Saturday, July 22, 2017

BEACH TREASURES TABLESCAPE

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The waves, the sand, the sun, the memories of your annual summer vacation. All wrapped up into one word…Beach. And not just any beach, your beach. Filled with family, friends and good times. Perhaps you found a few treasures to remember or to add to your collection, a new shell, sea glass or an interesting piece of driftwood. Why not keep your beach memories alive and savor the time a little while longer. Placed on your table to admire all summer long.


Follow along on this road trip and recreate your beach treasures on your table.

This is what you will need-
Centerpiece Box
LED String Lights
Sea Glass
Driftwood Garland
Cheesecloth
Battery Operated Candles/Votive
Shells, Starfish... Found Treasures


Centerpiece Box-

To start, make this simple box. It is versatile and can be used over and over in many different settings.


I made this box from an old wine crate. The wood was a little warped and thin, but that added to the charm. It is always decorated for the current season somewhere in my house. It is nice to have a few wood boxes.


Cut three 1” x 4” x 28", these are your sides and base pieces.
Cut two 1” x 4” x 5", these are your end pieces. I used a power saw to cut my wood, but the lovely people at Home Depot will gladly cut your pieces for your if you ask. Hopefully your local hardware will do the same.





Glue the three 1” x 4” x 28" sides and bottom pieces together. Then glue the two 1" x 4" x 5" end pieces in place.



Nail together, either with a nail gun or with finishing nails and a hammer. If you use the hammer, pre- drill pilot holes to make this step a little easier.



Fill in nail divots with wood putty. Let dry.


Sand.

Finish your box with a coat of stain and one layer of flat latex wall paint.


To make a soft light grey stain, mix ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, ½ cup of water in a mason jar. Add one pad of steel wool. Do not put a lid on, and let sit for at least two days.


To stain box, paint stain on entire surface. One light coat. It will look very watery and very light. Do not keep painting additional layers of stain. It will dry to a perfect silvery grey. Let dry overnight.



Lightly paint the entire surface of your box.



Keeping the brush almost dry or with very little paint on the tip of the bristles, brush paint on box in several directions.

Let dry.



With medium grit sand paper, sand edges and surfaces to create an aged worn look.



Sea Glass Garland-
You will need sea glass vase filler, one LED light string and a low temp glue gun. You can buy sea glass vase filler ...Link here.


Place a small drop of glue in the center of one piece of glass.




Place the light in the glue. Hold in place for a moment until glue has hardened. Repeat with next sea glass/light until the all the lights are attached to a piece of sea glass.



This cheesecloth is a staple in my kitchen. It can purchased from most kitchen supply stores. It has a nice soft airy feel, perfect for filling empty spaces.


Lay a runner on your table. I chose this linen runner, it has a nice soft texture and the color reminds me of sand.


Place box in center of the table.



Fill box with cheesecloth.


Place candles.


My driftwood garland came from Pottery Barn several years ago. I believe this item is no longer in their line, but you can purchase a similar one ...Link here or ...Link here.



Run the driftwood garland around the candles and on the box.



Your new sea glass garland.



Twist the garland through the driftwood.


Hide the battery pack in the box.








Add your beach treasures...


Now sit back and enjoy your memories, let summer last a little bit longer.