Welcome to my blog ~ where aesthetics are a passion, details are a priority, and pleasure in simple things is celebrated!
I invite you to share my inspirations for a creative life and a lifetime of adventures.
Thanks so much for visiting, Jackie
Most every coastal town in Fairfield County schedules a sand castle building contest during the summer and each year I try to attend at least one. For Friday field trip this week, I am sharing a few photos from the contest I attended this year.
Which is your favorite?
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
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In a recent post, I demonstrated how I updated an old necklace holder. Today, I am demonstrating how to turn an old piece that was never intended for displaying accessories, into a display piece for necklaces! I started with an old window.
The first order of business was to find a way to make it stand up. I wanted it to stand at an angle in the horizontal position. I achieved this by using an old broom stick handle! Cutting two pieces from the handle and screwing them into the back of the window was perfect for holding the window at an angle for display. (It did take a couple tries to find the perfect angle for the cut.)
The window itself had a nice distress to it and I did not paint it at all. But, to give a nice contrast to the pieces I would be displaying, I knew I needed to do something with the glass panes. My decision was to use paper. I used two different ones – one had a script design on it and the other was a natural textured paper.
Although I liked the natural paper, it didn’t looked aged enough for this project. So, before I started adding it to the window, I ‘aged’ it by soaking it in some strong coffee.
After it was dry, I ripped pieces of both papers and positioned them on the inside of the glass panes.
Now all I needed was a way to hang the necklaces. For this, I just hammered some nails into the top wood of the window frame. I could use one nail or several to hang a necklace, depending on its length. 
I think the piece came out perfect for necklace display! This project can take on many variations. The first that comes to mind is to display old black and white photos on the glass. I am sure you can come up with your own ideas! I hope I have inspired you!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
What would happen if someone dumped two tons of LEGOS® into a city park and told the public to ‘have at it?’ You can find out this summer on the High Line in New York City with The collectivity project!
The collectivity project, an installation of white LEGO® bricks, features an imaginary cityscape conceived and designed by the public. The ever-evolving shape of the installation is at the mercy of those visiting the High Line who are welcome to play with the installation – building and rebuilding the structures over time.
The project stimulates tons of creative energy and provides a darn good time in the process! The idea was driven by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, demonstrating his desire to make the concerns of art relevant to society at large; not limited to the confines of a museum or gallery.
Visitors are a mix – from super serious architect types to those who are just passersby and add a single brick or two. Me? I found myself somewhere in the middle. I wanted to make my mark on the project – to be a contributor – but, I didn’t feel the need to impress anyone with my superior LEGO® building skills!
If you should visit, you may not see what is pictured here since the piece is constantly being reconfigured by those who visit and contribute to its ever-progressing contour.
Visit the High Line now through September 30th and you will get the chance to make your mark on two tons of white LEGOS® at no charge! How cool is that?! Thanks for stopping by for Friday field trip! I will post some additional photos from this great installation on Facebook this weekend.
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
P.S. Click here to read more about The High Line.
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I very often create my own wrapping paper; particularly when I have a vision of something specific in my mind. This was the case with the tomato wrapping paper I made recently for a thank you gift I was giving a friend.
The gift was a book on heirloom tomatoes and I had a vision of a graphic of a tomato on brown paper. I knew I needed to make it! I decided on a classic potato print and set to work. I cut a couple notches into one half of a potato – that would be the main part of the tomato. I used the other half of the potato to make some greens for the top. Simple!
I printed it in two parts. First, the red in a random pattern on brown paper large enough to accommodate the book I was wrapping. After that was dry, I printed the second part – the green. Great! Exactly what I had hoped for! And, I would add tie it up with some natural raffia for my final touch!
I hope I have inspired you to create some fun wrapping paper this summer! ;)
Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
Sharing with Sand & Sisal.
Today’s redo may seem a little unusual… Maybe not if you remember that I once turned a plastic drink container into a beautiful flower vase using Annie Sloan paint! Today, I am again using Annie Sloan paint for a transformation. For today’s Friday field trip, come see how I used paint, an old poetry book, a few shells, and some scraps of ribbon to turn a black metal jewelry stand into something much more ‘poetic.’
First, I used Annie Sloan paint in Old White to cover the entire jewelry stand. I really did not like the grid pattern on the metal piece so, I decided to tone it down by attaching some pages I ripped out of an old poetry book. After I liked the way the pages were arranged, I added a ‘belt.’
For this, I used a glue gun to add some raffia, some seam tape (I aged using some strong coffee), a few shells, and some tulle.
I finished by adding a little bit of sparkle to the pages and a few gold accents to the Old White paint. A much different look than the old black metal grid, don’t you think?
The piece now looks really great to display jewelry or to display on its own!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope I have inspired you to update your own flea market find!
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
Sharing with Elizabeth & Co., Coastal Charm, and Thoughts from Alice.
I think we have all painted garden stones in our day. If not, you should have! They are so fun to make and look so cute in the garden or as a paperweight. Today, I am showing you how to create some stones for your garden that have more of a ‘beach’ vibe than the typically decorated stones – a batch of nautical plant markers boasting the shapes of signal flags!
They are so simple, yet so fun to make! The only thing you will need to make up some of these marine inspired cuties are some paint markers and some smooth stones! I used Sharpie brand medium point oil based paint markers. I love these markers because they totally eliminate the mess of paint and brushes but create the same result. And, the best part is that they come in a set that contains the exact colors needed for nautical flags! They should call it ‘signal flag set’ or ‘nautical color set.’ Thanks for that Sharpie!
These flags are used internationally as signals for ships at sea. Each flag represents a letter.
Stones painted with nautical flags also make great table markers at a beach wedding or a really nice addition to a gift of potted sea grass or beach roses. Make up the recipients initials in signal flags and add them to the potted plant!
I am sure you have said to yourself by now “This is a super activity for kids.” It sure is! Not only can children learn some basic seamanship with this craft, but it is pretty easy to incorporate a math lesson as well!
Another fun idea for the kids, is to have them make up some nautical ‘x’s’ and ‘o’s’ with some small rocks; using them for a game of tic-tac-toe in the sand! Fun!
I hope I have inspired you to make some nautical flag stones for your own garden or as a way to add some ‘beachyness’ to your décor…make up the name of your boat or the name of your favorite beach! Have fun with it!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
Sharing with Sand & Sisal and Coastal Charm.
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My furniture redos can usually be placed in the coastal decor category, don’t you think? I love anything beachy and my furniture creations usually reflect my taste. Well, today I am taking a little departure from the beach inspired look and going with more of an antique vibe.
The reason for this departure is that I found an old, antique child’s chair and I wanted to keep it true to form.
Because the seat was in perfect shape, I started by cleaning it up and leaving it in tact. Next, I did a few repairs. Then, I began to paint the piece pink, thinking I would create something for a child’s room. After thinking about it for a while, I decided the chair was much better suited to be a garden ornament. Wouldn’t it look great holding some potted plants? So, I changed my direction and decided to paint it a dark neutral to play as a backdrop for some pretty garden flowers.
I chose Annie Sloan Graphite for the chair and painted it in two coats. I did some light distressing and then added a coat of Annie Sloan Dark Wax.
I happened to be visiting my friend Phyllis (you know Phyllis, the one with the ‘park’ yard?) and she ‘styled’ it using some of her plants so I could get some ‘after’ photos. (I plan on giving the chair to a friend who also has a gorgeous yard – maybe she will let me take a photo when it settles into its new home!)
Thanks for joining me on Friday field trip to check out my antique chair find. Have a marvelous weekend!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
Sharing with French Country Cottage.
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It wasn’t until recently that I heard people were using watermelons as beverage holders. Since yesterday was National Watermelon Day, it seemed the perfect excuse to try my hand at creating one!
I have made many a watermelon basket in my day! Even as a teenager, I loved carving out a watermelon to fill with a fruit salad for a party or get together. The older I got, the more ornate my baskets would become!
Using a watermelon to create a vessel for a beverage seemed pretty similar to making a watermelon basket. It is an easy concept: Hollow out a watermelon; cut a hole and add a spigot; fill it with a beverage!
To try your hand at making one, first examine your watermelon and decide which way you want it to stand. When you have the top and bottom picked out, make a very thin slice in the ‘bottom’ so it will stand up nice and straight without rolling over. Be careful not to cut too much off, or you could spring a leak in the bottom!
The spigot is easy to install. Cut a small hole the diameter of the spigot. Then add the spigot – a washer will hug each side of the watermelon; the nut will cap off the inside.
Then, cut off a slice from the top. Use a large, strong metal spoon to scoop out all the good watermelon and reserve it in a big bowl. (I also saved the juice from the watermelon by pouring it into a pitcher.)
Cut a hole for the spigot and position it near the bottom of the watermelon. (Remember that the section of liquid below the level of the spigot will not flow out.)
Now you are ready to fill your beverage container with whatever beverage hits your fancy! I decided to make something of a jazzed up watermelon water. I had enough melon to make the water and still had leftovers for snacking!
Watermelon Water
6 cups of watermelon, pulverized in a blender (you can count the liquid from the watermelon as part of the 6 cups.)
Juice of one lime (or to taste)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mix ingredients. Strain. Chill. Garnish with basil or mint leaves from garden. ;)
You may decide to fill your watermelon with a punch or some type of alcoholic drink (for those over 21) for your next party. My only advice is to be sure to strain any fruit drinks prior to putting them into the watermelon container. This ensures no pulp will clog up the spigot.
I know there are spigots marketed now as “watermelon spigots,” but you really don’t need anything special for a watermelon. My spigot cost $4.99. The only adjustment that may be needed is if the spigot is not long enough for the width of your fruit. I needed to shave mine down a little to be sure the washer fit on the back. I probably could have found a longer spigot, but it was easier just to make the width of the watermelon a little thinner in the spot where the spigot attached.
Now that I know it works, I can try some variations! Just like my watermelon baskets, I can see my beverage holders will also get ‘fancier’ over time! How about a row of fish carved around the top rim? Such possibilities! And, there are so many cute ways to set up a beverage station! Give it a try!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
Sharing with Shabby Nest, Craftberry Bush, House of Hipsters, Sand & Sisal and Coastal Charm.
