This was not the year for me to be spending time at the water’s edge, wiggling my toes in the soft warm sand.
Yet, my heart was yearning for the beach. What’s a girl to do?
Create a coastal vignette!
It all started with my glam clam that had a makeover.
She looked mighty fine on the sideboard sporting her new color combo along with a sea of shells and beach glass.
There was one missing element, though. A seascape on the wall.
My stash did not include a lovely painting of a lake, beach, or sea.
But, my stash did include a picture that I picked up at my favorite thrift store for no more than $2, almost a year ago.
I didn’t choose it for its picture. But, because it was well constructed and had nice detailing on the frame.
So, I did what any gal desperate for the beach would do. I painted my own sea. With some acrylic paints, right on the picture, after disassembling the frame and glass, with my 3-inch angled trim brush.
I also used what was left of the nickel-colored spray paint and freshened up the frame. What a terrific complement it now makes to the painting. Someday, maybe, I’ll get something to make the detailing a bit more dramatic. But, right now. It works.
Just for the record….I don’t consider myself a painter. This is my first painting.
I think my husband was a bit amused by me as I stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the dining area and remarked, “You know, that almost looks like real waves and water.” “Seriously, I can’t believe I did that.”
And just so you don’t think I’m bragging. I’m not. I surprised myself.
If you’ve been wanting something similar for your decor….surprise yourself.
If you’re like me and you’re more comfortable with a trim brush than an artist’s brush. Go for it!!
You’ll never know what will happen unless you try.
It helps to have a few shells and some sea glass to throw around your coastal vignette.
If you don’t have a giant clam shell on your neighbor’s wood pile waiting for you to give it new life….choose a clear bowl or tray from your cupboard to hold some shells.
Most of my shells came from a trip to Florida where I walked the beach as my husband was speaking at a conference. But, if you don’t have any shells….ask your friends if they have some stashed away or do a little garage “sailing.”
If you haven’t walked the beach or wiggled your piggies in the sand, there’s still time.
Summer isn’t over.
Not yet!
So what is it that you’d like to do but haven’t tried your hand at it?
Go for it!! You might surprise yourself!!
Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!
Diane
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Nothing wrong with bragging about your creations and the painting is beautiful ~ a masterpiece in my eyes! I’ve surprised myself more times than I can count! It’s that lack of confidence and when you finally just go for it, the amazement at what can be achieved is amazing! Judi
I think you’re right, Judi….sometimes we just have ‘go for it.’
Thanks for your encouraging words. You’re the best!
Hope your day has been extraordinary!!
~Diane
I don’t believe that you have never painted before. You MUST have had some sort of lessons. I can SEE the rolling of the ocean in your picture. C’mon, girl, level with me…..a few lessons you’ve had, right? I’ve never surprised myself when it comes to painting or drawing. I can hardly draw my breath. (hehe) My mom used to say that…must have gotten my artistic abilities from her! So! Do you want to sell it? I’d buy! Love you, girl. Dona
Haha!! I can’t draw…bottom line and I’ve never ever painted anything for my home except the usual household stuff. But, I grew up going to Saturday art at art museum when I was a little girl and had a lot of fun each week. I guess I’ve just watched enough waves living by the Big Lake and was driven to make it happen. You know…where there’s a will there’s a way. 😉 You put the biggest smile on my face girlie! Thanks!
[hugs]
~Diane
Well you are definitely an artist. Maybe you’ve never had art lessons, but you definitely picked up some painting skills along the way. Your painting looks great! I have no painting skills whatsoever, so I know better than to attempt something like this. I love your clam shell with all the shells and your colored glass. Very pretty coastal vignette. It would have been nice if you could have made it to the beach, but creating something with a coastal theme is the next best thing. I’ve been following your story about moving and I hope things are going better for you. I’m on the hunt for a clam shell, yours is gorgeous!
Awww…Diane…thank you sooo much! I really couldn’t believe that I painted it. If anyone was surprised…I was. 🙂
Thanks for your kind words….right now we are in the middle of packing. Ugh. It looks like we’ll be putting everything in storage here as we ‘wait’ on our next steps and employment.
I do hope you’re able to find a clam shell too. They are really heavy…think about looking for a faux one. 😉
Blessings!
~Diane
Very nice, Diane! Pretty and simple. Just enough!
You are so sweet Susan. 🙂 Thank you!!
Hope you’re doing well.
Blessings, my friend!
~Diane
I am impressed, Diane. Very, very nice.
You are too kind, Judy. 🙂 It was a big surprise to me that it turned out. 😮
Big Hugs!
~Diane
It is a beautiful painting! Love the color and motion it evokes-you have a talent. Love that you added the sea glass-a nice complement.
Oh Linda…thank you!!!
I love the sea glass too. It’s just that extra bit of happy color. 🙂
Hope your week is extraordinary!!
~Diane
I’d say you are an artist and your painting is beautiful and definitely looks like the ocean!
hugs!
Glenda
That is so nice of you, Glenda. 🙂 Thank you!!
Hope your day has been extraordinary!
[hugs]
~Diane
Diane, you did an EXTRAORDINARY job painting that picture. I have the pleasure of living in a coastal town, and the scene you painted is one that I am blessed to see on a daily basis. If you ever make it to MA, please be sure to be in touch so I can show you ‘your scene’ in person!
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way during this transition period in your life. Good things are just around the bend for you.
You know how to make a girl feel loved, don’t you Donna? Thank you for your kind words. 🙂 Enjoy the ‘real deal’ for me and be sure to wiggle those piggies in the sand. You have no idea how much your thoughts and prayers mean to me. 🙂
{hugs}
~Diane
Seriously? SERIOUSLY!? And you’d have us believe you can’t draw or paint? Hahaha…oh dearheart, certainly you jest! Trust me, had you handed me the supplies, youd have the blob of paints….and something that might be blue? Yours is lovely. And if that’s your first, I’d encourage a second. And that you’d share it here … pretty daring in my book. And very awesome. Thank you for that.
No. No beach time for me, though I did get some time looking at the river and enjoying all the activity. And as for what I’d like to have a go at…..there are a few ‘old’ bits of furniture that I ‘d like to have a chance to transform. Just not sure what TO, ya know? LOL. That leaves me lots of room for creative solutions huh?!
Truth. Cross my heart. I’m more hands on…basket weaving, wood working, crafts. I stunk at both drawing and painting when I was young. And thank you, Mel. It’ll be awhile before I can try my hand at it again. But….one success will either be the only one ever….or the spring board…we’ll see. Someday after we land where I can play again.
Looking at the river works for me. 🙂 Glad you had the chance.
I think playing around with some old furniture would be a fabulous creative outlet. Go for it. Or at least dream a plan to execute in a few months. 🙂
Blessings!
~Diane
Girlfriend, you have some serious talent there. You’re like the genius that sits down at a piano, having never touched one in his/her life and plays like a pro! It really does look like rolling waves. Beautiful!
You are too kind and a bit generous with your sweet words, Deborah! But, thank you very much! 🙂
Glad you were able to ‘see’ the waves, too. 😉
Today the waves were removed from the wall to be packed away. :-/ It was fun while it lasted.
Hope you’re having a creative week!
~Diane
Lets go to the beach this weekend instead of packing.
Hahaha!! Don’t we wish. 😉
Wow!! This looks so nicely done!! I love how it all looks. The painting, she’ll, table buffet it is on, clear candlesticks and candles make me think stars and moon over the beach at night, so lovely.
I’m still praying for your move. My mom shows great improvement but with it comes pain. But she is still in PT and working on sitting to standing. Praising God
Thank you for showing Joy Days in the midst of unknowns
You just put a big smile on my face Gwen! 😀 Thank you for your kind words.
I’m rejoicing with you at your mom’s progress. Praying right now for a release from the pain.
Joy to you! [hugs]
~Diane
diane, i AM an artist and you have an untapped talent that you should explore! with a few classes you may discover a hobby that will not only aid you in decorating your home but very possibly be an enormous stress reducer. i still paint often times on sunday afternoons because it has the ability to transport me and refresh me for the week ahead. combined with church attendance it helps me enjoy a true sabbath rest. at any rate, prayfully consider how you might develop this gift.
You are so kind, Suzi. 🙂 Thank you for your encouraging words and your little nudge. I really appreciate it. 🙂
It sounds like your painting just might be another for of worship for you. Your Sunday sounds very special.
Hope your weekend is extraordinary!
~Diane
Diane,
You inspired me to redecorate my fireplace mantel. I had a picture of a old sailing ship on a storm tossed sea, a gift from way back and it went on the mantel. Plus I had 2 conch shells from long long ago and a poem that I printed Sea Fever and some other shells and sea glass. I thought it turned out very pretty. My bathroom is
decorated in the Beach theme so I borrowed some from that and some from other places in my home. But
it uplifted me!! Thanks for the ideas!. Also thought your picture was bought. It is simply gorgeous!! Wish I could do that! Hope your new home finds you soon!! Blessings to you!
Oh Ruth! That just makes my day!! To think that you got a little inspiration here…that just makes my day!! Thank you for sharing that. 🙂 Your mantle sounds lovely. Isn’t it fun too?!! And thank you for your kind words about my little painting. You just might need to try your hand at one too.
Hope your weekend is extraordinary!!
~Diane
Hi Ruth – i was wondering if you mind if i photoshop your photo and put my art in it