Oyster Shell Christmas Ornaments

Hello my friend,

We had a wonderful vacation at the beach 

a couple weeks ago.

While eating at one of of favorite seafood restaurants, 

I wondered what  they did with all those shells at the oyster bar.

I mentioned to my Dad, I'd like a few to paint.

He went to ask and came back with a bunch!

They just throw the shells away-

The restaurant put them in a 'to-go' container.

We left them sealed up tight in the back

 of our truck until we came home.

After we were home, we washed and soaked the shells in

a bleach and water mixture.

Then left out in the sun for a day.

They were so pretty and iridescent-

I noticed their similarities.

To me, each one had a spot that resembled

a nativity manger.

Do you see it ?

I used gold paint along the edges.

Painted legs on the manger.

Drilled a small hole at top of shell

 to hang as an ornament.

I used some gold twine.

I painted a small star shape in gold.

A small circle on top of manger became

the head of baby Jesus.

I painted a halo when the face was dry.

Each one was a little different.

The small shells were slightly flat and

surprisingly lightweight.

                                                 All the other beautiful colors you see are natural!

I painted a thin coat of Mod Podge 

over the painted areas.

The back side is pretty too!

I love how each one is different.

Each has it's own unique color and shape.

I live in an area fairly close to the ocean

 and people love beach theme

Christmas ornaments.

Have a wonderful day!

xo Lisa S

P.S. Two of the shells were too big 

to make into an ornament.

They were a perfect dish shape.

So I decided to decoupage them-

First paint the front side white.

After the paint is dry. Brush some Mod Podge

over the area and cover with

 a single ply napkin or tissue paper.

Press down the tissue and push out any bubbles.

Let dry thoroughly.

Edges are painted gold.

A couple of trinket dishes

A beautiful gift for a friend-

 Thanks for visiting XO !

Upcycled Cement Cube Desk Lamp

Hello my friend!

One of my neighbors is moving and asked if I

wanted this desk lamp.

You know me I always say yes-

I really didn't like it as is but

I thought it had potential.

The lamp had a nice clear cord with a switch.

I removed the lampshade.

I removed the harp piece...

it did not want to come off at first.

The light bulb has got to go!

I removed the sticker on the lamp stem

because it will show-

The sticker did not leave any residue.

To tighten all the components

I needed to remove the felt on the base.

Tightened everything up with an open end wrench.

The felt stretched and tore a bit when removed,

I saved the original felt to use as a pattern.

The stickers can be transferred to the new felt if needed.

There were a few nicks and scratches on the base.

A very easy fix with a little acrylic paint mixed with water.

The color I used was-Cobblestone.

I wanted to get a retro style Edison Bulb-

I needed a bulb with a smaller base

 so I brought the old one with me to the store.

I found this replacement bulb at our DIY Home Center.

It fit and I really liked the amber colored glass.

I re-attached the felt on the base.

Here is the finished lamp!

I had a hard time getting a good picture.

It puts off a nice warm glow, easy on the eyes.

I like the Retro Industrial vibe-

What do you think?

xo Lisa S

Baking Pan Pumpkins

 

Hi friends,

I see these painted pan pumpkins everywhere!

The first time was probably 5-6 years ago

on Lora B's blog Create and Ponder

I didn't have any pans

at the time but I kept the idea

in the back of my head.

I really wanted to make some for myself!

Finally I came across some perfect pans this summer.

I was happy to find these!

This paint was in my cupboard- I thought it would

be a great color, even though 

the color is Sun Dried Tomato.

Painted the outside of the pans.

Found a stick in the yard to use as stems.

I pulled a small amount of sphagnum moss 

and wrapped it around my finger.

I used hot glue to attach the moss and stick piece

to the pan.

I collect old T.V. trays and change them up

 with the new season-

This one below is a favorite. I love the black background

with the fall leaves and scattered acorns.

I like how they came out-

I stamped some gift tags for place cards.

We use our FIESTAWARE for the holidays-

I just move the colors I want to use up front

 and the others to the back!

I put away the pastels and bring out the orange, marigold,

cobalt blue and some green.

It's a fun change.

When I put my pumpkin on a plate-

like a cake dome-

Just lift cover to reveal treats!

 

I love this little hiding place-

or use as individual place settings

and hide a treat.

So cute- I can hide some cookies for now

and only you will know.... so don't tell.

Thank you !

I really appreciate the visit.

I hope you have a wonderful day.

xo Lisa S