Creating a Happy, Colorful, Handmade Home & life on the shores of lake superior

November 17, 2017

My Plans for an EPIC Driftwood Sculpture + Other Creative Driftwood Decor Ideas


One of my goals in life is to make a massive driftwood sculpture, inspired by the talented Heather Jansch.  Her driftwood sculptures are so captivating, I can't stop thinking about them: 

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Instead of a horse though, I'd like to erect a massive Komondor sculpture in my backyard, inspired by this sculpture of a Puli in Hungary:

 
(As an aside, how amazing is it that there is a sculpture park in Budapest celebrating the nation's dog breeds?  I've never been more proud to be Hungarian!) 

Instead of lumber painted black, I plan on using driftwood, which I think mimics the cords of the typical Komondor so perfectly.  So my newest hobby is collecting driftwood.  A LOT of it...


Earlier this year I refrained from collecting driftwood because, for awhile anyway, it was protecting our eroding shoreline, but then one day it disappeared.  That's the nature of driftwood I guess, it drifted away...right toward our neighbor, who burned it all in a massive bonfire.  Dude, you had enough for two horses, where are your priorities?  I started collecting it late in the season and soon the lake will freeze, so this is definitely long term project.  But I have still been dipping my hands into icy water to add to my growing pile.

Meanwhile, I've been collecting beachy ideas for driftwood decor that don't require quite the epic haul - plus some pretty pieces to just buy (because sometimes that's just more fun).  ALL of these ideas and DIY tutorials are much easier than my DIY idea (I honestly have no idea how the heck to make a massive Komondor sculpture, but that's a problem for Future-Me to sort out).

Here Are My Favorite Driftwood Decor Pieces:  

This dreamy driftwood and clay spoon is handmade by Fall for DIY and I'm obsessed with it's earthy, natural look.  Plus it looks so easy to make!


This Etsy shop makes the most gorgeous driftwood pieces, like this mirror and coffee table (which is seriously inspiring some ideas of my own):


I actually spotted a driftwood mirror at the IDS back in 2012, not realizing that I would ever find my dream home on Lake Superior and develop a craving for all things beachy.  Tutorials abound on how to make these but I don't think it's too complicated (famous last words). 


A little chalk paint in some watery hues really complements this easy peasy driftwood art so beautifully.  I love the scale of this piece (from Sustain my Craft Habit). 


This driftwood wreath is another cool take on beachy, driftwood art.


I love this driftwood table lamp because it has such graceful lines.  A knock off could easily be made by hacking a really simple, inexpensive lamp by affixing some driftwood pieces...



A few years ago, Sarah M. Dorsey knocked out two AMAZING DIY driftwood tables: this Target hack and also this herringbone coffee table.  It is absolutely dizzying how much work went into making these two table - you have to click over and take a peek!


If DIY isn't your jam - or you just don't have access to driftwood - this driftwood and brass jewelry stand (available through Etsy) is a great way to bring that beachy feel inside.


If my sculpture doesn't pan out, maybe furniture would be fun!  I am so inspired by these massive, organic hunks of driftwood turned into furniture - like this glass topped coffee table or this glass topped driftwood table:


Because I first planned a horse, I hauled out a few large, curved root pieces but with my sculpture plans changed, I love the idea of making a driftwood table with glass top with those random pieces.  If I changed the top to something less breakable, it could be an outdoor table instead.


Big Fab Designs, an Etsy shop, makes such stunning wall art made from wood, including beautiful driftwood.  The weathered wood with the vibrant hues is such a striking contrast!


These DIY driftwood boats from Alisa Burke are so pretty - I love the swirly blue sails and it looks like such a fun and easy craft project, I think kids would love making these.


There are so many beautiful ideas for using driftwood, but these are my favorites right now!

I've never really gone too "coastal" with my decor, staying away from anchors and seahorses and opting for a watery color palette, a mix of wood tones with some driftwood greys and creamy whites, and beach glass inspired finishes here and there, but I do find myself pinning more and more modern coastal spaces these days.  If I have any driftwood left from my sculpture, I might just make a pretty mirror or wall hanging - it would look really perfect in the fish room.

P.S. If you're planning on making a little driftwood craft - or tackling a massive project - check out this post on how to clean and sanitize driftwood
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November 8, 2017

New Beachy Turquoise Knobs in the Hallway

New Beachy Knobs in the Hallway

When we updated our main hallway with fresh white paint, some art, and new interior door levers and exterior door knobs, we found some small little knobs for the two closet doors that matched so well!

Unfortunately, I quickly learned that the quality was garbage and they started to spin.  They were a "t" shape and the horizontal bar actually spun whenever we touched it.  I was certain it would break off and it was just so frustrating to use.  But I couldn't decided what to replace it with until a Canadian company, Sparroh, reached out about working together.  The owner, Alana, was kind enough to send me that sweet little felted wool basket for Hynda that you saw yesterday, and she also had a solution for my knob woes: a beautifully curated hardware selection.

Turquoise Ceramic Knobs

Without having to comb through an inventory of 1,000,000 knobs, I found the perfect ones: the ocean aqua knobs!  At only $8.00 a piece, they are a steal for such a quality ceramic knob.  I love the turquoise - obviously - and the crushed "beach glass" effect is so interesting.  I have such a passion for texture these days: linens, tweeds, velvets - give me any kind of texture over pattern!  So these were definitely the perfect fit for my lakehouse.

Modern Coastal Hardware

It took two seconds to switch out my old knobs for these and I just love the impact.  Visually, it's small detail and I'm sure that in photos of the hallway, only we would notice that the knobs are different.  In real life, guests oooohh and aaaaah over them and, most importantly: day to day it's just so nice to have our closet knobs do their job, as intended (#itsthesmallthings).

New Beachy Knobs in the Hallway

Why, oh why, do Hubby and I sometimes wait forever to tackle these little improvements that have such a positive impact on our day to day lives?

If you're a fellow Canadian, take a peek at Sparroh and maybe you'll find the answer to a decor problem too!  Did I mention there's free shipping and free returns?  I work with so many US-based companies so I'm really thrilled when I can help promote a Canadian biz - be sure to follow Sparroh out on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest so you can be the first to know about sales and new inventory.   

Now, help me feel better and tell me about a project on your to-do list that would make your life easier - but that you've been avoiding... I want to hear all about it!
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