Beach House Style for the Apartment (mine, that is!)

Well, the apartment is taking shape, but  not anywhere close to being finished. I decided that I had to show you all some of the progress I am making.....

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a great store in Half Moon Bay called Abode, they carry way cool simple natural items, including quite a few local artisan hand-crafted interesting things.  Here's a few pics from the store!

Do you recognize the rocks?  I bought two out of this bowl - "I Love You" and the "Happiness" rock.  

Way too cute!

Could not resist these!  Alphabet Soup Letters, a bargain at only $6.00 each, all hand painted and stenciled on reclaimed pieces of plywood. Want to see what I did with mine?

Of course, I had to buy a C for Caron, and a T for Tom!  Like my pink seahorses and tropical fish? 

Found this sea shell and coral bright shower curtain at that DANGEROUS store, T.J. Maxx.  Trying to combine my stuff with Tom's stuff - quite a challenge, this shower curtain helped bring all of the combined towel colors together.

Another T.J. Maxx find - Tom had a good laugh, he thought it was pretty funny that the sign is pointing into San Francisco, and not towards the beach, I thought it was pretty clever to have it point into the shower. Duh! 

My little corner... I am hoping to have the starfish back on my website soon.  Our manufacturer has been out of stock for the longest time! (Candles purchased at Beach House Style last summer)

 Here's another cute recycled shell that would look great with  candles too - our small scallop bowls ($6.95) - here's a direct link! http://www.caronsbeachhouse.com/servlet/the-169/glass-shells,-coastal-decorating,/Detail

(Sorry, had to throw in a little shameless self-promotion!)

Like I said, the apartment is a work in progress, but I am sure having fun discovering new stores and treasures here in the Bay Area!  Have a great Thursday and a great weekend - 

End of Summer Beach Treasures

Somehow, I find myself with bowls of shells, stashes of beach junk and pocketfuls of sea glass at the end of every summer (not to mention every beach walk!) Now what to, do to display all of my treasured finds?

A few years ago, while in LaConner, Washington,  I spotted some unique outdoor planters using simple white clam shells, mortared on large red-clay pots with gray sand mixed into the grout.(sorry - did not grab a pic!)   Gorgeous and creative way to display our Northwest Butter Clam Shells!

Our friends at Liberty Bay books have a few on display in their store too -

So, I thought that there must be a way to show off my shells with my collection of seaglass and broken pottery....

So easy to do, and could be a fun project with your kids!

What you will need:

• Newspapers (for making a mess!)
• Terracotta Clay Planter
• Paint - Acrylic used for outside projects would be the best
• collection of your beach "junk" aka "treasures"
• sanded grout. Be creative - can be colored!
• clear spray paint to protect your art

Start by painting the edges of the pot that will not be covered by shells, let dry thoroughly before beginning to apply the grout. Start spreading your grout in one spot on your

planter, carefully pressing and arranging your treasures into the grout. Keep rotating the pot until it is completely covered and you are happy with your creation!

Let dry, and spray carefully with clear coating. Voila' -- you are now a shell artist!