Thank you so much for all of your sweet comments here and on social media the other day on the decorating of my parents’ beach house. It was a lot of work to pull together, but I am glad to have been able to help out.
Now of course, a beach house is a pretty special thing. We feel so lucky to be able to go each year and spend time down there. But not everyone has the chance to do something like that. And sometimes we just want an idea that is quick and simple.
So why not bring some of the beach home?
Today, I thought I would share a super simple decorating idea – a beach garland that can go just about anywhere – even if there is no water visible from your windows.
I originally shared this three years ago (is it possible I have been blogging that long?) as part of a summer mantel. It was one of those things where I had pulled together a bunch of pieces and parts and I didn’t exactly know what I was going to do with all of it.
And then somewhere along the way, I decided to use a piece of rope as a garland. I used a hot glue gun to attach twine to shells and starfish that I had collected from different places over the years. Some of them didn’t even require glue – some I just tied on.
Then, I used a box of vintage mason jar lids that I had bought at an auction. Using the same idea, I glued twine to the lids.
Then I simply tied the twine to the rope and hung it across an salvaged barn door.
Again, not everyone has an old barn door lying around.
But it could easily be strung across a fireplace, on a staircase, on an outdoor fence, across the front of a console table or even on a mirror.
Actually, come to think of it, I still have that garland in a box in a closet in the basement. I might be getting it out this weekend and finding somewhere new to put it!
Thanks so much for reading!
I love this garland! And it looks so pretty on the barn boards and with the blue mason jars. Perfect summer/cottage decor. Have a wonderful weekend.
Laura, this is so pretty. I have a couple of shoe boxes full of shells my kids have collected over the years and this would put them to good use. I always fill a bowl up with them and put them on my coffee table in the summer but I like this idea better. I would have never thought to use the glass lids for this. It’s like having giant sea glass! Love it.
Simply beautiful….great way to bring the sea a non-coastal home!
I love this, it is beautiful. And I also adore that you had a random barn door laying around. I have some random things laying around my house and they always comes in handy. This is a great idea.
I love the idea of using rope as garland! Beachy can quickly get kitschy, but this look doesn’t. I love it!
This is just gorgeous!
Perfect for the beach house! I think I’ll add twinkly lights to it too!
Thanks!
Absolutely love the beach garland and hanging it on a old barn door just made it! I like the idea of adding some white lights to it also. Although I don’t have a coastal home, I always do a summer mantle. This year I am using the cutest pair of sand fiddler’s that I found at the Pottery Barn Outlet along with some driftwood candle holders and glass buoys.
Love it Laura….can’t believe that summer is here already…
You’ve just given me an inspiration — we are leaving our beach environment and will be inland for several months — I will miss being near the water but this is perfect. I’ll make a garland and bring the beach home to me. It’s a win-win until I can return.
This is so cute, Laura. We don’t live anywhere near a beach (@ least an hour’s drive),
but I’ve got a bit of a seaside theme started in our family room.
I might raid Michael’s for sea shells this w/end and fin the nautrical rope.
Love your idea!
Laura I am in LOVE with your mantel display! I WISH I had a mantle. I love beachy decor, I just finished making a string art Anchor (http://www.kentheartstrings.com/2014/05/string-art-diy-anchor-heart-ampersand.html) for my Summer display, but I might have to add the garland too! My favorite part is the glass in it. Glad I found you at the Link Party Palooza! Happy Weekend!
Oh, this is so pretty! I never would have thought of using the glass lids with the shells. But I love it! Thank you for the inspiration.
i really love the garland! It sure “speaks” to me, with my love of blue mason jars and all things beachy. (I live in Hawaii)
I was relieved to see that you glued the twine on the glass jar lids, ’cause those things are hard to come by and usually cost big bucks. So pretty the way you used them in the garland!
I love the garland! It’s beautiful.
So gorgeous! What a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing this on the Monday Funday Party!
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!! I’ve never seen those glass lids before. You are such a clever lady!
love love love! The vintage jar lids are awesome! I’m in full beach house decorating mode this week for a party, thanks for great inspirations!
That is such a gorgeous idea. I love the idea of bringing the beach home after a holiday! I have just pinned this to my Beach board on Pinterest.
If you have a minute to spare I’d be thrilled if you could share your post at my Say G’day linky party. This would be a fabulous addition.
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
I really love how this garden turned out. So perfectly beachy. Please come share at our link it or lump party going on now!
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/06/link-it-or-lump-it-party-number-41.html
So pretty! Love how this turned out! Thanks for sharing on the #mondayfundayparty !
This is beautiful!! I am going to make one behind my toliet, for my college themed beach batheroom apartment! Thank you for the inspiration!
What are the turquoise round shape things? Bottom of glass bottles?
Love your beach hous designs