Doesn’t it look cute? The book pages taped to the back are from a book hubs found from a discard pile at a college library. He knows the way to my heart! The starfish and sand dollars were bought a few years ago at a store called the Christmas Tree Shop.
I made the little chalkboard signs ages and ages ago but use them for everything! Click here for a tutorial on how to make yours. 2011 is obviously the year right now but it is also our house number.
And because I couldn’t resist playing around with my coral some more, here it is on my coffee table.
I cannot tell you how happy I am that it is almost May and that consistent warm weather will be here once again! (Be a dear and don’t remind me that I said that when I’m whining about 90*+ weather mmmmkay?)
Emma says
AAARGGHH wallmart…here from Holland as well, I tried finding this kind of coral, it’s 40 euro’s for a ‘big piece’ as big as a head.
Which is like 45 dollars btw.
Angela says
BBB Brilliant! I Loved reading this post! I would of never thought of doing this but that’s why we have DIY bloggers like you to think of it for us, laughing… Thanks so much, I love your blog and think you are very talented!
Rose :: Fine Craft Guild .com says
brilliant! turned out really lovely. want to invite you to come share this and participate in our linky party here: http://www.finecraftguild.com/party/
Pat says
Hi… My mouth dropped and I am so excited about going to wal-mart!! I may have come across this post late but at least now wal-mart had a chance to re-stock after everyone else ran there last year!! LOL
Simple things are always the ones I smack myself on the side of head ~whack~ why didn’t I think of this!!
thank you very much!
{darlene} says
um. brilliant.
you are brilliant.
Donna says
You’re brilliant! I love this too!
chic crafter says
Who doesn’t love Walmart?!!!
Thanks for this awesome idea i love beach and making this inspiration design at home will make me feel a little bit near to nature… walmart i’m coming soon!
Judy says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!! You’re ingenious! So creative! I might have to try this. Thanks for sharing it!
~Judy~
Audrey says
I’m constantly amazed how many things we can accomplish with spray paint. I love saw this idea in PB and wanted to use it but of course coral is soooo expensive. Thank you for posting this awesome idea! I have a white and peacock blue thing going on and now I can finally add some cool coral. yay! Hopefully I can post the results and trackback here.
http://www.lonelypaper-designs.blogspot.com
Kristy says
GENIUS!! Some times the obvious is hidden in plain site! (the pet dept! Seriously!? I’ve hit TJ MAXX a dozen times looking for more coral!!)
Beth = smart and savvy
Kristy = eh, not so smart and savvy… Haha!
Awesome job! Lovin your blog!
Anne Gooch says
Thank you for doing this!!! I am going to be painting my master bedroom and bathroom in the same color blue in the next few months and I was wanting to do something in the bathroom with a beach theme. I have been looking at PB and of course they are so high and I would have never thought of getting stuff from Walmart. Thanks again because I will be using your idea 🙂
judi says
Check out Big Lots for faux coral – they have a coastal theme decor section – and it’s on sale now – and has lots of shells and several pieces of the coral.
Jen says
Oh, Beth! You have once again made my day! I redid my mantle this weekend and used my coral, but need a few more pieces…Guess where I am headed as soon as I get dressed? Thanks a million!
Linda says
YOU are good! Love this…never would have thought of the pet section.
Shaunna says
absolutely genius. how am i just now seeing this post??? LOVE!
🙂
shaunna
Mae Li says
Wow, thanks for sharing!! I will be off to Wally World soon!
Lynn says
I've been looking for beach theme decor for my daughter's wedding in August and wanted to use faux coral in the table centerpieces! This idea is fantastic and affordable! Thanks!
Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys says
Genius, Beth! The brown and white display of the coral and all of the sea treasures is just gorgeous!
Btw, great find from the hubs. The font on the book is very cool.
Jessica @ O. Alouette says
What a stinkin awesome idea!! I can't to go to Wal-Mart and get some fake coral so I can try this out. I was just at PB today admiring all the coral but hating the price tag. This is a great solution!
vanilla bean says
You were right! It looks so great on my coffee table! I have plans to do a couple more for my master bedroom! I posted a pic of it today if ur interested to see how it turned out! Again, great idea! Now I can finally get my beachy theme going! I also found bags of all white shells in the same pet section, so I'm hoping to do a frame or mirror that will go along with the coral! Thanks!
Lettered Cottage says
Brilliance- wrapped up in one beautiful blog post!
SUCH a great idea!!!
Kari says
This is brilliant! It's all I can do not to go wake up my sleeping baby to drive to wal-mart right now!!!
Amanda says
Hi Beth 🙂 I've put together a round up of great beach themed projects on Craft Gossip today and included your post. 🙂 You can see it here
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/6-beach-crafts/
Kristin says
I LOVE this and wanted to let you know I linked to it on my blog as things I'm liking! http://kucole.blogspot.com/2011/05/things-im-liking-5611.html
bev says
This is an awesome idea…and who would have thought of Wal-Mart pet department? Must less costly. Thanks for the idea it is quite lovely.
feelincrafty says
Beuatiful display! Great idea. thanks for sharing. about ot head ot our beach house next week and this a great beach house project! 🙂
mollie's mom says
I discovered Wal Mart Coral last summer and it is amazing what white paint can do… and if you have Kohl's where you are they have coral – already white- on sale for 55% off. 🙂 It's bigger than anything I found at WM last summer but at 55% off it's almost Wal Mart price!! Yeah!
marcie@madebymolliesmom.blogspot
Kathy@mishmashmom says
I have been kicking myself ever since I passed these up at TJ Maxx! Your idea is genious, and I will soon be visiting a pet store near me!
Catherine Hansen Peart says
I couldn't work out which photo was yours and which was PB's! Wow, love it.
vanilla bean says
I know everyone has said it, but it's a great idea! I would have never thought of the pet section! I was completely inspired by the beach cottage my parents rented last weekend and have been pondering "beachy" ideas since Friday, so this is a perfect fit! I'm off to Wal-Mart!
Andrea@ourbluefrontdoor says
Loved your idea, how creative! Went to the famous Walmart today and picked up one piece and only because they only had one left. I thought to myself, "really does EVERYONE know about this awesome idea, surely not." I spent $8.88 and already have the spray paint so can't wait to get to it.
New follower, thank you again for sharing and inspiring me!
Pink Overalls @DIY Home Staging says
Genius. I can't wait to try this. It's exactly the look I wanted. Nice job.
Illuminations Design Studio says
Excellent idea! Thanks for sharing.
Kristin says
I LOVE his! I'm working on a beach inspired room, so this is perfect!
Melody says
What a great idea! I love it. I have a few real pieces from the beach store but they are hard to dust, they grab onto the duster things. I wanted to ad more so this is great way to do it. And easier to clean. Plus PB's was too expensive for not being real. Thanks for posting.
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says
Simply brilliant! I think WalMart is going to have a difficult time keeping these in stock now. 🙂
Sue (Someone's Mom) says
I have a lot of beach things in my house…even a piece of "real" white coral, but I wanted more and it isn't easy to come by here in Illinois. This is such a great idea…so glad you posted it!
Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says
Great idea Beth. These look great. What an easy way to get such great looking faux coral.
Geezees Custom Canvas Art says
Such a cool idea, love the coral!
Angie @ Thrifty Like Me says
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! This post made me a follower! 🙂
Maya @ Completely Coastal says
Lovely display and great idea! Don't shop at walmart though…, but might have to make an exception!
Sara {Sara's Closet} says
Awesome! This is so simple and inexpensive, Lovn' it! Thanks for sharing =)
Jenny says
Absolutely brilliant! I know what I'll be doing tomorrow….
paris parfait says
Brilliant idea! And I had to laugh when I read your comment about Walmart – "don't hate" – as I'll soon be visiting my parents in the US and my mom usually tries to drag me along to Walmart (and I refuse). 🙂
Erin says
This is brilliant. BRILLIANT!!! Thanks for sharing!!
⊰OCDesign⊱ says
Like all other 50 ppl OMG! Thank you so much for doing the leg work for us all and showcasing your fab idea!!!! I was just thinking last night how I could make a mold to make one cheaper. Now if you can figure out where I can get a giant faux clam for super cheap that would be great!!! And dont worry, I pray for the heat too, then when it gets here and I start sweating I curse it.
kfredricksen says
Brilliant. I too was looking for coral with no luck here in Wisconsin. But we do have Walmarts. Thanks for the idea.
Kim
Kathy Pierce says
Brilliant! I can't wait to find my own coral to paint! Thanks for sharing!
laxsupermom says
What a great idea! I love what a little paint can do! Thanks for sharing.
Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea says
OMG-thanks so much for this fabulous idea. I have been drooling over this PB display for a while now. I need to go to Walmart anyways:) Your display is fantastic.
Lucy Designs says
GENIUS!! I will look at the aquarium aisle in a totally different way now!!
Kathleen Frances says
I saw this on the front page of Pintrest! Bravo! It is a really brilliant idea!
michelle says
Oh my GOSH I want to hug you right now!!! 🙂 This is the best idea! I am so going to Walmart today. Thank you thank you!!!!
Grace says
Ooh, great idea! Love your coral! Oh, and today our high is supposed to be 95 degrees! Crazy! 😉
Blessings, Grace
melissa * 320 Sycamore says
LOVE you for this post..I was just thinking the other day that I need to find me some fresh white coral for the bathroom and was wondering where to look and you found a perfect solution for me 🙂 Thank you, girl!
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Gorgeous, Beth! I love how it turned out. Great, great idea, but then you always have those. So, is Wally World's coral fake or real? Looks real to me?? Your display is so pretty!
Cheryl says
What a great idea! Yours look fabulous! (and I bet your version costs hundreds of dollars less!) You are so creative!! I love it!!
fairfieldhousenj.com says
You are not only beautiful, you are brilliant! Bravo for this better than original knock off idea!
Your Friend,
Deborah
Shelley says
You are crazy creative it's freaking me out!!!
Shelley says
You are crazy creative it's freaking me out!!!
tlateach says
Very Cute! I will be doing this.
Heidiopia says
You're singing my song, Beth! Love this project and the variety of ideas. Have a great day. 🙂
Susan @ homeroad.net says
I love, love, love all the coastal decorations you have! Everything looks so beautiful! I love that you spray painted the coral… I'm copying that one!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful home!
Susan
Michelle@Somedaycrafts says
It looks like the real thing AND it looks beautiful! Great, easy tip!
Marianne@Songbird says
LOL
I have actually been looking for faux coral to makeover for some weeks now. Ever since I tweeted you. Haven't found any. All the regular fish shops are for sweet water aquariums and they don't sell coral because that's from the sea. They sell buses and houses to put in your aquarium but not coral. Go figure.
I did score some beautiful real coral at a flea market though. The only real coral I would buy anyway (don't want to harm the coral reefs by stimulating people to harvest and sell it).
So I am really not complaining, but I could use some more coral, to make a pretty vignette like yours. So the hunt continues…
CaraRose says
Very cute. And frugal too. Love love.
Faith, Trust, and a Little Pixie Dust says
Love it!
Warmly, Michelle
sunshinequeen says
LOVE LOVE LOVE…Ok not only do I love the idea of thrift and stylish decor you spiked my curiosity even more. Would you mind sending me a picture of your antique armoire? I have armoire lust and can't find what I'm looking for so the handy hubs is thinking about building one. Love a little inspiration. Thanks
(sunshinequeen.wordpress.com)
Vivienne @ the V Spot says
Is it exhausting to be that clever? Please lie to me and tell me it's hard work, OK? I am kicking myself for paying a pretty hefty price for a piece of FAUX coral last summer. grrr.
kelly says
those look fabulous and probably much cheaper! i have seen some nice faux coral at bedbathandbeyond.
love the setting in the armoire!!
this blessed nest says
another reason why i heart twitter. people who aren't on twitter are missing out, i tell ya!
beth, this looks fabulous! seriously fab. you go girl.
beautiful.
AntiqueChase says
BRILLIANT… Off to Walmart tomorrow. You mentioned "gloss"… they don't look too shiny?
Erin Zacharda says
FABULOUS idea! I am totally bookmarking this project and doing it SOON!
You are just so clever…thanks for sharing this 🙂
~Erin
Nancy says
Girl, you know how I love your blog and I love sharing your blog! Here's another shout out on the pallet ideas!
http://www.tvguide.com/News/VIDEO-Glee-Skit-1027073.aspx
arkie says
Lovely! What a great idea to get the look you want for so much less! Love how you placed the book pages in the background! Did you use them on the lampshade also?
Kim @ Sand and Sisal says
Very clever! I've been eyeing some at Home Goods for a while now, but now I'm thinking a road trip down to Wally world is in order. Looks beautiful.
Yolanda @ Miss Refashionista says
I would've never thought to do this and I have been wanting one of those for a while now!!!
I'm so going to walmart tomorrow!! 😉
Thanks for sharing, no really, thank you!! 😉
Jen says
Gasp! These are gorgeous and totally beautiful! Love the idea!
Judy says
Yours looks just as good if not better than PB, I would never have thought to buy coral in the pet dept. of WM but guess where I'm going on my lunch hour tomorrow?
Judy
Blondie's Journal says
What a great idea! I am trying to give my house at the lake a more beachy look and ran out of ideas after starfish and sand dollars!! Walmart, here I come! Thanks, Beth!
XO,
Jane
April says
I love it! never would have thought to look there! ~April @ Wildflowers & Whimsy
Kristin says
Great idea! Makes me want to break out the summer decor!!
Janie says
What a clever idea, thanks!
Janie
Romantic Domestic
Madigan at madiganmade says
This is genius! I love painting stuff white & who knew even pet supplies would look cute painted? 🙂
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
Wal mart — seriously!! You are awesome!! More than awesome! Brilliant! Can I be like you?? 😉
Jemsmom says
GET OUT OF TOWN!!!!! I would have never thought of that and I have been craving all this lovely coral!!!! The last PB had me drooling! You are a Goddess!!!!!
Dandy says
LOVE THIS!!!!!!! Must do this, transplanted from Florida into Canada I have this problem! Off to Walmart I go!
Xoxoxoox
http://www.justdandy.org
Krista@TheGatheringPlaceDesign says
Good thinking! Your display looks so nice and your couch and coffee table pic looks like a pic out of a magazine:)
Annesphamily says
Hi Beth! It has been a long time. I came over one day last week and the blogger would not let me leave a comment! Double Drat! I do look this look especially for the summer. You are one crafty and talented gal. Hugs to you! Anne
Rachelle says
Ah, looks so good! And, I'm with you on the weather, except it's Michigan, so today it was 70, then rained, then sun shined and hailed then stopped hailing to have gorgeous skies but tornado sirens.
Gah! But the coral makes me happy. 🙂
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Now how clever is that. I love it. I would have never thought to look at the pet section. Hugs, Marty
Michell @ Girl In Air says
Oh LOVE it!! I knew the minute I seen it…Wal-mart pet section…I have to take the boy to see the fish every time we are in Wal-mart…Now I will be more excited than he is to hit the pet department:-0
Thanks!
Brooke says
Awesome! What a great idea! I walk through the aquarium section at Walmart almost every time I'm there because my youngest loves to visit the fish. It never occured to me that those wildly-colored tank decorations could be turned into something so chic! Love it!
~Brooke
Holly @ Roller Coaster Life says
WOO HOO!! Thank you =)
Jenny says
I love this! Great idea! I'm bookmarking it, so I remember when I get my Summer stuff out soon.
Designs By Pinky says
OMGoodness, thank you! Walmart pet section….who would have guessed!!!! I am off to Walmart tomorrow. I decided as soon as I got my PB catalog that I was going to recreate this look too! XO, Pinky