coming soon...

My summer beach walks have inspired me to shoot new items for the "down by the shore" page of our online shoppe. Here is a little peek of the vintage finds that will soon be added to the website

 

Surroundings by Melinda

 

a vintage Vaseline jar filled to the brim

with colorful and delicate coquinas...

 

decoupage galvanized buckets...

 

old club soda bottles with wire bails...

 

shell inspired creamware dishes...

 

an old remedy bottle from the 1800's...

 

pint sized Atlas E-Z Seal jars with wire bails...

 

 

hand crafted chenille heart pillow...

 

jars filled with white shells and coral...

 

a spectacular pair of natural shell earrings from the 1950's...

 

vintage French scallop shell shaped butter molds...

 

 

an adorable retro cookie tin...

 

molded glass shell "cups"...

 

Now it's time to take more pictures for the rest of the pages...

 



bloggin...

I am very fortunate to not only love my job but I also have the ability to spread my creative wings on a daily basis. 

On top of running my retail shop and handling client's design duties, I am able to shoot and write stories for a number of magazines. I also contribute tips to a few other blog sites.

The article I wrote yesterday was a breeze...

 

Seashells: Nature's Accessories

 

For a designer living on an island known for its stupendous shelling...this gig was priceless!

Here are a few pictures intended to inspire...

 

A tiny simple seashell can bring a smile, conjure a memory and encourage a daydream. So the next time you have the opportunity to walk along the beach, take time to pick up a special treasure or two. Think of it as a way to decorate with nature!

sneak peek

I just finished a wonderful Independence Day magazine shoot

that will be tucked away until next year.

 

I thought I would share a little sneak peek...

 

I sure hope you all had a terrific weekend filled with

bright fireworks, great food and lots of happiness!!!

 

 

Where Women Cook...

 

I am so honored and proud to be featured on the cover

of the current issue of Where Women Cook!!!

 

 

 

And it means the world to me to be able to share

this incredible honor with my amazing Mom!!!

 

To see the rest of this 12 page article and get my Mom's recipe for homemade Ukrainian pierogies please pick up the current issue of Where Women Cook.

 

There are so many amazing stories, beautiful photography and must have recipes...you won't be disappointed!!!

 

 

sea tee dresses

Summer is in full swing here on Sanibel Island!

I would like to share a few of the sea inspired dresses

I made for my little shoppe...

 

the comfy three tier tee dress

with a lightweight cotton sweater top...

 

and here is my ode to flash dance...

 

the girly sailor tee dress...

 

with a crochet lace hem...

 

this could be one of my favorites...

 

 

another three tier tee dress with a lacey tee top...

 

short and sweet...

 

Doris Day was my muse...

 

...with loads and loads of lolli-pops!

 

a little on the sexy side...at least for me!

 

 

okay...another favorite!

 

the easiest summer vacation dress...ready for any adventure!

 

and it's great with a belt too!

 

...as long as it's a seashell belt!

 

I sure hoped you like the dresses.

A few have sold before I could even post the pictures!

There are many more to come...

 

working with a friend...

It has been a while since I have visited the world of blog-landia. Work has a way of taking my full attention.

I thought I had best take a few minutes to at least share a few things. I hope you have had a chance to see the June issue of Romantic Homes as well as the summer issue of Victorian Homes! I styled and shot stories for both at a friend's home. It makes work a lot less work when I have a chance to spend tie with friends.

 

Here's a sneak peak of both...