Old Bottles and Burlap…

Hi everyone! I hope you are staying cool in this heat. We just got through with two weeks of leading worship every night except one, so we are trying to get a few things done around the house. My sweet husband is outside now building a chicken coup for our chickens so they will be all ready to lay eggs in a few months. 

I wanted to share a vignette on my buffet for summer with all things found and natural. First up is the lamp.

If you saw my pink washstand makeover, you will remember this bottle lamp my grandmother had made. I rewired it and gave it a new shade that I embellished for my 10-year-old.  My grandmother had several and liked to make them. I took one of my grandfather’s old vinegar bottles and made another one for my buffet.

I bought a plain white shade and covered it with burlap then trimmed. This was so easy to do. I filled the bottle with pea gravel, crushed seashells and a few whole shells. I remember my grandmother doing  this a lot. 

I love how the light shines through this shade at night.

Here it is with the light off.

I decided to add some more family things including my grandfather’s books, and a collection of shells my grandmother had. She had written on some of the shells where they came from.

This coral filled with shells was always displayed at her house and since I got it, I have used it in several different places. 

You might remember the candle holder we made from wood a few years ago. I gave it an update and hollowed out a place to put a fern. I actually took small pieces of the bark and glued them on the pot so it would totally blend in. 

Luis cut these birch logs for me last winter in different sizes, so I thought I would add them here with some votives.

I am enjoying my updated buffet! It certainly has all the things I like including family pieces and organic elements. Plus, it goes with the summer cottage feel so prominent here in the North Carolina mountains.

Thanks so very much for stopping by!

Anita

 I’ll be joining the following parties:

Wow Us Wednesday

Inspiration Friday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Feathered Nest Friday

Home Sweet Home

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19 Comments

  1. Unknown
    June 26, 2012 / 11:59 pm

    Your buffet looks beautiful. I love the lamp you made! Such a wonderful vignette!

  2. Aledia
    June 27, 2012 / 12:06 am

    Very lovely vignette, I think everything is just perfect!

    Have a wonderful night!
    Aledia @ Plum Perfect

  3. Susan
    June 27, 2012 / 12:13 am

    I LOVE your buffet!! Burlap is my new "thing" as well and I purchased some "Burlap" drapes for my master bedroom as well as a Burlap pillow to go with our new Ralph Lauren comforter that's trimmed in Burlap.
    I also love the candleholder with the fern added, it's such a nice, natural youch.
    You really have such a gift for using the many natural treasures around you.
    God Bless You and Yours,
    Susan

  4. Carlene @ Organized Clutter
    June 27, 2012 / 12:17 am

    I really like the bottle lamps! Great idea!

  5. My Dream Canvas
    June 27, 2012 / 12:42 am

    This looks lovely!!! Great blog. I look forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas for my backyard party 🙂

  6. Betty
    June 27, 2012 / 1:11 am

    I love what you have done. It is just beautiful.

  7. Pamela Gordon
    June 27, 2012 / 2:28 am

    I love the old bottle lamp and your shell collection. It all comes together for a pretty summer look. Pamela

  8. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    June 27, 2012 / 2:35 am

    Anita, how beautiful! You did a fabulous job on the lamp; and I love how you used all of the shells and natural elements! Your grandparents would be proud!

  9. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting
    June 27, 2012 / 2:38 am

    GORGEOUS Anita!! I love love your beautiful buffet and your summer vignette! Pretty lamp too!

  10. Debbiedoos
    June 27, 2012 / 3:01 am

    Beautiful vignette Anita. I really love the tree trunk candles like that!

  11. Barbara F.
    June 27, 2012 / 3:44 am

    Everything looks beautiful. Crushed shells is an interesting idea. xo

  12. Emelia DiCarlo
    June 27, 2012 / 5:50 am

    Anita, I treasure your posts, you are a genius at using what God has given us in such beautiful, gracious ways and link your past to the present and future.I do remember the wood accent, I believe you had it on your porch dining table as well….your husband and you are just so productive in all …..VBS, ministry, outreach and now you treat us how to love and use your past…thank you my friend, always, Emelia.We just came from a viewing, who God called home a lady, mother, wife, in mid prime life, who helped vets-families in her career, thought of you and Luis….blessings.

  13. Creations By Cindy
    June 27, 2012 / 2:06 pm

    Anita, the buffet is lovely. I love the burlap and yes the bottles brought back memories for me! Thanks for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

  14. chateau chic
    June 29, 2012 / 12:25 am

    I love all the natural elements you used on your buffet display. Using treasures from generations past make it even more special.
    Mary Alice

  15. Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap
    June 29, 2012 / 4:14 am

    love burlap because of it's color and texture. Lamps looks great!

  16. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G
    June 29, 2012 / 2:19 pm

    Absolutely beautiful! Love the natural elements and the texture they provide!

    Now following your blog! 🙂

  17. Sonny G
    June 29, 2012 / 11:15 pm

    its perfect.. every element makes the other shine.

    the nc mtns are my very favorite and your home reflects that.

  18. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style
    July 2, 2012 / 10:53 pm

    Anita, this is such a pretty summery vignette. Thanks for sharing at Wow.

  19. The Charm of Home
    July 4, 2012 / 4:06 am

    Beautiful! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry