I know it’s a bit early to be thinking of Christmas….wait, what am I saying? Is it ever too early to be thinking of Christmas? I think not!
Below is a picture of all the little gems my little gems have collected during our stay at the beach. I was trying to think of some fun and creative ways to display their shells and was coming up short. So I wandered up into the attic to look for some inspiration. (TIP: If you are able to wander around a relative’s attic while they are out of town, I highly recommend it. If you are able to steal their things and use them for yourself without their knowledge….all the better!)
With said inspiration in hand…an unboxed clear glass ornament….sitting conspicuously lonesome on the shelf….beckoning for a reason to go on…threatening to end it’s useless existence with one simple misroll…pleading to be repurposed, reused, and RESCUED! (Tip: Stealing your inspiration from a relative’s attic may cause feelings of guilt. To alleviate these feelings try anthropomorphizing the object and convince yourself that you are the heroine in this story. ) Where were we? Oh yes…with eternally grateful ornament in hand, beaming at me and singing a version of Mariah Carey’s Hero, I headed downstairs to begin its transformation. Simply put, I used a funnel to fill the ornament with some beach sand and then dropped all the itty-bitty shells that would fit on top.
I replaced the bauble’s “lid” and hot-glued some shells on the top to cover up the gaudy gold.
Then I hung it outside on an evergreen by the sea and gave it the paparazzi it was due!
I love it, and the boys are thrilled to see their shells on display. They’re already asking when we can put it on our Christmas tree! 
I know come Christmas when we are desperately missing the beach, and I am desperately missing the warmth of the sun, our beach in a bauble will act as a kind reminder of sweet summer memories of old and of those soon to come. So when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong, and you’ll finally see the truth that a hero lies in you. Happy Summer!
With said inspiration in hand…an unboxed clear glass ornament….sitting conspicuously lonesome on the shelf….beckoning for a reason to go on…threatening to end it’s useless existence with one simple misroll…pleading to be repurposed, reused, and RESCUED! (Tip: Stealing your inspiration from a relative’s attic may cause feelings of guilt. To alleviate these feelings try anthropomorphizing the object and convince yourself that you are the heroine in this story. ) Where were we? Oh yes…with eternally grateful ornament in hand, beaming at me and singing a version of Mariah Carey’s Hero, I headed downstairs to begin its transformation. Simply put, I used a funnel to fill the ornament with some beach sand and then dropped all the itty-bitty shells that would fit on top.I replaced the bauble’s “lid” and hot-glued some shells on the top to cover up the gaudy gold.Then I hung it outside on an evergreen by the sea and gave it the paparazzi it was due!I love it, and the boys are thrilled to see their shells on display. They’re already asking when we can put it on our Christmas tree! I know come Christmas when we are desperately missing the beach, and I am desperately missing the warmth of the sun, our beach in a bauble will act as a kind reminder of sweet summer memories of old and of those soon to come. So when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong, and you’ll finally see the truth that a hero lies in you. Happy Summer! 
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Lovely, simply lovely and totally beachy. thanks for sharing the creative inspiration.
I bet that would make a great gift too!
What a great memory ornament from your trip! And it didn't cost you anything. Very clever idea.
How cute! What a great idea! Love it!
I love the beach and this is a really cute idea and what a fun gift.
So cute, I love it. Now I just need to make a trip to the beach so I can make something fun like this. Too bad I'm in the landlocked Midwest.
Wow, this is gorgeous!
Awesome idea!! So so cute. 🙂 I may try this, although the shells and sand will have to be store bought this year. Stopping by from Kimba's party. 🙂
Perfect and a sweet memory!
Wow…that little DIY project is adorable! I bet you can't wait for Christmas! When you get the chance, check out my new blog!
OOOOH this is a great idea! I may have to do this too. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love it AND we leave for Florida on Saturday!
Most excellent! And I'm SO GLAD to see that I'm not the only person with Christmas on my mind this week!
THAT is TOO CUTE! What a great idea and a unique way to display a shell collection!
And it doesn't have to be up just for Christmas, either! It'll look great all year round.
love how you worked Mariah into this post!
That is adorable. What a lovely way to keep your memories.
LOVE this!
We are currently at our holiday cottage at the beach in N Ireland.
I know as soon as I show this to my kids they will want to do it.
Finally a use for all these shells we collect every day 🙂
Thanks.
LOVE this! What a great way to remember your time at the beach… and I love the idea of making these as gifts for people who went to the beach with you. 🙂
LOVE this! What a great way to remember your time at the beach… and I love the idea of making these as gifts for people who went to the beach with you. 🙂
Stopping by from Kimba's. I just love this idea! So cute and what a fabulous idea for a Christmas tree…I could do a whole beach themed tree!