Rope Remake

I haven't had much time for projects these past few weeks, but I wanted to squeeze a little one in tonight before we head off on family vacation tomorrow.
I bought this light and painted it a cobalt blue to go in my new blue and green "preppy" bedroom.
It's a bit large for the dresser, but it's what I've got for now so I'm making due.
The blue, while it matches, was a bit too dark for my taste.
Then I thought of this bundle of rope.
I spotted it in someone's garage and wanted it so much that I was skeptical that the owner would sell it to me. It had endless possibilities...
While he was tallying my purchases, I asked how much he wanted for it. He said, "you want that? it's yours." I loved him instantly.
And off I went with my rope and a head full of ideas of what I will wrap with it...

Lackluster Lighting gets a Facelift

Wall Sconce Before

My MIL had purchased a black, contemporary, iron chandelier and matching sconces at HD a few years back. Her decision was based on price vs. style and she's hated them ever since. The heavy dark metal was far from the french country "cottage" look she was trying to achieve. We've talked of replacing them, but trying to watch the budget, buying new lighting is low on the list.

Last weekend, after seeing the antique silvered chandelier I picked up for her hung in place, I offered to see if I could remake her other lights to match. It was worth a shot and they were getting replaced anyway, so what harm could I do?

Chandelier before (minus the HEAVY glass shades)

Using silver "Rub N' Buff," a tooth brush and a little water I was able to create an antique silver finish to mimic the finish of the other chandelier. New shades are on order to replace these super heavy orange glass shades (Restoration is having a great sale right now) and I think the finished look resembles the antique silver/pewter finish she desired so closely that she just may keep them!

(Tip- one mini tube of Rub N' Buff did ALL three lights with a half a tube to spare! It does spatter using the toothbrush so we used Goof Off to get rid of the silver over spray from brushing)

Thrifting in Maine!

 Remember this great cast iron chandelier I found earlier this spring? I purchased it from a neighbor at a local yard sale with a special place in mind for it- my mother in laws' mountain top home in Maine.

I gave my MIL the chandelier over the 4th of July, hoping that she would be able to use it in her "French country meets Maine" dining room.  I was happy to see that she liked it enough to hang it in such a prominent spot!

Maine has some great antique shops and one of my favorites that I visit each year is "Flowerbed Farms" in Bridgton. I stopped in for a quick visit and spotted this table that I thought would be a perfect companion to the chandelier.

I think the curves of the light and the shape table work well in this location and are an ideal compliment to the linear staircase and the angles of the wainscoting.
What do you think?
 We're still chair-less for the moment, but she's got until Christmas to find just the right pieces!

Check out some more photos from our trip to the "Farm!"

Subway Signs for some local flavor

Mothering your father

Source: hannahgirl.com via Dani on Pinterest

I have been debating whether or not to combine these two topics- the House and the Home.
For me they are one and the same. I love to decorate, design, create, paint, craft. Any time I'm working with my hands, I am happy.  I've shared with you that my father built custom homes and that my mom designed and sold them. Even as children, our opinions and our efforts, were welcome. (I've been cutting a mean edge since I was 8). My sister and I were encouraged to sit down with graph paper and pencils to sketch our own bedrooms. We created our dream homes. It's what happened at the table after dinner and it clearly made a mark on both of us as we both still love home decor and design.

I use Seaside Shelter as a place to share the things that I make to decorate our house. And often my friend's homes. But this house is more than that. It is our home. It shelters me, my husband, my son, my daughter, a 10 year old pit-lab named Sam, two domestic rats named Michael and Pepper, and a giant cat named "AJ" and my 78 year old father who we call Papa.

I shared this story on Blogher.com the other day and my husband suggested that I share it with you too. Not because I want a pat on the back for taking care of my father. But because I know there are so many others that find themselves in a similar position, or who will find themselves in the same position in the future. So here's my story...

My Biggest Inspiration: Newport, RI

Source: google.com via Loraine on Pinterest

As a child growing up in New England, I defined myself by my heritage. The first question you would ask a new acquaintance was always, "What nationality are you?" I thought this was how everyone greeted new friends.

My standard answer was always "French Canadian and Lithuanian." I had no idea this question wasn't being answered everywhere. It was as common to us as "How are you?"

My father was born and raised in Quebec and my mother was the descendant of two Lithuanian parents.  They were "purebred" so to speak, so I had two parts. One makes me tall and blond, one makes me strong with a penchant for working with my hands. Or so I was taught.

Not So Pretty in Pink

Before

So here she is. I've been hesitant to show a "before" on our cottage en suite bath, because, well, there is still no finished "after." Only a phase I.

A fair amount of work has gone into this room, but the work that's been done was more behind the scenes (or walls) rather than cosmetic.

When we bought the cottage we replaced the plumbing, updated the wiring, added a new pedestal sink, replaced the light (it's not any prettier than this one, but all I could find to fit the space, so be kind!), replaced the mirrored doors on the world's largest medicine cabinet... and scrubbed. And scrubbed..

The pink tile is intact and is in good shape so opening up THAT can of worms has just been too daunting. Til now.

BUT I HAVE A PLAN...

The Birth of a Birth Announcement

Royal Design Stencil Winner!

Congratulations to the winner of our Royal Design Stencil Giveaway, Miss Renee from Fatty Bumpkins!

Please send me your mailing information and your postage stamp stencil will be on it's way!

Source: royaldesignstudio.com via Dani on Pinterest

Stencil Giveaway!!

If you haven't done so already and want to win your own Royal Design Studio stencil, 

Follow these steps for a 3 chances to win!

1. Visit the Royal Design Studio website and choose your favorite stencil. Then come back to Seaside Shelter and leave the name of the stencil in a comment at the bottom of my 
"how to paint an allover wall stencil" post. 

2. For a second entry, “Like” Royal Design Studio’s Facebook page, then leave a comment there mentioning the Seaside Shelter giveaway and the name of your favorite stencil.

  3. For a third entry, "Like" Seaside Shelter on Facebook and leave a comment on our page with the words "RDS Giveaway" in it.

The giveaway ends in on Friday—good luck!

Here are some of my personal favorites that I can't wait to try!