Beachcombing With a Purpose: 2 DIY Shell Projects

DIY Shell Curtain

Want to give beachcombing a purpose? Colorfully-toned shells come in so many unique shapes and sizes. Set out to find the perfect shells to complete these shell projects. The image above is a sweet and simple shell project from Sweet Paul. Create this Shell Curtain with shells, ed a hammer, physician nails and twine.

DIY Shell Chandelier

This Shell Chandelier tops my list of creative reuse of junk. Underneath this stylish number wrapped carefully in twine and adorned with shells, is a tacky old lighting fixture that was headed for the landfill. Reused, recycled and reconsidered, the Shell Chandelier created by Lindsey Cheney of the Pleated Poppy via Completely Coastal is a thrifty and creative reuse project.

For more beach-inspired projects check out: DIY Decorating With Nautical Knots What The Sea Left Behind Sun Senses: Beach Inspired Home Décor DIY Stone Knobs

Credits: Sweet Paul and Lindsey Cheney

DIY Decorating With Nautical Knots

If you are one of those people who think that ropes are just for jumping, think again. Rope, sale which is called "line" when used on boats, is essential to every sailor. Ropes are also a versatile DIY material on and off a boat. I just came back from vacation and spent a considerable amount of time on a boat. My husband is a boater, and when he has some free time he enjoys practicing tying nautical knots. If you’ve ever spent any time around boats, you know that strong knots can make or break a day out on the water.

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You don’t need a yacht, or even a rowboat to try out some knots. Just hoist up the sail in your home by learning a few knots and create these 5 DIY seaworthy nautical-style projects: CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Rope Table Credit: Charles De Lisle Workshop

What The Sea Left Behind

“In every outthrust headland, sale in every curving beach, mind in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth.” ~ Rachel Carson After boarding the ferry home from Martha’s Vineyard, my head was swimming with beachy DIY ideas. I’m somewhat obsessed with collecting things the sea left behind – sea glass, beach stones and shells. The weathering forces of the salty ocean, with its abrasive pounding and then sun-faded drying, transforms shells, discarded glass and stones into alluring objects.

For years, I kept the rewards of my beachcombing in jars and bowls around the house. Now is the time to dip into those beach treasures and harvest some beauties for DIY projects.

Come back for more econesting posts with projects from what the sea left behind. Let’s start with beach stones…

Beach Stone Closure

Do you need a closure for an outdoor shower or garden gate? This clasp is secure enough to keep peeping Toms out, and easy enough for a child to open. You’ll need an array of beach stones, a drill, hemp twine and this Care2 tutorial to make this simple clasp.

Credit: Remodelista.

3 Things I Want to Say About The Clinton Wedding

While I was on vacation, Chelsea Clinton got married in my hometown. I watched from afar and observed my beautiful village getting swept up in the media frenzy. My generally calm, cool and collected friends were awash with celeb-fever. Maybe I would have been too if I wasn’t so removed (thankfully) from all the action.

Here are 3 things I want to say about the wedding:

1. They got married in a remarkable estate that I have had the privilege to visit. I was invited for a meeting at Astor Courts this past spring and took these photos. I was awestruck by its majestic beauty. Many homes along the Hudson River are steeped in rich history and well preserved. Most have been updated in period styles laden with heavy decorative detailing. The current owner has taken the genteel roots of this home and paid homage to both its architecture and spectacular surroundings. Without being bland or overly muted, the space is saturated in neutrals. There is a dynamic juxtaposition of contrasting textures, fabrics, and shapes that is anything but stagnant. It’s a perfect backdrop for a wedding.

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This New York Timesarticle describes how the estate, designed by architect Stanford White, was brought back to life.

2. For whatever reason (and there is much speculation about Chelsea’s gluten-free, meet-free diet), the menu was vegan and the wedding claimed to be green. Wedding menus can run the gamut from roast beef to raw, but a vegan menu encompasses a lifestyle choice that obviously works for Chelsea and her new husband. Some may have found it limiting, but the couple's decision was respected. You've gotta love that.

3. I wish them all the best, and thank them for choosing my little town on the Hudson while I am far, far away from the hoopla (and paparazzi), enjoying the gifts of my own family, the sun and the sea.

Rock, Paper…Table

Brazilian designer Domingos Tótora's table appears to be balanced on large stones. Right? On closer inspection, the Agua Table is easy to move, eco-friendly, and no stones were harmed in the making of it. The table is created from recycled cardboard. Check out these amazing photos of the artisan's process behind making the Agua Table via Contemporist: