Nothing shouts sunshine and relaxation like nautical decor. It’s my go-to theme when decorating my mantel for summer and this year is no different. Would you like to take the tour?
On the left I placed a wood seashell on a stand. This was a gaudily glittered, thrift store purchase that I repainted cream with gold highlights. I added a sea urchin, a conch shell….
…. and a vintage mason jar filled with small seashells. 
The focal point of the mantel is this beach fence photo display inspired by Pottery Barn’s beach fence wall decor. Any guesses what it’s made of? 
Eight 69ยข yardsticks, wood glue, some wire, and a bit of white wood stain! It cost a tiny fraction of PB’s $79 plus shipping. 
On it I displayed favorite pictures from our past beach vacations. For the look of Instagram photos, I cropped them square and added a white border. 
I sewed a simple bunting from red, white, and blue fabric scraps. 
And found the vintage sailboat and seashell images on The Graphics Fairy. 
A large starfish accompanies a bunch of babies in an apothecary jar. 
Reaching the other end of the mantel, I displayed my driftwood sailboat and two cone shells. 
One last look… 
I am ready to feel the sun on my hair and the sand between my toes, how about you?