Seaside Tinkered Treasures

Seaside Tinkered Treasures
Gifted by CICO Books
www.rylandpeters.com
Reviewed by Molly Fletcher, Editor, AllFreeDIYWeddings.com

Beach vacations don't last forever, but the memories you make on the trip sure do! Seaside Tinkered Treasures shows you how to turn mementos you find on the shore into works of art. This collection of 35 summer-inspired projects will remind you of lazy days on the beach. Shells and sea glass, sand and sequins–the materials are what make these crafts stand out.

A lover of hands-on projects, author Elyse Major is a regular contributor to Romantic Homes and Romantic Country, which gives some indication of her timeless style. An avid blogger, Major doles out tips, tricks, and endless craftspiration for readers on a weekly basis. Her biggest takeaway is to put fun before perfection, so embrace the quirks of each piece you create instead of trying to make them look flawless. 

With this rule in mind, you're ready to tackle the stunning and simple projects in Seaside Tinkered Treasures. Many of these crafts require items you likely have on hand, from beach souvenirs and clothing pins to scrapbook paper and embroidery hoops. Every piece evokes the feel of warm sand beneath your feet and the sound of waves crashing on the shore. There are mermaids made from laundry pegs, a sticks-and-shells wind chime, and many more. No need for fancy equipment or special skills–even kids can lend a hand.

If you don't have time to make all of the projects in this collection, Seaside Tinkered Treasures is gorgeous enough to serve as a coffee-table book. Marvel over these elegantly upcycled projects and think about sunshine and sandals. The ideas in this book are as refreshing as an ocean breeze on a hot day, and most of them come with a "Fancy This" call-out. These sections are devoted to alternate materials, color combinations, and details that give each project a different style.

When they return from vacation, many people store their souvenirs in a box where they will never to see the light of day again. Seaside Tinkered Treasures gives you 35+ excuses to dust off those containers and delve into your past. Make a piece that is an absolutely charming reminder of a bright, sunshine-y day. 

BONUS! Enter to win a copy of Seaside Tinkered Treasures here. Contest ends 5/10/15.