Thursday, March 31, 2011

What To Do with All of Those Seashells Found on Vacation

Unable to resist gathering up loads of seashells during our beach vacations, we were left with our holiday mementos gathering dust amongst our son's bedroom. Determined not to waste the earth's precious little gems once again, last year we created a picture frame out of all of the shells that holds a photo of the three of us on the beach. We have just returned from Florida with another large bag of seashells. This time I've looked for other ways to pay homage to our holiday.


Most shells are no longer pristine and intact. This is a fun way to utilize the  many shells well worn into rings.

Gather many oyster and clam shells and thread jute through the "wings" and lie across your outdoor table to help prevent the table cloth from blowing away.

If you are totally enamored with seashells you can buy them. They are quite inexpensive and probably in much better shape than most you'll find on the shore. Remember to lay out your design prior to glue gunning them in place.

This is a simple alternative to filling in every square inch of the frame's face as in the example above. Just glue down a single row of similar shells allowing the wood of the frame to be exposed.


This time I purposely looked for shells with a small hole in them so I can string them into a bracelet or necklace. Once it's complete, I'll post a picture of the final design.


To see more ideas and get full details on the projects above, visit Country Living online here.

Monday, March 28, 2011

A Stylish Umbrella

I have been missing in action from my blog quite a bit during the month of March. It's been filled with lots of travel; long weekends in Phoenix (my stepson's hockey tournament), Tucson (a tango festival), Santa Fe/ABQ (another tango weekend) and then spring break vacation on Anna Maria Island, Florida, a sleepy little island where we visit my parents who live a quick two blocks from the ocean. We have been here all week and the weather has been unbelievable; perfect sunny days with a slight breeze and a warm ocean (only took me two minutes to get the water on my tummy)! We have enjoyed this weather up until the middle of last night where it stormed loudly.  Today, I'm looking for a stylish little umbrella.

Rodney Hatfield's "A Stylish Umbrella"
 

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Santa Fe Style

I returned home a few days ago from a visit to Santa Fe. The weather this time of year is perfect; warm and sunny with a slight briskness in the air requiring the need for a light layer of clothing on top. Plenty of restaurants with outdoor courtyards and interesting Southwest flavors to lounge away the afternoon. A great mix of art galleries along Canyon Road can take up more than a day.


Never one to adore adobe, the style has become to grow on me.  I particularly like it mixed with contemporary and industrial pieces. Generally monochromatic color schemes and not overly rustic, but gently weathered is most appealing to me.










Geronimo is one of my favorite Santa Fe restaurants ~ just as much for its architecture as its food.
Via Geronimo Restaurant

Via Geronimo Restaurant


Selby Fleetwood Gallery is a great gallery for contemporary fine art. Nicholas Wilton and Rodney Hatfiled are some of my fav artists.

Nicholas Wilton

Nicholas Wilton

Nicholas Wilton

Nicholas Wilton

Nicholas Wilton

Nicholas Wilton

Nicholas Wilton

Rodney Hatfield via Selby Fleetwood Gallery

Rodney Hatfield via Selby Fleetwood Gallery



Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A Home with Design Continuity

What I find most apparent throughout the body of work of interior design firm, Tracery, is their ability to create spaces with total design continuity. The family home located on Lake Martin in Alabama is truly exemplary.


All photos via interior design firm, Tracery, located in Alabama and Florida.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Meg Ryan's Beach House

Meg Ryan's post-and-beam home on Martha's Vineyard had been built originally in England then meticulously dissembled and barged to the United States. This barn-like structure has just enough interior "skin" to keep it from feeling cavernous. I love the dark floors, metal framed windows, layered with shades of white throughout the home. It keeps it light, bright, and airy.



All photos via Elle Decor

Monday, March 14, 2011

Barn Conversion

A lovely home converted from a barn by the husband and wife design team, Carrie and Company.

All Photos via Carrie and Company website here.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

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