I’m back from California and totally jet lagged but glowing from our incredible trip down the coast– from San Fransisco to Big Sur! Seeing the ocean meant I had to post a quick beach themed decor idea today, because really, how could I NOT post something coastal inspired when this was my view for the past 48 hours?!
I mean really. Can you even? Sigh.
These simple little shell bottles were first inspired from one of my {frequent} trips to HomeGoods. Here’s the inspiration:
So simple. I collected a few bottles from various sources including vintage shops, flea markets, even the Dollar Store.
Then I started playing by matching bottles with my millions of shells. I’ve collected them since I was a wee one along the beach, in shops, pretty much everywhere. If you don’t have any on hand you or live near a beach, find them at craft stores or online.
Less than fifteen minutes (and one hot glue gun) later, I had shell bottles!
They’d be gorgeous filled with sand from each of our trips to the beach. Something to work on next year.
They look beautiful on the bookcases in our living room, reminders of favorite vacations. And certainly they fit in with my over-the-top amount of nautical décor.
Here’s a few more shell display ideas from my bookcase:
PS- it’s not lost on me that this is the THIRD decor idea with a shell theme in my 31 Days series, and it’s only Day 6. I’m pretty sure there’s no more shell decor involved. But I may be lying. I’m jetlagged. Do you forgive me?
So go grab your shells, some old bottles, and get hot gluing! These DIY shell bottles would be a great way to preserve and display vacation memories. Meet me back here tomorrow for more easy 15 minute (or less) décor ideas, and if you missed them, catch the previous 31 Days of 15 Minute Decorating Ideas here!
Is the beach a huge part of your vacation memories? Are you a shell/ driftwood/ beach glass collector?
{DIY Shell Bottles is linking up with: Made In a Day | Serenity Now | Monday Funday | Coastal Charm | Home Stories A to Z | Frugal Friday}
I’m dying over your two trip pictures! Calgon … take me back to Cali!
Karah, YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW. My son woke up screaming and my blog was down all morning. I’ve been smearing myself in spa products from Casa Palmero and editing photos of our trip trying to remember what it felt like to be there!!! Miss you already!
I love the simplicity and beauty of these pieces!
Carrie-I have to tell you your blog is just BEAUTIFUL. May I ask: are you a photographer? These do not look like iPhone snapshots…totally totally brings this post to life.
Wow, you just made my day! I’m not a professional photographer by any means. I have a DSLR camera but only shoot on auto so it does most of the work. My house is really dark so I finally figured out how to lighten photos in post-editing and that helps a ton. I live by the mantra: “the photo is there, you just have to find it” to get interesting angles and shots. Thanks again, you totally made my day better!
Such pretty pictures! I love these bottles too. Cute idea 🙂
Those look terrific. I love shell bottles. Something about them is so relaxing.
What a wonderful DIY project! I have a beautiful teal green bottle like this just waiting to be used in our new bathroom. Now you have me thinking!
Love them!
I’m glad your site is back up! I was having issues with mine Monday and Tuesday. Something going on with the databases. Blah!
Anyhoo! I love the shells. You’ve got me thinking about how to use the ones I have. Oh, and duh, I have a conch shell that someone magic markered; I could paint it just like Carrie did. 😉
Stopping by to let you know I’m featuring your Shell Bottles on tomorrows Linky on Made in a Day!! Thanks so much for linking up!
Kim