a shining light

 Since my last post, I have been thinking a lot about family and some of my favorite times together.

My mom and I could pick up seashells every day and never tire.

My dad is a selfless soul that could take or leave shelling, but he is at his happiest just at the sight of his family doing something that brings them joy.

So my mom and I would collect as many treasures as we could find and my dad would haul them all to the house.

Once the shells were all cleaned, I thought it would be nice to do something with them that my dad could enjoy and help me with. Before I moved to Florida, my dad and I would spend most weekends in his garage creating, fixing, painting or refinishing things for my shop.

So a daddy-daughter seashell project was on my radar.

The vintage shell lamp...

I always have a "to-do" stash of projects in my garage or in storage. I thought a lamp might be a great project for us to tackle.

I had an old rusty outdoor post light with a fabulous aged brass sea green patina.

First, my dad removed the original wiring and replaced it with wiring suitable for an indoor lamp. Equipped with a plug and toggle switch. 

The original fixture would have been atop a solid post, so as it stood now, it was top heavy. So I rummaged through my vintage wood stash and found a weathered wooded block and a grey-blue board. Both have a driftwood look perfect for this project.

I replaced the candlelight arms with new sleeves and placed seashells inside the glass hurricane shade. 

I must say the finished product is spectacular!

The best part is that I was able to combine both my mom and dad in a project that will always make me think of them.

she sells seashells

 August has always reminded me of summer vacations. It was the month my family would take a beach get-away before school started.

Now that I live at the beach, it seems funny that August still makes me think of walking the beach and picking up seashells.

This year has been such a challenge for so many different reasons. Mainly, I miss that my mom and dad have not been able to come for visits due to Covid.

So this August is different. But I can think of my wonderful family every time I pass a seashell in my house or garden.

During this pandemic, if you are separated from family, I hope you have reminders of fun adventures around your home.

As much as I miss picking up seashells with my mom, I'm just happy that my entire family has stayed safe and healthy.

Everyday is a blessing.

lace chairs

 It's official, I am on a lace kick as of late.

Since I've been sharing so much about how I incorporate vintage linens into my life, I thought I would share one of my favorite lace projects.

I covered a pair of oval back side chairs with all sorts of vintage lace, crochet and tatting.

I started with a pair of French country oval back side chairs with fluted legs and lovely carved floret designs.

The wood has a natural stain and white furniture wax finish to highlight the beautiful details.

There are more than 60 doilies, lace panels, crochet pieces and miscellaneous trimmings on the chairs. Every inch of the upholstery  on the front and back as well as the seat are embellished with assorted antique finery.

If you would like to try a project like this but are a bit intimidated, you could start with something small like a footstool.

I am so pleased with the finished chairs. To protect the lacework, I sprayed the finished chairs with Scotchgard.

love of lace

 It's interesting how blogging lately has been a fluid process for me. meaning, one blog triggers a train of thought, then the next and the next. This blog is no different.

So in my previous post about the garden wash station, I mentioned that I like to use some of my stained or damaged old lace and linens to decorate my garden.

Truth be told, I pretty much surround myself with antique fabrics. They are my favorite color (all shades of white), they soften a space and I love the antiquity that they represent.

Here are some of the types of vintage linens that I collect...

table linens

antique collars

crochet pillow cases

miscellaneous lace trimmings

There is just something magical and lovely about old lace, crochet and linens. It warms my heart and conjures thoughts of an elegant way of life. Do you have old family linens hiding in a drawer, cupboard or a box in your home?

Why not get them out, iron the wrinkles and find a way to display them. It's hard to appreciate just how special these old pieces are if they are not being truly appreciated.

wash up

 After reminiscing about the shade garden on Sanibel from my last post, I thought I would share another small yet important section from my garden. The wash station.

I can easily spend countless hours in my gardens. No matter how dirty I get, it doesn't bother me a bit!

But when it is time to come inside, I want to at least get the first layer of muck off my hands.

So I carved out a small area to create a pretty wash station. It's much like a work bench with the addition of a large wash bowl, soap and towels.

The wash station is decorated with vintage garden themed accessories.

A large vintage Ironstone washbowl makes the perfect vessel for the wash station. I fill it with clean water when I begin my day and the sunlight warms the water so it is perfect when I am ready to get cleaned up.

Floating a few petal or flowers not only looks beautiful, but it smells fragrant and the natural oils from the flowers are released into the water. Nature's spa.

I like to keep a lovely bar of my favorite soap next to the washbowl. A little hint: to keep the soap dish clean, I place a small layer of tiny seashells or garden stones in the bottom of the dish. It keeps the bottom from getting all yucky.

I use linens to decorate my garden. A number of my old linens have stains or small holes. Instead of discarding them, I use them in my garden. Sometimes I buy slightly damaged linens and lace at yard sales just to use throughout my garden as well.

I don't know if you have ever considered a wash station for your garden. I can tell you it is a wonderfully helpful as well as beautiful place in my garden. If you do want to create one, why not make it pretty? A little lace can make an unexpected impact.

Have fun digging in your garden...

and pamper yourself when you're done.

reminiscing

 I have been spending so much time working on my gardens at my "new" 1920's home. It has made me think about my gardens at my Sanibel Island home. Although both are on the Gulf coast, the gardens are completely different. I have been carving out a niche for a cottage garden little by little. I have been thinking of adding some inspiration from the shade garden in Sanibel.

Here are a few pictures from a walk down memory lane.

I have always decorated my gardens like I decorate inside.

Furniture, accessories, lace, linens, lighting and of course...plants.

I can't wait to keep seeing how these gardens will unfold.

Everyday is a new discovery.

aquarium upcycle

 Since my last post is fresh on my mind, I thought I would share an idea I wrote about some time ago for one of my favorite magazines.

aquarium upcycle

It's pretty easy to find an aquarium at a yard sale or junk shop. This is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to recycle an old tank into a creative and elegant terrarium.

You don't need much to get started.

fish tank

pebbles

decorative rock or shells

potting soil

plants

decorative tape and glass shelf optional

Test the tank to be sure the bottom holds water without leaking.

If it does leak, simply use a waterproof clear caulk in the seams and allow to dry.

Starting on the bottom: layer small clean pebbles then add sterile potting soil.

Next, arrange the plants you wish to use. Once placed, be sure the roots are all covered with soil.

Lastly, secure the soil and plants with a layer of decorative river stone and or sea shells. If using shells, clean them very well so no sea salt residue remains.

I used a decorative tape around the top edge to add a touch of elegance to the finished terrarium.

This type of terrarium makes a lovely centerpiece.

I placed a piece of glass shelving that I had in my craft stash so I could display things on top.

Select the type of plants depending on whether or not your piece will have a top or lid.

Open terrarium:

air plants, succulents or cactus

Closed terrarium:

any plant that likes a damp environment

ivy, fern and tropical plants

Next time you see a small aquarium on a curb or inexpensively at a yard sale, why not take a chance and create a beautiful terrarium.

terrific terrariums

 Oh goodness is it hot in Florida. It's actually not too bad, it's been breezy but it is on the humid side. Although I'm still gardening daily, I either go out early or before sunset. So when I'm in search of fulfilling my green thumb projects, I stay inside and make terrariums.

I have a collection of apothecary jars that I use for all sorts of things. They make wonderful containers for terrariums.

I place a layer of clean, very fine gravel on the bottom and then a layer of well draining potting soil.

I tuck in tiny plants with small root systems. They need to like a very humid environment in order to survive. It helps to use a long skewer or chopstick to secure the roots and make sure they are covered with soil.

Then I carefully layer decorative stones and seashells to hold the roots and soil in place. Be certain that the shells are clean and free from any sea salt residue. Salt can be fatal to plants in an enclosed environment. 

I water using a mister. Then close the top and place in a bright room but not in direct sunlight.

Air plants and succulents will not work in enclosed terrariums. The air plants need daily air flow and good circulation. And succulents will rot in such damp growing conditions. Fern, ivy and pink splash will thrive! Just be sure to read the label of the plants you purchase.

I hope you will try to make a terrarium. It's so quick and easy. The end product is very elegant.

Happy indoor gardening...