Seashell Teapot

My latest creation is just back from bisque firing

and looking so lovely all in white !

I am happy with how the placement of the seashells

on the lid disguise the opening,

and fit beautifully together when it is closed.

A little seahorse sculpture at the handle adds interest.

Summer fun and creativity continues at the Cottage by the sea.

To see it glazed and finished click here

70's inspired vintage top

I stopped by the Nordy's in Fashion Island to peruse & shop.

It's there I discovered this 70's inspired vintage looking blouse,

and as a seamstress was most impressed with all the details,

especially with the price being under $40.00 !

I loved all the tiny french tucks in the front and the beautifully

embellished lace on the 3/4 sleeves and hem.

I wondered why there was no detail at the collar.

Did the designer chose to leave it plain on purpose

or was it a conscious decision to meet a certain price point ?

Maybe I've been watching too much of the show

"All on the Line " on the Sundance channel.

Either way, in my world I felt it needed a little something more.

Upon arriving home with my treasured new purchase

I began foraging through my cluttered studio for that special something.

As it turned out an old tablecloth being discarded by a friend

who no longer found it beautiful or useful was the perfect piece.

Though the delicate linen fabric center had worn thin

and was torn, fortunately most of the wide lace edging was still intact.

I carefully removed it and then reattached it

along the collar line of my

new acquisition to give it that extra detail I had envisioned !

Someone many years ago

spent to a lot of time creating this beautiful lace edging.

I am thrilled to give it a whole new life!

photo credits Stampington & co.

featured in Belle Armoire summer 2011

Read more about the other top here

Collecting Seashells

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Seashells are AMAZING architectural wonders.

The mollusks that inhabit these seashells live in the depths of the ocean and

create these unique protective homes for themselves against incredible odds.

They continually inspire and delight !

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( As a designer I realize I am seeing home design at its creative best ! )

Latest little lovely

ceramic vase with flowers added on by dipping the fabric in slip.

I am so loving this all matte white finish

in its bisque state

that I am having a difficult time deciding on what color glazes to use on it

so I am putting it out there

for my readers and followers to make suggestions !

New Ceramic Tile Mold

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Created with plaster so I could use it over and over again,

even attach additional seashells while the clay is still wet

making each tile uniquely different and having the opportunity

to experiment with different color glazes on each one.

This one is embedded in the exterior wall at Summerland Cottage

in Laguna Beach, California.

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