Feeling a little blue...

I'm feeling a little blue today, not in a sad way, but in a relaxing way. 

Add to that a few seashells, some of my favorite dishes, and I kinda feel like I'm on vacation!

It's the simple things in life, right?

I've had all of these items for a while...it was just a matter of gathering everything together.

These dishes were found at a consignment shop a few years ago. 

They were marked 50% off. Yippee!

I think the 4 place settings were $20...can you even believe?

Do you see that blue coral peeking out in the back?

It's not really coral, it's plastic and for aquariums. Really! It actually came in this color but is available in different colors too. In fact, I bought a smaller one that was pink. To see it transformed, click here.

The seashells are souvenirs from a family trip to Sanibel, Florida.

If you haven't been - you HAVE to go. It's one of the most relaxing places I've ever been!

I made the seashell bottle in the back. You can read about it here. 

Collecting special things makes for special memories, don't they?

I'm joining Bunny Jeans Decor and More for her Wednesday's Bunny Hop! 

Hop on by won't you?

Loving Coral...

I love all things sea related...expecially coral. I think it's beautiful in any color and enjoy decorating my home with a bit here and there. 

However, it can be pricey, and after doing a bit of research on coral, there are some harsh ways to bring up these beauties. So I thought I'd try something different - artificial coral for aquariums. 

They looked very good on my computer monitor...good enough to try them in decorating.

Here is my little transformation:

I found this online...

Jardin Coral Shaped Aquarium Fish Tank Decoration Ornament, Pink amazon.com

The shape was great, but not the color I had in mind...easy fix...paint!

Easy, easy fix.

Disguising it with a few other treasures, it's not so bad...what do you think?

I bought a second one...it's a beautiful blue. 

Stay tuned for that little transformation!

I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday

Be sure to drop by for amazing transformations!

Winter Whites...

Love monochromatic decorating with beauties like these...

I hope you are enjoying your Sunday.

Funny little guys...

I guess one reason why I love the beach is that each day is different.

It's hard to imagine that, but it's true.

I hadn't seen this before, I guessed it was someone drawing in the sand.

But upon closer inspection, I saw who was actually doing all the drawing!

It was a Junonia.

They were everywhere!

Take a guess of what this is...

and his cousin.

Give up?

It's called Sea Pork.They are creatures that house tiny zooids. 

However when washed up they are no longer alive.

Want more information? Click here and here.

There was quite a variety of shells...

...and for some reason these guys were washing up.

See the color of the spines?

When it had dried out, the skeleton was lavender.

Absolutely beautiful.

The gem of the day...a little starfish.

I took a quick picture and threw him back so he could grow a bit more...

that way I can find him again on my next trip. ;)

I have to say that my favorite part of each day was watching the sun set.

Truly amazing.

Seashell Boxes

I found a little shadow box at Salvation Army, scrounged around a bit and found its mate. Yea! I'm always drawn to these and couldn't resist. They were only 99 cents...no harm, right?

I liked the color of the frames but had a different idea for the background. Taking off the back, I replaced  the balloons with burlap and a seashell. It was quick and easy. With a little bit of Windex, I had a new addition to my home.

Because these little guys are only about 4 inches square, they'll be easy to move around from place to place.

For information on making the seashell bottles pictured above, click here.
For the transformation of the blue shelf, click here.

Today I'm joining, Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday, Rhoda's Southern Hospitality for her Today's Thrifty Monday, Marty's A Stroll Thru Life for her Tabletop Tuesday, and Linda's Coastal Charm for her Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays. Be sure to drop by these ladies' parties for a great time!

Thanks for stopping by to visit...enjoy your day!

Combining two things I really like...

I'm joining Laura for her Saturday is Crafty Day over at Along For the Ride. Be sure to drop by to be inspired!

I combined two things I really like:  shells and books. I took three strands of jute and tied a knot at one end. I then braided it and knotted the other end. I frayed each end and added shells to one of the ends. It was simple and quick...my kind of project!

These would be great gifts for all those that love the sea!

Thanks for visiting, enjoy your day!

Shells, Shells, and more Shells

I'm joining Susan for her Metamorphosis Monday. Be sure to stop by for amazing transformations!

As I was browsing the other day, I ran across a set of gorgeous candlesticks {I'm so sorry I can't remember which store they were from ~ if you know please let me know!}They were completely covered in seashells. As I checked on their price, I was floored...$750.00! I couldn't believe it. They were pretty but I couldn't pay that price.

So, I saved the picture...{my inspiration}... 

...and made them myself.

I bought two plain, wooden candlesticks from Hobby Lobby ~ they were on sale{yippee!} I gathered seashells/coral from trips and shell shops...
...the fun began!

Shells were hot glued to the wooden candleholders. I wanted the two to look similar, so whatever I did to one, I tried to find companion shells for the second one.

I began with the larger pieces and then filled in with smaller shells.

Candles were added and....

...for about $10...I'm pleased.

Thanks so much for visiting...enjoy your day!