Beach Theme Mantle

Beautiful blue skies and water make you think beach.  Don't they?

Today I'm sharing my Beach theme mantle.  All the sweet elements are from my kids summer vacation . . . 

It's very hard to get a really good shot.  My mantle is long. 
And, I am using my phone.  
The sweet little mermaid and the boat were the inspiration pieces that began this theme.  
When I received the mermaid photo in the mail I told my DIL I wanted to build a mantle display around it. 
Then I saw the boat on Pintrest.



She took the idea and began creating.  My DIL and the mermaid made the felt bunting.  The rice paper laterns I originally bought at $5.00 below for the patio.  (that idea didn't come together. Bummer)
My DIL is a photographer.  So there are a lot of photos.  My 14
year old grandson is her assistant and learning the trade. 

The seashell at dusk photo with the blue ribbon was taken by my grandson.  The couple at sunset is my son and DIL taken by my grandson.
As I began to display the photos I needed some height so I used a silver jewelry box to raise the sail boat drawing.  I didn't mention the ribbons are from the county fair.  They entered 67 items and received ribbons on 60 of the items.

I didn't have a frame yet for the large photo so I taped it to my mirror.  Also taped is the seahorse framed photo of my 6 1/2 year old grand daughter and DIL.  My grand daughter made the frame and received a 3rd place ribbon.  My grandson was the photograper.
Also in this photo is the painting my DIL painter.  You can see at the top the life preserver.  This was a group effort.  My grandson drilled the hole in a piece of plywood and DIL covered it and did the stitchery.  My
initials and Cowboys are displayed and the year we got married.  On the far left is the corsage I wore
at their wedding.

My DIL is very creative and crafty she made all the flowers for their wedding.

I wanted to share this last photo because it displays the sweet hand print heart I made for my daughter and grandsons Valentine dinner.  I haven't had the heart to take it down.
Oh opps...I guess you can see the plug hanging from the lights.  Also in this photo is a print you can't see well with another white ribbon. It's a huge sand castle they built.  The little drink umbrella was in the photo.
I taped it to the mermaid.    I switched all my candles on the candlelabra to white and silver to go with the theme.

Thanks for joining me on the beach.
Today I'm linking with some of my favorite parties.
Blue Monday with Sally
Tweek It Tuesday with Brenda
Tuesday Show and Share
Titues 2uesDay with Darlene
Tuesdays at Our Home
Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Linky Party
Tips and Tricks Linky Party
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Brag About It Tuesday
Wake Up Wednesday at Sew Crafty Angel
Wow Us Wednesday
Sizzle Into Summer
Party In Your PJ's
What's It Wednesday 
Fluster Muster Creative Muster Party
Favorite Things Thursday with Katherine


If you've begun decorating for Fall I'd love you to come over and link at The Fabulous Fall party.  Link any day anytime all Fall themed post.
You can click here for the current party or check the sidebar.  Come over and party with me.