Three Ways to Decorate with Shells!

Okay, I know you all have them, if not, they are pretty much available everywhere! Sea Shells! I love the beautiful form of a shell, the shapes and colors, and better yet, they're not expensive. And yes, free... if you take a trip to the beach! Road trip!

As the weather gets warmer, we all dream of lounging on a beach somewhere. But what if you want to create that feeling at home? I have three ways you can incorporate shells in your decor. So every time you see them you are reminded of the serenity of the ocean. 
 

Put them in a cluster to add a sculptural element to a stack of books or magazines. Use them on a stack of books in a book shelf.

 I took several small shells and created a monogrammed tray for my entry table. I took this tray from boring to "Tray Chic"! 

Create a memory with your found shells! 

I love this one, because my philosophy is that your home should tell your story. These are shells my kids found on the beach at our favorite vacation spot. The shells sat out in the garage in a bucket forever, until I decided to make them into art. Now every time we look at them they bring back happy memories. 

Lay out your design first then glue them in place.

Here's how easy this is! All I did was remove the glass from the frames. I laid out my burlap and came up with a  shell pattern and then hot glued them directly to the burlap. Lastly, cut the burlap to fit the frame and framed it without the glass. Then just hang them where ever you want! You could even do a cluster of them.
Instant and inexpensive art that tells your story! 


Just a side note...
I want to thank those of you who take the time to read my blogs, I love sharing my ideas and I hope it gives you inspiration... buuut I need followers! So if you like my blog, be sure to become a follower and share me with you friends! Thanks guys!

 

"Cheap, Cheap" Easter!

That's right Easter weekend is upon us and what have I done to prepare? NOTHING! So here I am with friends coming in... oh 2 days, to join us to celebrate and I haven't even shopped! What to do, What to do?

So, I do what I do best. Scourer the house for things I already have to create an Easter table setting... because the way the table looks is just as important as what's served on it! Then, I can cross one thing off my list. Here's what I did in just an hour and I didn't spend a dime! This is what I call "use what you have" decorating.

I started with picking a theme and I thought a garden theme would be fitting for the special occasion. Let's call it "Elegant Garden". So I grabbed anything I could find that fell in line with my theme and started putting it all together. 

My moss balls, an antique cheese dome - which I filled with a beautiful nest, Mrs. Bird is the guardian of the nest, my garden lanterns from my porch, and greenery from the yard in little glass bottles are a great start. I set all this on a layer of natural textures, then threw in my fine china and crystal to create that elegant feeling! I have to say I was pretty proud of my creation and better yet it was freeeeee!

As I finished though, I noticed I had these cool branches I didn't use. Hmmm? I'll hang them from the chandelier for some garden whimsy! Now we have an Easter Table ready to be enjoyed!

All I have left to do now is buy the ham, and other items for the lunch, dye the Easter eggs, make the Easter cup cakes, clean the house... and most of all celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord!  

Happy Easter!