Driftwood Art & Furnishings: Re-Purposed Beach Finds For the Coastal Home

A custom made driftwood lamp at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery.

It's been a few weeks since I've been at the helm of Coastal Creations & Design blog. My time was pretty much devoted to covering the 21st Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race and Schooner Days events following the completion of the race held here in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia: visit our Schooner Days blog at http://schoonerdays.blogspot.com/ and Schooner Racing on the Bay at  http://racingthebay.blogspot.com/ co-written and produced by my good friend Allen Graves who reported live from the deck of the schooner "Spirit of Independence." Now come and gone for another year, I'm back at the wheel and searching for new Coastal Creations and Design "seriously seaworthy" people, places and things to cover.

My friend Allen Graves on the Rappahannock Riverfront. Photography by Joe Elder

 Speaking of seriously seaworthy people, places and things, my friend Allen Graves recently called and invited me to catch up with him at his cousin's home on Virginia's Rappahannock River. It's a magnificent riverfront property with over 20 acres of undeveloped land in Middlesex County and a great destination for hunting driftwood and other beached nautical finds. So off I drove leaving my wife Alison behind to manage Skipjack Nautical Wares, for another Rappahannock River adventure. This time in search of great pieces of gnarled and twisted Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana commonly known as eastern juniper / red cedar with its washed and sun-faded silvery-gray patina and wonderful aromatic smell.

A driftwood sculpture mounted onto a pitch-black iron base.

 This reclaimed cedar driftwood is perfect for a number of artistic creations; larger pieces are perfect for sculptures, custom lamps and table bases. The smaller pieces can be used  for frames and stands for shore birds and other mounting applications. My mission: to find some great driftwood pieces to create a few exceptional driftwood coffee tables like the one pictured below! This is why Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is sought out by interior designers and coastal homeowners nation wide searching for authentic and creative one-of-a-kind nautical/coastal furnishings, art and decor. We go to great lengths to provide our customers with these type of unique and authentic products. That's why we walk the extra beach mile.

A custom driftwood coffee table base acts as an artistic centerpiece in this living room.  From an article in Coastal Living Magazine. Writer Gena Sigala, Photographer Dominique Vorillon.

 Driftwood like this is readily in demand and becoming harder to find due to the ever increasing inhabited private property that dominates our rivers and oceans. This is certainly the case for a lot of the types of authentic nautical products that we carry, where the supply has diminished and the availability to obtain them becomes increasingly more difficult.

Large piles of driftwood and fallen trees along the Rappahannock River beachfront.

We headed out on a Sunday afternoon for a preliminary search to select choice pieces along the more than one mile of beachfront with plans to return in the morning to remove and transport our finds by canoe. We walked the total distance including the two islands and noted the primary locations of driftwood and gathered together old washed boards, perfect for decorative nautical themed signs. Some of the beach areas was so dense with fallen trees and driftwood that we had to wade out into the river to get around the debris and continue our search. Other areas had narrow beaches and  eroding cliffs created by Northeaster storms that seriously destroy the river's edge and topple mature trees into the river.

A flamingo-pink plastic beach chair stands sentinel on a lonely Rappahannock River beach.

Most beaches like this one is private protected property. You must have permission prior to entering.

We returned the next morning to the first of the marked locations. Allen paddled the canoe to the site and I hiked along the shoreline to again observe the primary areas and search for other finds. About an hour later we rendezvoused at the agreed location and started to place the pieces into the canoe. A chainsaw was utilized to cut away the usable parts of a few of the larger pieces too big for transporting. We moved along the beach line with canoe in tow and continued to collect our selections. The weather began to deteriorate with darkening clouds moving in, increased winds and threatening rain.

A selected piece of silvery-gray driftwood. 

Allen with canoe in tow.

By noon we had selected and packed the canoe with as much driftwood as feasible for the return trip home. The larger pieces were positioned in the center to stabilize the weight and smaller pieces filled the remaining spaces. Allen paddled the canoe back to the dock struggling against increased winds that made steering the small over-weighted vessel a challenge. He also had problems with a previous tear in the side of the canoe that seeped in water, making the trip home even more hazardous. Fortunately, he was able to return to the dock without mishap. I made my way back along the beach to pick up our van and meet Allen at the dock.

The canoe filled with driftwood ready for the journey home.

Once back, we unloaded the canoe and stowed it away. Then we packed the van filled with our new driftwood inventory-ready to return to my business in Portsmouth. I stopped on the way home at an outdoor do-it-yourself car wash and high pressure washed the driftwood, removing mud, sand and any other loose debris before bringing the wood into our gallery.

My van packed with driftwood from the Rappahannock River.

Re-purposed products ranging from nautical antiques to reclaimed nautical/coastal materials such as this driftwood has been a passion of ours for years and a large part of items created through Skipjack Nautical Wares design studio. For other articles about Skipjack's re-purposed products, visit Maya's Completely Coastal  and Caron's Everything Coastal Style. 

Now the fun begins- the creative part of this blog. I will now review the driftwood inventory and plan how to best use these pieces for coastal home furnishings and design. Stay with us for part two of this blog-Driftwood Art & Furnishings: Re-Purposed Beach Finds For the Coastal Home. 

Love the life you live--live the life you love! 

Cheers,

Joe Elder

Skipjack

Repurposed Maine Lobster Trap Float Rope Floor Mats

These colorful floor mats are made from recycled Maine Lobster Trap Float-Rope!

Colorful nylon floor mats made from recycled Maine Lobster Trap Float-Rope

These innovative floor mats are handwoven using authentic float-rope used by lobster men to tether their lobster traps. Unfortunately, float-rope can entangle whales, so Maine lobstermen are now required to replace their float-rope with "sink-rope". These old float-rope have been removed from the Atlantic Ocean, and rather than being dumped into landfills, the rope is being recycled into these unique, almost indestructible floor mats with a expected life time wear of 5 plus years.

These old float-rope have been removed from the Atlantic Ocean, and rather than being dumped into landfills, the rope is being repurposed into these unique, almost indestructible floor mats.

Each mat is resistant to mold, mildew, salt water, and sun. They do not absorb water, nor harbor insects. Clean up is a snap, too. Just shake the mat out or hose it down - it's even quick-drying!

Help save whales and other marine life, provide financial assistance to Maine lobstermen and protect the environment.

Our colorful mats are a perfect choice for your home, cottage, and yacht and a great look for any coastal/nautical decor. Use these outdoor on porches, decks, doorsteps- even your boat, dock, or poolside- these mats float on the water and will never sink. You can also use them in your kitchen, bathroom and entryways but are only recommended on non-skid surfaces.

Available in 3 sizes: Small (approximately 18" x 30"), Medium (approximately 21" x 33") and Large (approximately 24" x 36"). Choose from the widest variety of colors options available at Skipjack - based on our constantly changing in-stock inventory. http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com

Because each mat is handcrafted from authentic float ropes, no two will ever be quite the same. Float Rope floor mats is handcrafted in and a product of Maine.

"Love the life you live, live the life you love"

" Sally Lee By the Sea" Unplugged: An interview With Marie Rhoades

This is the third in a series of Coastal Creations & Design "unplugged" interviews featuring seriously seaworthy coastal inspired authors and entrepreneurs. We are pleased to  include Marie Rhoades, author, entrepreneur and the creative mind behind the name "Sally Lee by the Sea" to the short list of  today's well-known Coastal Lifestyle gurus. She's become a major force in the world of coastal design and her name is often seen on Facebook and Twitter as well as other social media sites with her finger on the pulse of current design topics. So here goes...Sally Lee by the Sea!

Who is Sally Lee by the Sea? 

My name is Marie Rhoades and I've loved the ocean for as long as I can recall. Born and raised in the beautiful Napa Valley I recall many happy memories of spending time with family and friends on the California coast...Santa Cruz, Stinson Beach, Bodega Bay to name a few. As a child I daydreamed about living next to the ocean one day. I found a fellow ocean lover, and member of the US Navy, and married him in 1984.

How did it begin?

Sally Lee began evolving in 2008 after the passing of my mother, Sally, and my mother-in-law, Mona Lee. They unexpectedly left us within a week of each other. You've all heard the story about how death can make you wake up and smell the coffee? Well, this tragic event did. My husband and I decided to move to the ocean and live the simple life...Sally Lee was born. A company dedicated to the memory of our mothers.

Marie and David Rhoades

I've worked as a professional artist, hand-crafter, candle maker and retail store owner since 1994 so we decided to manufacture soy candles under the name Sally Lee Candles once we moved. Unfortunately the economy just wasn't right and sales lagged. David, my husband, mentioned Sally Lee "by the Sea" one day and we got to thinking what would it be...an online gift store? a blog? a product line?

After some soul searching I discovered my heart was wanting to help others, to write, to paint and photograph the beauty of the ocean to share with others. Sally Lee by the Sea is a blog where I can share my gifts with the world.

What's the driving force, the passion behind your blog?

Since moving to the beach I've become a different person...A former type "A" personality who has become relaxed and now enjoys the little things in life. No more trying to impress others or rushing around so fast that I miss 'living'. My passion in life is to help others embrace this lifestyle, even if they don't live anywhere near the beach. It's an attitude, not a location.

We are pleased to report that we have recently teamed with some amazing blog sponsors which offer coastal products such as sea glass jewelry, seashell covered frames and mirrors, rustic beach signs, pillows, candle holders and so much more. Our sponsors are passionate about their businesses and we consider them to each be a part of the Sally Lee family.

What are your favorite products?

 There's no way I could choose a favorite product! If it's coastal, nautical or beachy then I love it!  Seashells used to decorate home accents or anything incorporated into a candle holder always make the top of my must-have lists. I love signs with quotes on them too...see, I really can't choose.

"Seashells used to decorate home accents always make the top of my must-have lists."

What is your favorite place?

My favorite place is the North Head Lighthouse; which is about 30 minutes south of our home. It majestically watches over the Pacific and always makes me feel rejuvenated after visiting. The scenery is awe-inspiring. The beach is a 3 minute drive from our house and getting some sand between my toes each day is always a favorite place to hang out.

North Head Lighthouse, Washington

How have you decorated your own home?

We fondly refer to our little piece of heaven as "Hummingbird Cottage", although not a cottage at all, it's a manufactured home on 1/3 of an acre.  We can hear the surf from our back deck as we are 1/2 mile from the surf (as the crow flies). It's been almost two years since we moved into our home near the sea, however we haven't rushed into our decorating...we are letting it evolve over time.

Interior walls have been painted in coastal tones of sand, aqua and sea glass blue. White sheer curtains magnify the light through the windows and blow elegantly in the coastal breeze. I'd have to say that my personal style is "ethnic eclectic" meaning you'll find rich tones of brown, red, green and gold used as accent colors. David traveled the world while in the Navy so we have some global treasures from displayed.

Our living room features a round glass table; which we re-painted and covered with sand dollars from our local beach. Our hordes of seashells have found new homes in baskets, glass bowls and shelves around the house.  Starfish adorn each window sill as well as dangle from various curtain rods. I love to use soft fabrics, overfilled pillows and a variety of textures throughout - Egyptian bath towels, down comforters on each bed, soft fleece throws on the couch and chairs. I want guests, as well as the residents, to be relaxed and cozy in our "cottage".

"Starfish adorn each window sill as well as dangle from various curtain rods."

What's next for Sally Lee by the Sea?

Sally Lee is currently working on adding more resources for our readers including a travel and leisure section; a section of informational and relaxing videos; recipes and even more craft and decor ideas.

And beyond?

A Sally Lee by the Sea book of coastal photography and quotes is a dream... other than that the sky is the limit!

Visit Marie Rhoades at "Sally Lee by the Sea" by clicking on the link.

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Please visit our other "unplugged" interviews featuring Maya Nagel, creator and author of "Completely Coastal" and Caron White, creator and owner of Caron's Beach House and author of "Everything Coastal" and "Everything Coastal Style."

Live the Life you Love, Love the Life you Live!

"Everything Coastal" Unplugged: An Interview with Caron White of Caron's Beach House

This is the second in a series of Coastal Creations & Design "unplugged" interviews featuring seriously seaworthy coastal inspired authors and entrepreneurs. Our first interview featured Maya Nagel, creator and author of "Completely Coastal."  Today the spotlight falls upon Caron White, creator and owner of Caron's Beach House and author of "Everything Coastal" and "Everything Coastal Style." This Pacific Coast author and business woman has certainly captured a growing audience of folks seeking the surf, sun, sandy beaches and a relaxed coastal style of life. So here goes...let's visit Caron at her beach house!

Caron taking sunset photos at Stinson Beach, California

Hi Caron. How did your love affair with the beach, and everything related to the sea, begin?

Caron- Many years ago (before 1969)  I grew up on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State.  I was fortunate. My parents bought a 1950’s era brick beach house complete with low-bank waterfront, a rocky beach, and the ever-changing views of the Puget Sound.


Your coastal decorating style definitely began at an early age! What was your inspiration?

Yes,  with a beach full of barnacle covered rocks, oyster shells, and beach-washed sea glass to discover, I was always creating something out of my beach-combed “treasures”…

Caron's beach-combed seaglass- an obsession of hers like mine.

Oyster Shell Candle Holders from Cape Cod

  
So, what's the story behind Caron's Beach House? 

I created Caron’s Beach House,http://www.caronsbeachhouse.com, to share my passion with others who are seeking a creative and distinctive coastal lifestyle, no matter where you live! My motto is  "Step inside, take a deep breath, shake the sand off of your shoes, relax and live at the beach every day of the year!"

 I love it! Tell us a little more about your business.

Caron’s Beach House is all about creating a unique experience, offering distinctive seaside and nautical home decorating solutions for their friends and customers who enjoy life on the seashore.

What can our readers expect to find at Caron's Beach House?

I'm constantly searching for new home decorating trends by attending gift shows, seminars, and searching out coastal artists to bring new beach house products to my customers. Our web store carries beach home décor accents such as cottage lamps, tropical style mirrors, a wide variety of beach pillows, shore area rugs, as well as nautical themed accents like model sailing ships, lanterns and a whole lot more
 to choose from!

Hand-painted and distressed wood buoy

White coral ribbon lamp

Bold red crab pillow

Coastal Collection Giclee – Beach Washed Whelk

  
How does Caron's Beach House products fit into your own personal lifestyle?

One of the best things about living at the beach is inviting friends over to enjoy our little stretch of sandy beach. We love to entertain and share this experience with others. It’s exactly the reason why Caron’s Beach House specializes in fun entertaining serving pieces as well as dinnerware designed for the coast!

It’s also why she enjoys sharing those entertaining ideas and stories in the Caron’s Beach House newsletter.  Go to any page of  Caron’s website at http://www.caronsbeachhouse.com and sign up to start receiving your exclusive Beach Club information!

Crab Napkin Box

Etched Turquoise Wine Glasses

8 inch Oyster Aqua Glass Serving Plates

Caron welcome friends to join the conversation about living on the coast and always looks forward to sharing her beach stories with you! She also loves to share your stories as well. Here’s links to places that you can connect...

http://www.everythingcoastal.com/ Caron's blog all about out living on the coast- entertaining, traveling, cooking, home decorating, gift ideas.

http://www.everythingcoastalstyle.blogspot.com/ Caron's blog focused on beach house style, featuring some of Caron's design friends and their fabulous creations!

http://apps.facebook.com/webaddress/companies/caronsbeachhouse- The Official Caron’s Beach House Facebook page.

Thanks for stopping by!

Live the Life you Love, Love the Life you Live!

Nautical Belts for Men & Women

Looking for the right nautical belt?   Well here's a few new and all time favorite seriously sea-worthy nautical inspired belts that will certainly satisfy even the saltiest of tastes!

Nautical signal flag belt at Skipjack.

Skipjack's signal flags nautical belt is perfect to wear with your favorite khakis, jeans, or corduroys. This cotton web ribbon belt for all seasons has full grain drum-dyed leather billet and buckle ends accentuated by the solid brass buckle. Men's sizes range from 32 to 46 in stock. This belt is available with your choice of red or white webbing as a background to the signal flag ribbon. Other sizes are also available upon request.  From their collection of nautical designed belts. Skipjack's Nautical belts.

Bonefish Wave canvas club belt from Vineyard Vines

 Vineyard Vines Bonefish Wave Canvas Club Belt is made of 100% canvas webbing with Italian saddle leather trim. Features signature silk pattern panels and a solid brass buckle. Sizes from 30 to 44 inches. Vineyard Vines Bonefish Wave Belt..

Nantucket braided belt from Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren's Women's Nantucket Braided Belt. Elegantly finished with a covered O-ring buckle, our 1 1/2" belt is crafted from chic braided cotton for a rugged yet classically feminine look.
Covered single-prong O-ring buckle with supple leather trim at the interior. Finished with a gracefully pointed tip. 1 1/2" wide. Imported. Ralph Lauren.

Sailor knot belt from Jennifer Behr.

Jennifer Behr women's sailors knot belt- Hand-knotted cotton cording fashioned into an extra large knot at front. Finished with metal endcaps and brass hook at back. Wear with jeans and ballet flats or unexpectedly pair with a dress. One size fits all. Jennifer Behr.

Cape Cod cat boat belt from Cellar Leather.

Still one of my favorite classic men's nautical inspired belts is the Cape Cod Cat Boat buckle in 1 1/4" antique nickle silver over brass with a plain 1 1/4" belt. Handmade on Cape Cod by local craftsman and women . The nautical themed buckles are made using a traditional lost wax process. Also available in brass. Check out their other great nautical designs!  Belt sizes range from 26" to 56"  Cellar Leather. 

Patty Anderson starfish buckle with sunshine gator belt at Skipjack.

Incorporate seaside style into your wardrobe with this elegantly crafted Starfish belt by Patty Anderson. Each belt features an exclusively designed buckle inspired by the beach and sea. Using CAD, Patty Anderson's buckle designs are converted into molds, and molten pewter is poured into the mold to yield the finished product. The result is an exact, high-quality duplicate of her original three-dimensional design.
 Four belt designs include starfish, scallop, sea turtle and sand dollar. Pair the buckle of your choice with a leather belt in any of 14 colors. The choices range from the classic subtlety of Chestnut Brown to the bold statement of Sunshine Gator. Patty Anderson belts at Skipjack.

See other nautical style mens belts from an earlier post. Click here:  Nautical belts

Live the Life you Love, Love the Life you Live!

Betty Burnell's Coastal Inspired Jewelry

Betty Burnell’s exquisite jewelry sets the standard for “elegance with character.” Each one-of-a-kind piece is hand-made from the finest in metals and precious stones. Using sterling silver, kiln-formed glass, mother of pearl, swarovski crystals, and many more brilliant gems and stones, Betty crafts her jewelry into pieces of art that has her collectors and admirers anxious with anticipation for her newest creations.

Seahorse in resin pendant with sterling clasp-oxidized sterling silver chain.

Every time I thought I had my life carefully planned, I came to a really sharp curve in the road or a steep hill that blocked my view of what waited on the other side. The surprises have been interesting and stimulating and, at each turn or rise, have challenged me to try something new or different. I have learned so much along the way and, happily, I’m learning still.

Sterling silver fish combined with brass, lampwork glass, sodalite and sterling silver. Perfect for all of your coastal occasions! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheepshank and smoky topaz necklace. Simple but elegant. Betty has combined a sterling silver sheepshank with smoky topaz pendant on a brown cord choker. Match it with a pair of sterling silver sheepshank earrings! 

 

Perfect for just about anything! Sterling silver bracelet with fresh water pearls and sterling silver sand dollars charms.

Betty Burnell's new direction has taken her back to her roots growing up near the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay and is the inspiration for her latest original coastal jewelry .  A seaworthy blend of silver, shells, bead, stones and charms create a unique and creative collection of marine themed bracelets, pendants, necklaces and earrings.  Sea horses and nautical chart pendants, sterling silver sheepshank knotted necklaces and earrings, Naga and Paua shells, silver fish and colorful lampwork glass create new compositions sure to please the coastal enthusiasts.

Coastal curio necklace. A great Betty Burnell coastal creation necklace using shells, turquoise, fresh water pearl, antique brass trade ring, antique Chinese coin and sterling silver. Adjustable length

It was during my work with the museums that I became interested in glass, beads and jewelry design. I was fascinated with the range and depth of color and texture in glass forms and beadwork. I continue to learn new techniques and experiment with materials, and I have taken some classes with established artists in kiln-formed glass, lampwork, precious metal clay, and metalsmithing. I also learn by experience, otherwise known and trial and error! I have a renewed interest in textiles and fibers and have begun to dabble more seriously in that medium.

You can see all of Betty Burnell's Coastal Collection by visiting her artist page on Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Galleries Website. Click here.

Patty Anderson goes BEACHY! Belts, Jewelry & Accessories

Patty Anderson Jewelry, LLC  has taken on a new flair since her move to South Florida 6 years ago. BEACHY!!

Patty Anderson Jewelry was founded in 2000. Patty was introduced to jewelry making by her grandmother, a jewelry and silversmith artist. As a little girl Patty loved to stand by as her grandmother tumbled gems, melted silver, and created her treasures. Using the tools and building on the techniques learned from her grandmother, Patty began experimenting with many different new materials and her own style emerged.  After moving from the Northern suburbs of Chicago to South Florida, Patty's line took on a new flair inspired by the natural surroundings of the beach, ocean and sky. " It's so interesting. I find the Beach Style is not just for customers living by the beach. It is for many people that love the beach no matter where they live."

Dancing Coin Pearls. Elegant Freshwater pearls suitable for day or night.

Patty's jewelry making began as a hobby, combining silver beads, pearls, and semi-precious gemstones to create one-of-a-kind pieces for family and friends, and became a successful creative venture that drew interest from Bloomingdales. Following a successful eight year period of nationwide distribution in Bloomingdales, Patty Anderson Jewelry can now be found in upscale boutiques around the United States, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

Sand dollars. Delicate but beautiful replicas of a treasure from the beach.

In the fall of 2009 Patty introduced a line of women's belt buckles and premium leather belts. The pewter buckles are created from Patty's drawings and designs. The buckles are worn on very high quality premium leather that comes in the most beautiful array of colors. You can pair the buckle of your choice with a leather belt in any of 14 colors. The choices range from the classic subtlety of Chestnut Brown to the bold statement of Sunshine Gator. Currently Patty has four more buckles in the works, a heart, flower, anchor and a whale. Not to mention a men's line of belts that will be available in a variety of materials. " I have had many women ask me to design belts for their husbands, boyfriends and sons, and I have men ask me to create belts for them. I am looking forward to introducing these."

Starfish Buckle.  Pewter starfish buckle with your choice of belt color.

Pair the buckle of your choice with a leather belt in any of 14 colors. The choices range from the classic subtlety of Chestnut Brown to the bold statement of Sunshine Gator.

When Patty is not creating new designs or filling orders, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their three children. They have discovered Stand Up Paddle boarding. The beautiful colors of the turquoise water, the abundant fish and sea life below continue to inspire Patty. "I feel like we have discovered a whole new world. Being able to get out on the water and see everything from a whole new perspective is amazing! The colors and textures are incredible!"

Please visit Patty's website, to view her collection and find a retailer near you. You can also become a fan on Facebook. There you will receive updates of new styles, new stores and other fun information. Patty Anderson is also a new face at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA.  Visit her page at Patty Anderson

Clck here to visit Coastal Creations & Design's home page.

Live the Life you Love, Love the Life you Live.