beach junk

I'm not quite ready to start my 'impossible' challenge yet (see post before this) but I have been
playing with some stuff I found on the beach.

 Worthing Beach, West Sussex - last week !

I have collected shells in the past, but recently I have been picking up all sorts of things.

This is my haul so far.

 I really like finding things now, and can't stop looking (even if my little dog would

sometimes rather go to the park !).

I love the simplicity of these things, and the unique way that time

and the sea has aged and softened them. 

First, I took the rusty wire mesh from above, and a pine frame I bought last year for £3.

I painted the frame white, because I want it to stand out against my stencilled walls,

 ( see here )

and distressed it. Took out the glass etc. and stapled the mesh in the back.

And voila -

This is a photo of my brother and I when we were 6 and 4 !!!

I love the contrast of the rust and distressed frame against my walls.

A valentine selection. The gorgeous little metal tag came on a Christmas present.

Next I took a box frame, which cost about £3.50

 (I have been storing stuff for a few months),

and added some brown paper, a fabric sample, some shells, and a little organza ribbon.

I painted the frame with one of the colours from the stencilled wall, because this will

probably end up on the opposite 'white' wall, in a group of pictures.

I have a plan for the large pieces of driftwood, that I am really excited about.

The box frame turned out so well that in the future I will frame some more of my haul.

But the best thing about this project - I didn't go out and buy anything, just used what I had !

Well folks, I must get on, it's Saturday morning and the poor dog is making sad little

whining noises, because I haven't said the 'W' word yet.

linking up with

Saturday Nite Special @ funky junk interiors

Pot Pourri Friday @ 2805

Inspiration Friday @ at the picket fence

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ common ground

Whatcha Got Weekend @ lolly jane boutique

Debbiedoos Newbie Party @ Debbiedoos

Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm

Primp your stuff Wednesdays @ {primp}

christmas house tour 2011

I know some of you may have seen all of this before, but the projects I've

been working on today aren't ready, so I'm doing a little house tour !

I had fun trying out THREE mantles here but opted to go back to the original one because it ties in with the decor on the Christmas tree, and because I'm a sentimentalist. These little decs have been with me for ages and maybe they are too tacky or twee, but I love them !

I really liked my mantle with 'a little bit of bling', so I moved it onto the sideboard in the dining room.

 

I added this large cloche, that wouldn't have fitted on my mantle.

And also this storm lantern with shells, which is from our bedroom.

The hall.

My old wreath with a quick makeover ( Yes I know - the front door really needs painting !)

I did put up a little 'garland' in my kitchen yesterday.

One packet of ikea biscuits (I couldn't believe there was actually ten inside, for £1.00 !!!).

Some little ribbons and a bit of string !

The kitchen smells great ( my old geezer has already eaten the other packet I bought, as they smelled so good).

And finally - my favourite Santa, candles, a tea light holder and my grandmother's mini Christmas tree.

The garlands !?! Well I still have a few days yet, and also there is the dining table to do.

(I'm still hoping I'll have time to paint it first !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Here's wishing everyone who sees this a very Merry Christmas x

linking up with

theinspiredroom.net

and

www.thenester.com