Christmas time in Phoenix is always warm. The thought of heavy velvets and wools can get a bit stifling. I’ve been trying to think cool thoughts and work on projects with cool themes. You really can’t get any cooler than the seashore and Christmas. She Sells Seashells Stockings.
She Sells Seashells Stockings
I dug through the fabric remnants I had on hand; antique ticking, vintage damask napkins and a bit of chambray and linen. The stocking pattern that I used was by Simplicity, 4784.
The starfish and seashells received a tiny hole courtesy of a small bit on the Craftsman drill.
Tip: Use a wooden cutting board designated for crafting purposes only and not for the preparation of food.
Each stocking was lined in muslin and then embellished with various shells.
Here is a close up of each tiny stitch that holds the embellished shells in place. I may indeed have the patience of Job, or perhaps am as insane as Howard Hughes.
Look at the nubby texture of the linen on this stocking! It reminded me of sand.
The antique piece of ticking has small dots of long ago rust. They were probably made by old metal bedsprings when the ticking was originally used as a feather mattress cover.
I really adore the contrast of the white starfish against the dark chambray.
All of the fabrics used were washed to oh so soft goodness.
A few stitches were added on either side of the starfish to hold it in place. The smooth texture and sheen of the design on the vintage damask work well with the rough texture of the shells.
I hope you feel a bit jolly after viewing the stockings.
She indeed does sell seashells…you can find these stockings in my Etsy shop.
Laura
Parisienne Farmgirl says
Job vs Howard Hughes…
Hilarious!
Stop by, I think you will like my latest little project.
Stay cool.
Ang
Marydon says
You are too funny! Ingenious. Love them.
Have a great week ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
Kelly_Deal says
These are adorable! Perfect for a beach cottage Christmas!
Deanna says
Howdy Laura!
We just got a tiny bit of rain and some thunder/lightning. Pray it rains some more 'cauz it's over the top HOT.
Your stockings are as cute as can be. Like the shells!
Thinking of Christmas in July makes me crave snow and cold weather where hot chocolate sounds good.
I'm cooling down for Harvest.
d
GARAGE SALE GAL ~ Deb's Earthly Delights says
Loved the post about the Last Visit from the Tooth Fairy! Bittersweet!
Okay..it helped a BIT to see Christmas stockings! Very nice and fun theme.
Warmly,
deb
April says
Adorable, as only you can manage. Masterful combinations with the shells and fabrics–and Christmas! Oh! 🙂 Too clever, Laura!
Julie Tucker-Wolek says
*sigh* these are just AMAZING!! WOWWWWWWW! I am in love! :):):):):):):):):):)
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
Laura, The stocking are adorable! I love that you added the tiny shells.
xo,
Sherry
Ann Nichols says
What a great idea! I like how all your designs are always so elegant! Just beautiful and yes, cooling!
Ann
Karena says
What I think Laura is that you are amazing; and here making gifts and wares for the Holidays! I love the seashell motif!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Exciting New Giveaway from Dr Perricone! Come and Enter!
Jilly says
What a wonderful and superb collection you shared here, really these are adorable and perfect collection for a beach cottage Christmas.
porn blocker
Teresa says
Could you please call my hubby and explain that it's not so far etched for to buy the Christmas Napkin Rings in July… you're sewing the Stockings :). With seashells, indeed. But still…
I found – and in Sale, how was I to resist? – adorable angel napkin rings and bought them; and my crazy bunch were shaking their heads, laughing and moaning – you know, the Mum-is-crazy routine – when I told them.
Love your stockings and if now it seem rare seashells and christmas stockings I'm pretty sure people will thrive for them when the cold season arrives.
Lovely, Lovely! Congratulations!!!
Ricki Jill Treleaven says
Laura, these stockings are too, too cute. I actually bought something for Halloween the other day, which is a stretch for me, LOL!
*adorable post*
fairfieldhousenj.com says
Laura,
These are beautiful. I especially like the ticking. The NJ shore was sizzling Thurs – Sun. With temps soaring well above 100, there was no relief on the beaches.
Your Friend,
Deborah
jeanette from everton terrace says
They are so sweet. I can see them hanging in a cottage by the sea for sure 🙂
laxsupermom says
Love these! I especially love the texture of that linen – it does look like sand. Terrific job! Thanks for sharing.
French Basketeer.com says
Wow Laura these are amazing and so pretty….you are so pro!…they are all finished so perfectly!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Laura, This is just the most delightful idea! We are vacationing at the ocean this year and I think I'll collect shells to use on a keepsake too.
LOVE the fabric!
Yvonne
Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says
So very cute! Love the rust spots!
Donene says
I love the beach theme and the shells on the socks are so cute. Thanks for visiting!
Debbie says
Oh goodness, Laura, these are wonderful! I can't believe you had the patience to attach all those tiny shells. They are just perfect. And I think the starfish one is fantastic too.
Janet says
Beautiful job! I love the colors you chose and the shells are such a nice touch. 🙂
Nan @ Playful Decor says
Laura, I love those stockings!! Especially the ticking material. How creative for a Coastal Christmas in July! Perfect.
Hollace says
It's been so cool and WET here that I can only imagine what a hot summer experience is. I am sitting in an afghan now! In July!
Your stockings are beautifully made and charming. I would like to hang them in the beach house I don't have yet in the sunny place I'm not in yet, either.
Jennifer says
Impressive needlework on the shells! These turned out great!
Carmie of the Single Nester says
You did a great job. Anything with a seashell is for me!
Barefoot in Blue Jeans says
Really cute. Christmas comes in all colors these days and these are just adorable.
The Boston Lady says
Insanity of Howard Hughes, no I would say the persistence of Laura Gunn, who can do just about anything! Love those “cool” stockings. Ann
Privet and Holly says
Love these
beachy-keen
stockings!
What a great
way to think
cool thoughts :)!!
xx Suzanne
Carrie says
Love the stockings! Very different from what you might see in the midwest. Great idea!
Ann from On Sutton Place says
These stockings are just wonderful. I'm sure they'll sell quickly. I have wanted to make new stockings for my family for years…but they are so attached to the old ones and put up such a fuss that I never did it. Your hand work is beautiful.
Korrie@RedHenHome says
These are soooo cute! Love the seashell embellishments.
martinealison says
Maintenant grâce à vous la fin de l'été sur la plage ne sera plus triste… On peut penser noël sur la plage…
Gros bisous
Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says
Those are just gorgeous Laura!
You are such a creative soul!
I am coming to Phoenix soon, could you get it to cool down just a bit please!
hehe.
Hugs,
Cindy
Reannah @ {Shaped by Grace} says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog! I just started following you!! 🙂 I LOVE these Christmas stockings! The beach theme is perfect! Thanks for sharing!! xo, Reannah
Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted says
I adore this idea! Sometimes I like to get away from the old traditional Christmas looks and this is definately inspiring. Thanks for dropping by my blog to check out my diy bangle bracelet-appreciate it!
Carla says
I had not thought about drill holes in shells, thanks for the idea! Love these colors, great creation.
The Tootsie Wootsie says
These are just darling, I should get ready with making christmas deco!!
Come link up at my woot woot wednesday Party!
http://www.tootsiewootsieboutique.blogspot.com
Sherry says
Oh! I love these! What a cute bunch of stockings you created Laura! Thanks for linking it up at HSH!
Sherry