Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Tuesday Inspiration: Seashells


Traditional Home
Following yesterday's post about cottage living by the sea, what could be more fitting for Tuesday Inspiration than seashells!

Seashells aren't just for nautical decor. Case in point is this lovely grotto located in Texas of all places! The homeowner, Emily Tracy-Haas loves incorporating shells into her home and the result is magical!

Traditional Home
It's like an art form. Some call it tramp art. The French call it coquillage. I call it beautiful!

Traditional Home
A close-up of Emily Tracy-Haas's fireplace. She transformed it by setting shells in the concrete.

Shells On Twelfth
I'll admit, this isn't for everyone, but I do appreciate the organic beauty of this fireplace.

Shells On Twelfth
A faux bois, shell studded garden mirror!

House Beautiful
A couple of shell encrusted obelisks looking regal in this dining room

House Beautiful
Annie Selke used this console in a master bedroom for her clients. It is from Currey and Company.

How fabulous is this bathroom mirror?

And this powder room mirror?

Barclay Butera
I know, I've shown this room before, but I love this mirror most of all!

This mirror was one of the many incredible shell art objects I saw last year at The Roundtop Antique Fair.

There was so much of it, I could have gone crazy. But I've learned, a little goes a long way with this art form.

I have managed to collect handful of seashell treasures over the years, like this antique shell studded box. I like it because the shells have an amber color. Notice the black stripe shells?

The box lives next to the vintage lamp, also encrusted with amber shells.

They all form a little vignette in the corner of the living room.

Close-up detail of my cherished antique seashell crucifix.

My latest find is this seashell tramp art lighthouse night light.
It's really quite funky and homemade, but I love it!

A few more pieces in my collection are a not-so-vintage frame from Z-Gallerie with a photo of my Mom and Dad...

...a pair of book ends on a nightstand in Asti...

...and a small shell framed mirror in the bathroom.

Then there is this! A summer centerpiece in Asti. I have the matching candlesticks too, and can't wait to do a tablesetting with this three piece set.

I love the earthiness of seashells. Ever since I was a kid, I've collected seashells. Shells from the beaches of Oregon, California, Hawaii and Mexico.
I love the idea of making something permanent out of them. Perhaps I'll attempt to create a little "tramp art" myself!

For more inspiration, buy this book! Shell Chic is the "bible" of shellaholics!

Be sure to check out Emily Tracy-Haas's website, Shells On Twelfth here.
Currey and Company has a wonderful collection of seashell chandeliers and accessories here.

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.
Pin It!

16 comments:

Diane said...

Thank you for introducing me to the glorious designs of Emily Tracy-Haas. Her creations are stunning!

And I am in love with your summer centerpiece. Can't wait to see what beautiful tablescapes you create with it!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Beautiful pictures! I especially love your shell crucifix. I love to add shells into my decor especially this time of year. Martina

Gayle from Vintage Farmhouse said...

I do like small touches of shells. Nature makes the best accessories.

Kelley said...

Delores..I want your new lighthouse! And your little boxes too

xo kelley

Completely Coastal said...

Some of these are just amazing. I should really get that book!!

Also, just thought you might get a kick out of it..., so I'm including two links....

Shell Covered &
Shell Crafts

Kathysue said...

Hi D, Love,love your sea side inspired post. The outdoor mirror made me gasp, loved, loved that. You have a wonderful collection started, I really think you NEED a mirror!!!
Hubby and I are on our way to Carmel tomorrow, the ocean has been calling my name, can't wait. I will think of you if I see any shells!!! KS

Calypso In The Country said...

I love the Barclay Butera mirrow too AND that great wallpaper in that picture!

Sarah said...

I think the summer centerpiece is my favorite. With that view included! Eager to see the table you plan to set using this piece. ~ Sarah

Laura Lynn said...

I love seashells too.

My uncle brought my mom two HUGE clam shells from the Phillipines in the early 70's. She had them in our house as decorations all those years. When she sold our family home, they went into storage and she eventually sold them not knowing I wanted them. (sad face)

I wish I could buy some now but the price has skyrocketed! I'll have to settle for little stuff I guess...haha.

Marlis said...

You do have a stunning shell crucifix! And your table decor is going to be fabulous. I can't wait to see how you set that table. I love that you've shown us another art form.. shells just say summer regardless the time of year.

Jacqueline said...

Oh, give me the powder room in a vacation home! That is just amazing. I can't believe the shell sink. What a fun post.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Coquillage is such a fabulous word!I just love this stuff!

Heidi said...

Hi Delores,
I just popped in for a quick visit. Great post, I adore seashell art. I always wonder how to keep the shells clean, however!Esp. in a bathroom - all that humidity and dust...
hope you are well and happy, I think of you often!
xo
Heidi

mosaicology said...

Wow. I have to remember to post about this on my blog.

Mag

cindy santiago said...

I love shells!! I have a pic of that mirror in my inspiration photos! I love it. That thing must be sooo heavy though!

This post is so fitting...I just found out yesterday that my seashell wreath project is going to be featured in a big magazine this summer. They are doing the project but they will be giving me credit with a link to my blog!

Cindy said...

Oops that comment was from me..I guess I was logged in wrong!

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