Treasure gifts from the sea - craft project

I spent most of the day yesterday checking out some gorgeous cottage decorating blogs! I just love browsing them with a cup of coffee and my little buddy Molly curled up next to me! My back has been sore for over a week, so no major projects, but after browsing through so many inspiring creations, I had to do something!!!

I've had this old Ikea picture/frame stashed away under the bed for quite a while, waiting for inspiration.

It's a lovely collection of serene winter shots......not exactly beachy now, is it? Which is why it was collecting dust bunnies under the bed! LOL!

Anyway, I took it apart, darned thing had like a hundred staples in the back, oh, and note to self: "don't take on such finicky craft projects the day after you have your nails done!" Oh, well....

When I took it apart, I realized the pictures and "matting" are one. Hmmm. I went on a search for some taupe muslin I knew was somewhere in the house.......I ripped it in squares to cover the existing images. Ripped as opposed to cut, because I wanted the tattered edges (more organic looking).

Hmmm. Where's the iron? 

                     I glued (I love a trusty glue gun :), the muslin to the back with four little dabs of hot glue.
                          Then started to experiment on different arrangements of sand dollars and shells.

                                                    I added a little Lepage white glue as well.

                I found the pretty little sand dollars at the thrift store and paid a whopping 1$ for a bag of 50!

                           The larger ones are from a friend who collected them in White Rock, B.C.

                                  I found the perfect letters to use in my suitcase of miscellaneous paper goodies!

The Mussel shell and pearl just had to be added. They are a reminder to me of a very special gift my son gave me for my birthday a few weeks ago...The shell is part of my gift . When I opened it, it contained a single pearl (hidden in some goooooey stuff) which was then washed and placed in a pretty rose shaped silver necklace. My 24 year old son has grown into a sensitive sweet man. He said: " Mom, I know how much you love the ocean and everything from it, and I know you love your garden and all your flowers, so, I thought this was the perfect gift for you! I love you Mom."  Followed by: "DO YOU LIKE IT?" with the excitement of an 8 year old boy in his voice!!!! He is indeed my most precious treasure.

                                          Isn't it pretty?! I just LOVE it! And the thought he put into it!

                                                                Thank you my sweet boy young man!

 

                                            Anyway, enough of that, back to the task at hand

 I added some "turtle shell finish" tacks in the corners both because I liked the look and because they cover the hot glue bumps. :)

                                            So into the frame they go.....                              

                                              ...and on the wall in the hallway.....

                                                                  I love the finished product!

                                                                            Pretty!