on a rounded shape and favorite shells would't get "lost" in the bottom. Cardboard bowls worked!


 The finished arrangement is big enough to make a statement . . .


And works well on the coffee table in our conversation area.


 The dough bowl was a little easier to arrange.


As was this rusty basket for the kitchen island.
I think I'm on a roll!


I had one metal basket left over.


And decided to fill it with my accidental collection of wooden shoe forms.
Don't laugh . . . I collect old door knobs too!


As always, one project led to another.


So I decided to rearrange this display in my kitchen to hold the two pieces of  M.A. Hadley pottery DH spotted at an antique shop in North Carolina. I love how they look on my shelf.


They're hand painted and whimsical . . . outside and in!


The two Shawnee miniatures I purchased on our trip are still sitting on the top of my display cabinet.


I'll rearrange that tomorrow.


After I walk the beach?





This post is linked to:
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On the Porch
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Thursday TFT Party at Katharine's Corner
Flaunt It Friday 396 at Chic On a Shoestring

6 comments:

  1. I love the shells in the olive basket! I have a very small aquarium on top of a bookcase filled with shells I've collected over the years along with little funny 'ocean' items like a mermaid. Its a favorite collection of mine. Your miniature collection is stunning!! Enjoy the beach!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Linda. I love mermaids too! Happy Easter and Happy Spring to you and your family! ~Cheryl

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  2. Love all your shell decor!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by !! Happy Easter!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie,
      I've been on a blog break for awhile but one of the first sites I returned to visit was yours! Your Easter kitchen is beautiful and I continue to be amazed at your collections and the time you take to display them. Thanks so much for stopping by. Happy Easter!
      ~Cheryl

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  3. Thank you for the comment on my blog. I had to came by and check you out. What a fun blog you have! I have added you to my list of blogs i follow.
    I smiled at all of your collections. I have been retired for almost 13 years now, and I'm really trying to cut back on my collecting, so I will live vicariously through yours.

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  4. So good to hear from you, Linda. I love your blog! Happy Easter, Cheryl

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