"Nights of the Black Flag" Paintings by Donna Lee Nyzio

"FIRE"

Three new paintings by Donna Lee Nyzio are now on exhibit at Skipjack Nautical Wares and  Marine Gallery. Click here to visit Donna's page at Skipjack Marine Gallery. These three paintings were created as part of an exhibit titled "Nights of the Black Flag" that was recently on display at the North Carolina Museum of History and again at the North Carolina Maritime Museum.

Pictured above: "Fire" acrylic, gauche painting on hot pressed illustration board by Donna Lee Nyzio. Two pirate ships, the "Meka II abd the "Royal Liste" fire upon each other in close battle off the coast of Wilmington, N.C.. Measures 17 X 34 and 29 X 46 inches framed.

“Knight of the Black Flag”

“Knight of the Black Flag” by Donna Lee Nyzio. Acrylic gauche mixed media painted on hot pressed illustration board. 39" X 30 ½" framed. Blackbeard the pirate aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge with firing cannons and ghostly visions of departed pirates in the background.

"Dawn in the Rigging"

Dawn in the Rigging” by Donna Lee Nyzio. Female pirate aboard the “Meka II” off the coast of Beaufort, N.C. Acrylic Gauche mixed media painted on hot pressed illustration board. 31 ½" X 39 inches framed.

To read about the exhibit, visit these links. "Knights of the Black Flag" at the North Carolina Maritime Museum.

http://www.carteretnewstimes.com/articles/2008/08/06/news-times/news/doc4899bea40f8fd689979191.txt

BARBARA JACKSIER'S WATERSIDE COTTAGES

Waterside Cottages Cover. Photography by Dan Mayers

Waterside style decorating is a great way to recapture your past or create an exciting new future.
Author Barbara Jacksier grew up in Brooklyn, New York, home to what may be the most famous beach in the world -- Coney Island. Her family lived in an apartment a few miles inland but each year they would spend their summer vacation at the shore. Barbara loved everything about living close to the water, including the sound of the waves, the pastel painted bungalows and the beachcomber’s keepsakes. Her memories of those beloved summer getaways inspired her new book, Waterside Cottages. It celebrates coastal style décor and makes the perfect summer reading.

Boathouse Living Room. Photography by Dan Mayers

When I was a child, my family and I spent our summer vacation at the beach. We didn’t stay in hotels. Instead, we rented small houses with easy access to whatever beach we were near. Those houses were called beach cottages, and I’ve loved them ever since.

In Waterside Cottages, I’ll take you on a cross-country tour to visit fourteen homeowners. The houses differ greatly in their decorating schemes, yet all have the ability to instantly transport you to the water’s edge. Some are centuries old and others built recently. A few boast vibrant Caribbean colors or nautical hues, while others rely on an all-white palette for a sense of serenity. Some feature rooms filled with accumulated treasures; others celebrate simplicity.

Photography by Dan Mayer

Whether they are primary residences, artist’s retreats or weekend getaway, all of the cottages in my book offer their owners and guests a place to enjoy time together; to chill out; and to feel sheltered and protected from the raging sea and the world outside. I hope you’ll use the book as a tool for translating a love of the waterside into successful decorating schemes.

Photography by Dan Mayer

Of course, as my mother told me, living near the water isn’t a necessary part of living beach house bliss. You can feel close to the sun and surf wherever you live when you decorate with waterside style. Visit Barbara’s blog at http://barbarajacksier.blogspot.com/

Nautical Jewelry: Sail Away With Classic Sterling Silver Sailboat Jewelry by Barbara Vincent

Sterling silver nautical sailboat necklace from the Barbara Vincent Collection

Set sail this spring in style with sterling silver nautical sailboat jewelry from the Barbara Vincent Collection- perfect for daytime or evening. These distinctive nautical designs reflect her passion for fine sterling silver jewelry and celebrate her enthusiasm for sailing and a coastal lifestyle.

"HOPE" sterling silver nautical necklace from the Barbara Vincent Collection

Choose from Barbara's J boat, sloop, schooner and sailboat racing with spinnaker flying and her most recent design simply titled "Hope."  These nautical designs are available individually as pendants for necklaces or as a collection. (see pictured above) Complete the look with Barbara's matching sailboat earrings.

Sterling silver hoop earrings with a rope design from the Barbara Vincent Nautical
Jewelry Collection. Designed to complement the "Hope" pendant. 

The sterling silver Schooner pendant. The Schooner is all dressed up under full sail
 and is polished to a mirror finish. A perfect item to dress up your wardrobe.
Available with sterling silver snake chain and matching sterling silver earrings.
A classic design from the Barbara Vincent Nautical Jewelry Collection.

"Schooner" earrings rendered in sterling silver from the Barbara Vincent Nautical Jewelry
 Collection. Polished to a mirror finish. Wonderful paired with the matching pendant.

Sterling silver charm bracelet with nine nautical themed sterling silver charms.
 From the Barbara Vincent Nautical Jewelry Collection!

The sailboat collection is also available in 14 kt. gold.  Click here to preview the total Barbara Vincent Nautical Jewelry Collection exclusively at

Seascape Oil Paintings- Marine & Nautical Art by David M. Weiss

"The Ocean View" oil on canvas by marine artist  David M. Weiss. 18 X 24 inches

    "Painting is my way to Peace"

   David M. Weiss

Water has always played a part in my imagination, it is a calming force that resonates through many of my marine paintings. In the past I focused too much on my plein air studies or photo references when I was creating a nautical painting. Now I search for ethereal and mysterious moments that may only be experienced once in a lifetime. I want the viewer to be able to absorb those moments. I am looking to express peace, if only for myself.

"Sunset on the Cape"  Original oil on canvas nautical painting of Cape May, New Jersey by marine artist David M. Weiss. 18 X 24 inches.

"Lighting the Way" Finding hope in the midst of darkness. Oil on linen by marine artist David M. Weiss. 22 X 29 inches.

"Night Sea"  Nocturnes are one of David's favorite subject matters. This painting is no exception. Oil on canvas and painted on edges. 20 X 36 inches

David Weiss creating a new marine painting during a one man show of his artwork at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery.  You can visit David M. Weiss new marine art website at Seascape Oil Painting.
You can also see a large collection of Davids painting by visiting Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery.

Nautical Belts- Spruce Up Your Warm Weather Apparel

Sailor Macrame Belt from Skipjack Nautical Wares

Looking for the right nautical belt to spruce up your warm weather apparel? Here's a few sea worthy nautical-inspired belts that certainly fit the bill.

The sailor Macramé braided web belt  in natural line with full grain leather belt ends and solid brass buckles. Available in black, natural (see pictured above)  navy, khacki and olive.  Sizes from 32 to 46 in stock. Other sizes available upon request. All belts are 1 ¼”.  Choose from Skipjack's collection of nautical belts for men and women at:  Nautical wears at Skipjack

Men’s marlin needlepoint belt from Vineyard Vines. 100% wool needlepoint, leather tab with embossed whale and brass buckle. Comes in sizes 30” – 44”. View Vineyard Vines collection of nautical themed belts at:  Vineyard Vines

Nautical Belt and Buckle - Leather Belt in White, Red, Silver and Antique Black, Buckle in Copper and Silver by Moxie & Oliver.

This is a new collaborative piece between Moxie and Oliver and Andes Cruz, a Canadian metalsmith. The belt is the Ahoy pattern in red, white, and silver with an antique black wash, and the buckle is an anchor in silver and copper.

They start with a thick piece of tooling leather and cut, brand, and dye it before applying a protective wash to keep it safe from the elements. The thickness of the leather and the process that I use is designed to give my pieces a much greater longevity.

They will size this belt to order, so, please send your size when ordering. For women send your measurement where you like to wear your jeans and for men, send your pants size.

This particular belt is 1.75" wide and the buckle is made to fit a 1.5" belt. The buckle is removable, so you could use it on a different belt, or use this belt with a different buckle.  Moxie & Oliver

Nautical belt buckle...High Seas

This vintage nautical belt buckle is sure to turn some heads. Image has been transferred to leather & is then set into an antique finish nickel buckle. A special sealant is added for extra durability. Ready to go on your favorite snap-on belt!!

Italian leather belt straps are available. Arrives gift wrapped! Buckle Measures: 3" x 2" (7.6cm x 5cm) Will fit any snap on belt from 1" (25mm) up to 1.5" (37mm) wide. AreteDesigns by Beth Spatafora

Elegant and bold, Orvis braided web belt pairs rich dark brown leather with fine Italian linen and a solid brass buckle set to create a handsome complement to jeans, chinos, or your favorite dress pants. Micro-adjustable for a perfect fit. In khaki, navy. Even 1¼" wide. USA of imported materials. Even waist sizes: 32-46. Order same size as pants size. Orvis

This 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

For other Coastal Creation & Design featured nautical belts for men and women, go to: Nautical Belts for Men & Women

Go Green and Blue: Please Pick Up the Trash!

It was a warm and sunny Wednesday morning here in Olde Towne Portsmouth, a welcome relief from the cold and rainy days just past. Alison and I decided to get up early and take the dogs (Chance and Jack) for a long morning walk down to our favorite coffee fix- Starboards Coffee Kiosk at High Street Landing. The morning temperatures hovered in the low 60’s with a slight cool breeze out of the northwest. The dogs eagerly pulled us along the familiar sidewalks along North Street down to Water Street and then the few short blocks to High Street landing and Betsy’s “Seattle’s Best” coffee and fresh baked muffins. After a short stay and visit with neighbors and other familiar faces, we headed home with the dogs to prepare for our day at Skipjack. Crossing High Street, a single plastic grocery bag blew like a floating ghost down the street directly towards the landing and the inflowing waters from the Elizabeth River. Alison quickly stepped on the bag, stopping its certain path to the river.


This is an ongoing problem. Uncontained trash dropped in the street or not placed securely into trash containers that are found on almost every downtown block ends up being washed into storm drains or blown aimlessly until it ends up in the river. Trash and other waste pitched overboard from passing boaters and commercial/military ships. Of course this is not a new topic . . . we’ve all heard it before. But it’s the constant reminders that keep us informed and aware of this ongoing problem and to assist everyone from becoming complacent. Pick up the trash!

When we walk our dogs or take a walk around Olde Towne, I carry our dog’s pooper scooper with us, a dog waste pickup tool with claw action that is also perfect for picking up all types of trash without having to reach down to pick it up or handle it. I carry extra trash bags to fill with trash that we see as we go along our walk. It’s certainly not a big deal to pick up loose trash as you see it. Give it a try. You’ll feel a lot better when you turn and look behind you and see a clean street. We do the same when visiting our favorite oceanfront beach-combing site or cruising along whatever river, lake, or other larger body of water that we are traveling. A fish net with a long handle is the perfect tool for catching floating trash and boat hooks can snag larger floating items.

Local organizations also hold local waterfront clean-ups to pick up trash and other floating debris trapped in coves and landings washed up after storms. The piles are collected and picked up by the local city trash. A great site to visit about keeping our bodies of waters clean and healthy is the Elizabeth River Project. Visit their website at: http://www.elizabethriver.org/ 

This is what we try to do whenever possible. Write us and share your thoughts and ideas with us. Know of other great sites? Comment and leave us a link.

Let’s all work together and keep our streets, parks and waterways clean If you trash it-stash it!

Joe Elder
Skipjack

Original Sea Glass Jewelry Creations by Danielle Renee & Deborah Leon

One of the great things about writing a blog like Coastal Creations and Design is the ability to attract wonderful folks that share the same common interests. As fate has it, we recently received a few favorable comments to a current post from two very talented artists, and both create exceptional sea-inpired jewelry from beach-combed sea glass. So I checked out their websites and Wah-lah! . . .the inspiration for another coastal creation. (See what writing a nice comment to our blog might bring you!)

 Danielle Renee’
Owner/designer of Sea Glass Jewelry by Danielle Renee’

A true beachcomber and beach lover, Danielle has spent most of her summers at the coast of New England which has been enough to foster her love of sea shore finds- especially sea glass, the jewels of the sea.

Couple that with her love of the arts, it was only a matter of time before destiny would lead her to becoming a sea glass jewelry designer and artisan.

Like many coastal residents and visitors, Danielle found collecting sea glass to be the perfect pastime while strolling the shores of both local and distant beaches. We are reminded that sea glass is actually glass trash yet through time and surf have been transformed into colorful, smooth and frosty sea gems. Sea glass has become the “new diamond”.

Danielles sea glass jewelry pieces are “Ocean Inspired” and eco-friendly. They are hand made with top quality and rare sea glass.

You can visit Danielle Renee's website by clicking on this link. http://www.jewelrybydaniellerenee.com/

Deborah Leon
Owner/Designer of Mermaids Purse

"My whole life I have lived on a coast line some where. Lake Superior, Rhode Island, Tiawan and California. Everything in my life is greatly influenced by the ocean and living on the coast."

As an artist since since childhood,  Deborah is mostly inspired by the endless colors of creation, history, and fantasy. Her favorite challenges have always been taking natural, old, and recyclable elements and turning them into art….pretty art. With a little imagination and determination, she has taken sea treasures off the window sill, table tops and out of containers to be worn and enjoyed.

"This passion of Sea Glass, Mermaid’s, Ship Wreck’s, History and Mythology is infectious. Journey with me as I build new products, blog about sea glass and don’t miss the tellings of Ula my Mermaid. It’s a fantastical world."

You can visit Deborah Leon's website by clicking on this link: http://www.mermaidspurseseaglass.com/

Some thoughts about sea glass by Deborah Leon:
SEA GLASS JEWELRY is sure to enchant Mermaid's on land or sea. In fact myth has it that sailors and fishermen of days gone by referred to these translucent baubles as Mermaid's Tears.


DISCARDED: Sea Glass is discarded or lost glass. Before their were modern day guide lines for disposing of trash, it was common practice for dump sites to be over the cliffs of local shores. Freight liners would dump over the ship's side near harbors, and of course there are those who left and tossed trash on the beaches. Thus discarded glass.


LOST GLASS: So what is lost glass? From ship wrecks of course! There are the old ships that couldn't navigate and withstand squalls and winter storms. Then there are war ships that have sunk over the ages that are filled with glass ware of all kinds.


Does this stir your imagination? The allure of Sea Glass is not just in its beauty. The history and identification of a piece of Sea Glass can send you on a quest that could become an obsession. You see most Sea Glass is vintage or antique in age.


FROSTED Sea Glass is actually caused by a process called Hydration. Over decades and decades of glass swirling in the currents of the sea which has a high saline ( mineral ) content will cause the lime to leach from the bottle and redeposit itself over the surface of the bottle giving it a frosted, pitted, etched appearance.


PRETTY COOL TRASH...each piece is unique in shape, color, size and condition. It requires sorting through hundreds of pieces of sea glass ( with a cup of coffee) to select two for a pair of earrings.


GLASS OR GEM: I'll let you decide! What started as a combination of elements from the earth to become something man-made was returned to the earth via its water ways to be recomposed by nature to reappear as something more gem-like. Fascinating!

We invite you to leave your comments and please support these wonderful artists. Smooth sailing!