beach comber's lamp...

Some projects come together immediately...

others take a bit longer.

This one was a year in the making!

I found this wonderful old post light while out junking.

The patina was perfection but it was not in working order.   

 

It had all of the metal pieces

and the beveled glass was beautifully intact...

but it didn't have any of the screws or wiring.

 

I added the candelabra lights in three different heights...

Then after almost a year of searching for just the right base,

I found two wonderful old pieces of wood.

The colors were spot on! Then it just needed to be constructed.

My Mom and Dad were visiting and this was the perfect

Father-Daughter project!

My Mom and I share an obsession for shelling

so the finishing touches were and obvious choice!

All that needed to be done was a fine top coat of a matte polyurethane to protect the patina.

It was a great deal of fun

and now I can't wait for the next project!!!

 

I love my job...and my awesome parents!

 

Love and Chocolate

I think I'm seeing a common thread here (pun intended).

Several "love" postings in a row...and now I am posting pictures of the most recent dresses I made for the Chocolate collection.

Let the love-fest continue.

 

 

"love and angels give me hope..."

 

LOVE THIS

 

...and you know how much I love pockets!

 

This vintage brown tee has a beautiful and subtle graphic design. The leaves and vines are mimicked

in the batik looking full ruffled skirt.

 

Madame Butterfly...

 

The sleeves are like tiny wings!

 

I hope you see something that you like!

 

 

 

a little more love...

Thank you for all of the very kind notes and emails about the article in the February issue of

Romantic Homes magazine!

 

By popular demand I would be happy to share

a few extra images not seen in the feature.

 

The article is entitled

The Sailor Valentine's Cool Kitsch Cousin...

collecting vintage shell souvenirs and crafts

 

You can read the entire article and see other pictures of vintage souvenir shell collectibles

in the February issue of Romantic Homes magazine!

 

Happy Valentine's Day

 

love

I really loved shooting and writing the article on vintage shell souvenirs for the February issue of

Romantic Homes magazine. 

 

Transferware, vintage ephemera, seashells...

now that's LOVE.

I hope you all have a very 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hugs and Kisses,

 

 

 

more grey skies...

I have finally cleared a bit of time

to sit down to make a few more dresses.

These have been added to my Grey Skies collection...

 

...it's a bit of a nod to my inner Holly Hobby.

 

I LOVE pockets!

 

Even tee shirt fabric can be elegant...

 

A few with a funky twist...

 

...and who doesn't love a little Marilyn Monroe...?

 

LOVE

 

The details on this dress make it so feminine...

 

Ruffles, ruffles, ruffles...

 

It looks a little like a French Poodle...but in a good way!

 

My old faithful is the classic three tier dress.

 

Sooooo comfy

 

And I adore old buttons!

 

I think I was feeling the 50's inspiration...

 

Doris Day anyone...?

 

Once I attached the geometric flower design to the skirt, I realized it looks like dirty paw prints...

now I love it even more!

 

I hope you see something that sparks your interest.

Feel free to call the shop or send an email if you would like to purchase one! The prices range from $38 to $68.00

 

Surroundings by Melinda

2480 Library Way

Sanibel Island, Fl 33957

239.579.0409

melinda@melindagraham.com

 

 

 

 

snuggle up

Are you bundled up and wishing for sunny days and sandy toes?

So many places are under a deep freeze right now that I almost feel guilty about living on a beautiful warm island...almost.

I wish I could send you a pocket full of sunshine.

Here is the next best thing!

 

Take a sneak peek at the January issue of Romantic Homes magazine.

My article is called

 

"A Warm Winter Sanctuary"

 

pages 60 through 67

 

Maybe it will thaw your soul

and help you daydream about sunny days ahead.