Coastal Mantel

See what I brought home from OHIO!

While on a trip to Ohio last month, I spent a little time checking out the Goodwill.  From across the store I spotted two mermaid sculptures on the top of a shelf and they drew me like a magnet. They had been there quite some time and were on sale. I can see why they might be languishing in the Goodwill in the midwest, but I live in the heart of Mermaid Country, just few miles from Weeki Wachee, Florida.  I just knew they had my name on them.



I set about putting together an arrangement on the mantel.  First I borrowed my grandfathers painting. It didn't have a home just now and I've always loved it.  Aren't the colors beautiful?  


The vase with the sea grass holds shells I have collected with my grandchildren. I like the effect of the mermaid swimming out of the sea vegetation.


I added glass bubble tea lights.  I surrounded the candle with chunks of sea glass that I had.  The fire just glows through the colored glass.  



Next I added some shells I bought on our trip to Sanibel Island a few months ago.  It's the world capital for collecting sea shells but when we were there they were all just very tiny ones heaped on the beach.  I found a shop specializing in shells and found a few I really loved.  


The large rock is one that two of my grandchildren found near Pine Island Beach.  There is actually a hole through the middle where tiny fish would swim through.  It doesn't look like much in the photo but it's quite interesting when you can see through it and see the odd shaping the gulf waters made.  


Last I put the mermaids at different levels by placing one on a treasure chest.  It gives it a bit of depth and makes the arrangement more interesting.  I left the metal sculptures on the mantel as it looked like artifacts a deep sea diver might find at the bottom of the sea.  


When I moved here from the midwest with my own special things and much that I inherited from my father-in law's log home in Kentucky, I felt at home in a new world.  Now that I feel that coastal Florida is my home, I am beginning to incorporate that tropical, coastal atmosphere into my decor.  

How fun is that? 


Comments

rebecca said…
What a fascinating mantel scene you've composed! Definitely a fit for your beautiful location...
Perfect Florida mantel - I love the sea glass votives :-)
Jill said…
It's perfect - love it!!
Unknown said…
The mermaids are cute and I love the colours. Sea glass are my favourite colours and you have a pretty collection.
jeanne the mermaids are perfect for your sea-themed mantel :) i have a collection of seaglass and your idea of tealights+seaglass is brilliant! thanks for the inspiration :)
It looks amazing! I like that you put the mermaids at different levels for a wonderful effect! You know I love this decor! I'm going to put your blog in my list of favs! I need to keep up with your fun! Hugs!
I am loving your mantel! Those mermaids are so great and I really like how you put them at different heights. All the shells and sea glass make me want to just put that whole mantel in my home!
Thanks for joining TTF this week.

Linda
Your coastal mantel is so gorgeous! The mermaids are adorable, what a great find! Here in HawIi, i love going to the beach early in the morning in search of beach glass and shells. Your beach glass idea just adds to the ambience.
Thanks for sharing!
Your coastal mantel is so gorgeous! The mermaids are adorable, what a great find! Here in HawIi, i love going to the beach early in the morning in search of beach glass and shells. Your beach glass idea just adds to the ambience.
Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous said…
I love it all. From one Floridian to another, it's a pleasure to meet you, Jeannie.
Thank you for stopping by the table. I'm glad you enjoyed a sip of contentment tea. :) I agree with you that it is ours to embrace...and you may have just sparked an interest for my next Weekend Door. ;)
Looking forward to visiting.
Much love!
Anonymous said…
Your header is calling my name. :)
Unknown said…
What wonderful finds..they all look just fabulous. A new follower via GFC thanks to PJ's treasures. Hope u can stop by my blog as well.

Anne Marie
www.moanasuniquedesigns.blogspot.com
Jeannie, I didn't know that you were a Florida gal too. Weeki Wachee and the mermaids were one of my favorite things growing up.
Your coastal mantle is beautiful and I appreciate you sharing it at the Open House party.
Hugs,
Sherry
Peggy Thal said…
Fun mantle. I love mermaids too . You found some cute ones to make you happy. Perfect for your Florida home.

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