Sun Bleached Tortoise Shells

Have you seen the sun bleached tortoise shells from Jayson Home?  I fell in love with the look and decided to try to make my own with a shell I already had .  

Jayson Home Shells

Here's how I created my own version with a large shell.  All I did was paint the shell with some linen white paint.  Once it was dry, I sanded some sections away and then sealed with a clear spray poly.  Here's mine.  I guess I would call it white washed instead of sun bleached.

Now that I see it next to the Jayson Home shells I think I need to sand a little more away from the edges, but other than that, I like the result.

I frequently use nature as inspiration in my decor.  Here are some photos of tortoise inspiration in my home.  Of course, these all aren't around now, just samples of my ever-changing decor.  I love how the blog catalogs all my design experiments.

Some Small Shells on My Mantel

The underside of this shell is as beautiful as the top.  

Underside of Shell Mixed With Antlers, Floats, and Framed Book Plates

I love using faux shells too.  This large shell is on a stand on my bookshelf.

Faux Tortoise Shell on My Bookshelf

Currently, this large shell decided to take up residence on one of my latest finds, a Mid Century Modern brass and chrome bookshelf.

Faux Turtle Shell on a Stack of Leather books

This next shell is real and was hanging above a framed piece of Trina Turk fabric.  I'm pretty sure it's the one I just painted.  Ha.

Large Turtle Shell

This next shell is also faux and painted black.   It's on my desk in the family room and surprise--it's actually still there.

Black Faux Shell

The shell with the unusual underside actually started out in a dough bowl on my dining room table.

Turtle Shells, Spheres, Antlers and Sea Life in a Dough Bowl

It was a no brainer when Nate Berkus created faux turtle shells for Target.  My only decision was what color.  I decided to go for the green.  I hung it above an antique framed botanical book plate in my dining room.

Nate Berkus Tortoise Shell in My Dining Room

So, is your decor nature inspired?

Kathy

So Haute

For those of you new to my blog, I frequently write about what's haute  to shop for when shopping vintage.  Some of my haute finds are just for me, others were purchased with clients in mind, and some are just for sale.

Check them out.

I've been loving horse heads.  I found the clear glass one.   I bought the book for its zebra cover.
The series of women's faces are copies of Piero Fornasetti pieces made into paper weights.
If you missed my post on Fornasetti, go here.

 I always buy orbs when I see them.  These mottled brown orbs are exceptionally nice.  Again books bought for their chevron and snakeskin covers.  The striped pillow is made from a feed sack.  The wall sconces are new and electrified.  I could see them painted hot pink or turquoise.

The planter is mid century modern.  What a fabulous imprinted border.  This would work well for holding magazines as well as plants.  The framed botanicals are original hand-colored book plates.

Another horse head.  You may have already seen the horse head in a previous post.  I used it as a book end with some covered books.  If you missed that post, go here.
I was excited to find the tortoise shells.  I'm trying to figure out how to hang them on a wall.
Any ideas ?
The four small squares are vintage geometric-patterned coasters.  The snakeskin print scarf is vintage as is the snakeskin blotter.  I think I may use the blotter in my kitchen, almost as a tray.  I think it will look good with my snakeskin fabric back splash.  To  see the back splash, go here.

My last find is the orb finial--I have a pair of them.
I've seen books tied with twine, but I really like the use of an old leather belt too.  You could also use a silver or sequined belt for some bling.
The old lab bottle had its label, but not its stopper.  I added some feathers to fill the space.

I hope I've given you some ideas for your next vintage shopping trip.

Please share your haute finds.



Kathy