beach Archives - Linda Nelson

SANDY SPARKLY ORNAMENTS

November 19, 2018

It may not be the season for sandy toes, however…… sandy ornaments are a different story. Today I’m sharing this simple tutorial with you. It just might, after all, get you on the beach!

Gather your materials and supplies –

some scoopfuls of beach sand (Woe is you who do not live near the shore; however, packaged sand will work just fine.)
fine mesh strainer
fairy dust glitter (white or pearlescent)
tacky craft glue
scrap wood trim cut to ornament-sized pieces
your favorite go-to paints
sandpaper
embellishments to complete your design

Drop a handful of beach sand into a strainer and sieve the finer particles into a small bowl. Perhaps you can omit this step if you purchased packaged sand from the craft store; that kind is generally already a fine grit. Add enough glitter to suit your sparkly taste and mix thoroughly.

Sand and paint your trim piece. If you prefer, sand it again to expose some of the raw wood.

Draw your subject on to the wood with a pencil – simple designs work best. Apply a thick line of glue to the outline and fill the shape in with more glue. Spoon your sand/glitter mix onto the glue, then shake off the excess. Let the glue partially dry (about 45 minutes) then repeat the glue and sand step again. Yes, distribute the glue right over the design, and sprinkle more sand/glitter onto the glue. Set aside to dry overnight, or at least until the glue has dried completely.

Embellish as your crafty little heart desires. Attach some twine to the top and……..

©Linda Nelson 2018

Voila! You’ve just made a sandy sparkly ornament.

Now, go make some more.

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SAILING ALONG AT THE CREATEAERIE

July 27, 2015

Not too long ago, Brooke Bock of Artistic Endeavors, shared a post announcing a “hot off the press” most fabulous book, Seaside Crafting, by Cynthia Shaffer. Of course, I was curious, delighted and eager to check it out. I will definitely be adding this one to my personal library collection; after all, I’m a minute’s walk to the beach.
But not yet having the book in my possession bears no influence with not being inspired. Nope.

©Linda Nelson 2015

This is my interpretation of one of the featured crafts in the book, and my favorite. It doesn’t take much to achieve the desired look of a weathered little sailboat. They’re so stinking easy to make!

For those of you who are not blessed with the nearness of driftwood laden salty shores, I whipped up a different style of sailing vessel just for you.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Somewhat Huck Finn-esque, wouldn’t you say?

Happy sailing 🙂

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CAN YOU GUESS……….

July 18, 2015

what these items have in common?

©Linda Nelson 2015

No? Then, I’ll tell you.

They’ve been transformed (except for one) into fabulous seaside beach cottage doorstops!

Okay, let’s start with the prankster.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Seriously, does it get easier or beachier than a simple rock? Sure, you can paint it or transfer an image onto it; and, while that could jazz it up, it’s not even necessary.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Now, who doesn’t have a mason jar on hand? I added some colored sand, shells and a piece of jute twine. Done.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Weight down a straw tote with some rocks, add a hand towel and a magazine…….and this aDOORnment is in the bag! Adding some flip-flops to this ensemble would look absolutely adorable.

©Linda Nelson 2015

I drew a little starfish outline onto some cork contact paper, slapped it onto a brick, then added a little crystal. After all, a star has got to twinkle; even this one.

Scuff up a leftover nut tin, transfer or paint something onto the surface, stash some weighty pebbles inside, glue it shut, then add some rope. Done.

Perhaps you have a tin like this lurking around in your garden shed. Add those weighty pebbles, topped with some seashells, and that breeze isn’t taking your door anywhere.

I’m sure you’ve got a stockpile of fabric remnants in your craft room. Sew yourself a simple pebble pouch, cinch it shut, then embellish as you wish.

There you have it – seven inspiring ideas for keeping your seaside beach cottage doors slam-free.

Now, feel the breeze, and get creative.

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GLEANING THE BEACH WITH DAD

June 15, 2014

My dad passed away many years ago, but I have fond childhood memories of gleaning the shore for beach glass and shells with him. It was a pastime my family enjoyed each and every summer; my mom has a large jar filled with those very weathered beach glass findings. Read my post from the past to find out what else we gleaned for.

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there!

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