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Friday, September 17, 2010

Imitation is the highest form of flattery......

Have you ever had an "all of sudden" out of nowhere thought - and wonder why you didn't think of it sooner?  Or in this case - all of a sudden remember seeing some else's fabulous idea and wonder why you didn't copy it sooner?

One of my favorite home accessories is this beautiful French Blue tray that I purchased from My Shabby Chateau's Etsy Shop.  I recently did a post (that you can read here) about this terrific shop and one of the photographs I featured was this lovely tray that I pretty much left empty - because I didn't want to cover the label inside.

See what I mean - this label is just so tres chic!  

So last week, when I was proofing the post about My Shabby Chateau - just as I hit the "Publish Post" button, it came to me, on exactly how to use this tray and still be able to admire the label I adore.

What's the saying..."Imitation is the highest form of flattery"?  Well, this is a perfect example.

One of my favorite blogs is Secret Garden Cottage.  Jo has such amazing decorating style and I love the look she has created in her home.  When I'm searching for ideas and inspiration, I spend time on her blog looking at the photos of her gorgeous home and garden.  She recently did a post on how she displayed her Sanibel seashells....and all I can say is, once again, as you can see from the photos below - she put together a lovely array that was creative and distinctive.






Beside the shell's, isn't this hutch just fabulous????

All of a sudden, voilà - my french blue tray combined with my 4 vintage milk bottles that I bought at a thrift shop and 1 Starbucks frappuccino bottle courtesy of Jo (that I'm quite certain will someday be a vintage piece) has now been transformed into a magnificent display of seashells. And I can still admire the beautiful label!!!

So thank you Jo, for showing me a new way to display my seashells...and for your fabulous style & creativity, as it now has a presence in my home.....










For now - its on the console in my family room - but I am thinking I may have to find a better spot...

Hope this inspires you to remember a fabulous idea you've seen on one of your favorite blogs....and bring it into your home! 

I'm linking this up to:
Show and Tell Friday with My Romantic Home
Weekend Wrap Up Party with Tatertots and Jello
Yard Salen Party with Debbiedoos
Saturday Nite Special with Funky Junk Interiors
Make it for Monday with Cottage Instincts

16 comments:

Donna said...

Hi Debbie,
I just love your vintage (and not so vintage!) bottles with the shell stoppers! I remember seeing that on Jo's blog, and thinking it was the neatest idea! And thanks so much for showing off "my" tray! It is a treat to see my creations in someone elses home, and hear how they are enjoying it! It looks great in your family room with the shells. BTW, I really love the black & white photo of your pups, so cute! The current chalkboard that I have been working on features that same advertising label. I think that is one of my all time favorites from the Graphic's Fairy! Great post!

NanaDiana said...

I saw that on Jo's blog too. How cute is that! Love your little blue tray and you're right-you can still see the design.

I love "visiting" you-I always come away feeling refreshed...Hugs- Diana

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

Inspirational is right. Love the tray and the display. Very clever ideas and beautiful photos. I'm wondering about the hutch too. Has that been dry brushed or shabbier?

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh I love the tray and the shells-adorable!!! It's "vintage-beach"--is there such a thing? I think there is now!!! It looks fabulous, truly!
Hugs,
Cindy
xox

DesignTies said...

Isn't it great when you come up with the perfect solution to a design dilemma?? Blogs are such a great source of information and inspiration :-)

Love your blue tray and the vignette you've put i it :-)

Kelly

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Wow! That looks fabulous! I love the bottles combined with that beautiful aqua tray.
The funny thing is I have been using the Starbuck bottles for little bouquets for about a year now and I just gave one to someone today who was feeling down in the dumps. I filled it with pretty little pink flowers to cheer her up.
The idea of topping it off with a shell for display is wonderful. I love the greens and blues and aquas in your house. Lovely!

Beach House Living said...

Looks great! I agree that hutch is just divine.
Your shells inspired me to stamp a new style spoon. Inspiration is everywhere.

La Belle Vie said...

This looks fabulous!!! Your bottles and shells have completely inspired me. Love them. ♥

Debbiedoos said...

There you go...that sure made a difference. Love that blue color. I used that very same label on a modge podge project back when I started modge podging. I love that hutch too...everything looks fabulous. Thanks so much for joining me. Have a great weekend. Debbie

Cindy said...

I DO love this and it HAS inspired me! This is definitely something that will stick in my mind for when I am out and about looking for "items"... This type of display would look awesome and fit right in at my house! Thanks for sharing!!

Flaming June Vintage said...

Thanks for sharing your inspiration... now... you've inspired me! My grandfather delivered milk from the farm via horsedrawn wagon when he was young. I have a crate of his bottles and have never really figured out what to do with them. This is perfect, perfect, perfect! The shells dress the plain glass up a bit and draw attention.

BTW, any chance you remember the name of that fabulous paint color on your wall? *heart eyes*

Drawn to The Sea said...

Love that idea (& always love the hutch!) I have so many posts bookmarked for reference... really should attempt some of the things all the lovely bloggers create.

Cindy Adkins said...

I just popped over to say "hi" and hope you're having a great day! I love the beach so much that I have to come over to your blog to relax on the sand...lol
Hugs,
xox

Anonymous said...

Hi there my friend! Your vignette looks beautiful, Debbie! Your vintage bottle 'bouquets' look gorgeous displayed on your new chic tray! I LOVE the coral pieces! That Starbucks bottle fits right in with all of your real vintage bottles. :)
You're such a sweetheart to say all of those nice things about me and my home and blog (blushing)... thank you, my friend! And you are so right... I'm constantly being inspired by so many talented bloggers out there. I seem to find myself doing things and decorating a certain way because of something I've seen in Blogland.
Thanks again, Debbie, and keep on inspiring!
Hugs ~ Jo :)

Simple Home said...

I think Jo will be thrilled. I loved this idea on her blog, and it looks wonderful on yours too. Now I'm looking around my own house...ummm :-)
I missed the question post, we were on vacation. Sorry I didn't get to it. I may try to add it to another post I do soon.
Blessings,
Marcia

Elisa said...

what a neat idea! and i will say they are very beautiful display of seashells.

you can also put some sand in the bottles. thats what i did with my sand i collected from my travels.