Take me to the Sea

“I must be a mermaid, Rango. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living.”  Anais Nin

“Look at that sea, girls--all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn't enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.” - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

 

“The sea always filled her with longing, though for what she was never sure.” - Cornelia Funke, Inkheart

“In still moments by the sea life seems large-drawn and simple. It is there we can see into ourselves.”  Rolf Edberg

“And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have, in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it, we are going back from whence we came.”  John F. Kennedy

Simple French Burlap Ornaments

I love Michael's Craft Store. I always end up walking out with double the amount of things I originally thought I needed.  This weekend while there buying floral accessories for my new booth I found these little needlepoint kits for $1.00 each.  After painting and distressing the frames I added some french burlap pieces to them, completely transforming them to Christmas tree decorations. $1.00!

BEFORE

AFTER

Bicycle Basket Re-Do

I recently purchased this plain, simple wicker bicycle basket for $25 at Kmart, but it was just too plain...so this weekend I  finally got around to making it beach chic.  I painted the entire basket with white gesso, added the linen basket liner, glued on shell buttons and some scraps of old lace trim I had. I then glued the tin heart with a hot glue gun and decoupaged the collage on the heart and sealed the entire piece. Now I need to find the perfect bike....

BEFORE

AFTER

DETAIL

On the Move

The last few weeks have been all about packing, packing, and packing.  The big move is this weekend! Here's some pics of my blank canvas I took over the weekend. I can't wait to get in and Florida Chic the place!

Front of House

Bedroom Number One

Bathroom

Studio in Back Yard

Patio and Water Feature off Back Studio

Bedroom Number 2

Galley Style Kitchen and Laundry Room

Front Entrance

Living room with Working Fireplace

Breadbox Re-Do

While strolling through the Swap Shop Flea Market the other week I found this tired wooden breadbox from the 1970's.  What caught my eye was the "bread" font- a pretty script...and I knew I could paint it and transform it. Best part=$2.00.  So here's the before and after.... looks worth more than $2 now!

On The Move

We're getting ready to move in a few weeks...to an original 1925 Spanish Mission style house in Ft. Lauderdale!  Unfortunately, there are not too many of these original beauties left- most have been torn down in favor of the big building boom in the 50's...followed by the the 80' and McMansions of the 90's.  Numerous homes in SE Florida are historical landmarks, or are within historic districts, often built from 1920 - 1950. The Mediterranean & Spanish Mission homes have many features in common, from pecky cypress doors & ceilings, arched windows & doors, to original fireplaces & hardwood floors.

I'm very excited, because our house has all of these details PLUS a stand alone studio in the back yard. Closet space is very limited, but I'm planning taking the second bedroom and turning it into a walk in closet.
We have lots of little beach chic improvements to make, but overall the house is gorgeous and charming!

Our New Home!

1925 Spanish Mission Style Home

Quaint & Historic

Original Cypress Floors/Arched Doorways/Original Working Fireplace

Charming Bathroom