Christmas, Ocean Style; Beach Decor!

I know some people do yearly themes for their Christmas, so why not do an ocean or shell theme? Shells are readily available, and can make very pretty ornaments on the tree. You can also place Starfish, and even some blue ribbon to signify the water.
Another fun idea is to use an old fish net as a tree skirt. (Maybe over something to actually catch the tree sap)



You can also get a some really cute tropical style Christmas cards to give to your family and friends!

A fun craft project could be to make a shell wreath for your door with a Shell Basket, straw wreath base and a glue gun! Your guests will be amazed at how creative you are when they enter your shell themed Christmas!

When wrapping gifts I would recommend solid colored paper such as a brown or cream. Then instead of ribbon and bows, use some raffia and affix a starfish or shell to the outer wrap with the name tag. It will give a nice clean look under your tree, all the while looking like you picked up your gifts in the Bahamas!!

This would be a very fun and inexpensive alternative to a Christmas trip to Hawaii!

Do you have any other suggestions to brighten your Holiday?

Maybe decorating your Reef Aquarium in a festive holiday motif?

Seashells in Gel Candles

Seashells are excellent inserts for gel candles. Using some shells of different type, starfish, sand and artificial fish you can create most amazing seascape candles. There are hundreds of different seashells types. Cones, helmets, tritons and conchs are the most popular for making gel candles. All seashells are heat and fire resistant, so you can safely use them as inserts.

You should be sure to learn a little about seashells before buying them, or you can be taken advantage of because of your ignorance of the subject. Often people pay ridiculous amounts of money for absolute junk. For example, those same sand dollars that one can find in droves on the sea shores of the San Francisco bay area are sold for 5, 10, or even more dollars. Of course it is an effort to find them and clean them up, but if you know anything about seashells and other marine products, you should compare your options and make wise purchases.

Experts will tell you that a good conch shell is worth buying. These shells really are treasures of the sea. They are large and suitable as a center point of your candle composition. They also have an intricate and beautiful design. Also you can actually hear the sea in them if you hold them to your ear, which unfortunately would do you no good if your conch shell is inside a candle.

As well as for gel candles, seashells can be found, bought or ordered for all kinds of purposes. Some people use them for decorations in collage. You can also use sea shells to adorn jewelry and clothing, as ornamental soap trays, as wall hangings. They also make excellent wind chimes.

Beautiful seashells that are used in art and home design begin their life as the homes of crabs, clams, mussels, and the like. Many people are fascinated by seashells since childhood. Gazing into that deep blue sea, which could help being fascinated by the intricate and amazing existences of the creatures that live inside it. And in your gel candle seashells will look intriguing and delightful.

For a guide to seashells and gel candles visit Best Scented Candles

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tanya_Turner

Ocean Decor Articles

Here are a few Home Decorating ideas and articles I found dealing with Ocean or Beach themed decor:

One idea is to use a hot-glue gun to attach sea shells to accessories including mirrors, lamps, and picture frames. The wreath to the left is made using seashells, driftwood, etc. on a wooden (or even heavy cardboard) frame.

Browse through nautical decor stores to pick up anchors, buoys and crab traps to decorate your home. Wooden floors can be matched to the cabinetry and enhanced with colorful runners. Use fish netting, nautical clocks, rope ladders and brass lanterns to good effect. Use mirrors with nautical frames like ship wheels, life rings and starfish.


Here is very unique article:

Create Ocean Enchantment with Under the Sea Decor


Here is a snip (please click above for the full article):
"Under the waves, where fish swim and play, sea creatures are gathering…for a wondrous birthday! We’ve gathered everything you need to decorate and celebrate in an enchanted world, under the sea."