Sweetwater Style: Thrifty Beach Themed Decor

We all know that BEACH = SUMMER!

Alas there is no plan for a beach vacation for us this year.

Really, I am not complaining....I love Summer around here too much!

BUT...

That doesn't mean there can't be a "beachy" feel to some of the decor at Sweetwater.

Here is the inspiration for my "beach on a table" vignette.

Are you getting the theme?

Yup...Dockside!

Did you know you can buy decorative pilings?

For a mere$119.99 these three wood pilings with rope can be yours....and there is free shipping!

OR NOT!

It is pretty simple to make your own!

I am lucky to have access to a pallet pile.

These two 4 x 4 posts already had the angle cut and were just the right size.

I forgot to ask Mr. S. what purpose they served in the pallet world...but I think they are perfect.

You could head to the scrap pile at Home Depot and probably find something similar.

OR...rumor has it....if you search Pinterest....there is a way to make these with Pool Noodles.

Who Knew???

The posts got a gray paint wash.

Then I tied some thick rope around them.

DONE!

Let's deconstruct the rest of the vignette.

The wreath has been around a long time.

The rope is wrapped around the wreath with shells, starfish and driftwood decoration.

Some of the starfish were actually made from playdough! (SEE HOW HERE)

A simple burlap bow finishes it off.

When I first looked at the photos for this post, I realized that the black lamp wasn't quite right.

I shopped the house and found a much better fit. (Rope Lamp Tutorial).

I share this with you as a hint. Whenever you are "staging" and area, it is good to step back and edit it. It is almost never about going out to buy something. More than likely if you "shop" the house, you will find the perfect item you need without spending a cent.