Vintage-look Wooden Box and Barnacle

Here are two treasures I discovered on my recent trip. The box was purchased from a little boutique store in Bothell, Washington. It was an inexpensive item which had a shabby chic look that was made simply using a hardware store drawer pull on top and large faceted plastic beads for feet. Isn't it adorable? I thought blogland crafters might find this an easy, clever project to make for craft fairs. Ben Franklin Crafts has a large inventory of wooden boxes which could easily be turned into a keepsake keeper like this. The barnacle in this photo was a real find from a store in Kahala Mall. (I've forgotten the name of the shop.) I plan to use this barnacle as an earring and bracelet holder/display on my dresser. I think that I will go to Ben Franklin Crafts to get other shells for a dining table display. Recently, the Nate Berkus show (0ne of my favorites) encouraged viewers to decorate with shells in a sand-filled tray. I like the look and I am further inspired everytime I go to my eye doctor's waiting room and admire the casual island feel a tray of shell imparts to a room. Shopping for treasures doesn't have to cost a fortune but the treasure should enhance your life and give you pleasure everytime you look at it. Objects can be 3-D memory holders for pleasant times.....hmm-m-m maybe I can insert a photo into the barnacle AND hang my jewelry on it. Keep your eyes open and you will be surprised at what you discover. Happy Hunting!