So we've all known about the trend to decorate your space with Roman looking busts, ideally of the antique variety, although newly-made-to-look-old versions are also now available. They're that popular. But this is something we've never seen before: decorating your statue with shells.
Leave it to the creatively gifted Christy Ford, owner of And George, an interiors store she and mom own in Charlottesville, Virginia to give us the idea. And in fact she was inspired by her friend Camille, who had done the same thing in her home.
The idea is simple: collect shells of all varieties, take your glue gun, and go for it. The result is whimsical, and festive, even. In Christy's case, she and her children have been collecting these shells for years from all around the world. Now they are all in one place (their Ceaser bust!) for them to enjoy.
This is an especially great thought for a piece that you might have gotten inexpensively, or that's been passed down to you that you've got no personal attachment to. And the cumquat necklace is a really great touch, right?
Images: And George






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I'm pretty sure this is something i will not bookmark.
While it is craptastic, I think its a waste of a nice bust.
I appreciate the originality, but um, no thanks.
I like it! I think these are whimsical and wild and a bit Alexander McQueen. Living in the South you get sick of seeing seashell encrusted lamps and mirrors - this is much more original.
I disagree! I think this is a fantastic way to add visual interest and a personal touch to an otherwise cliché old standby. These old busts are full of life! Totally channelling Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" in an awesome 3D way.
Great post!
Right, the key is to "COLLECT" sea shells but I'm sure a bunch of people will go out and buy shells. I wish AT would stop with the shell theme.
Might be a good reason we have not seen this before. I feel embarrassed for the statues.
Obviously the technique is not for everyone, but I think it's an undeniably creative way to redeem an otherwise unwanted bust. Very cool and refreshing vision on a wintery day. Love it.
I think it's amusing! I suddenly feel a thrift store trip coming on -- I'm pretty sure I saw a couple of smaller busts there last time I visited... Maybe I'll use buttons or something instead of shells...
So cool and unique!
From the headline, I was envisioning something a little *cough* different, like seashell bras or something.
This would be a great art project for my kindergarden class, and that's about it.
Whimsy 101: Give Your Bust a Seaside Makeover - or not.
I agree with deirdre42, I like that this is an ironic and fun use of seashells and that it doesn't take itself so seriously, like a lot mirrors, frames, lamps out there. And looking at the store's website puts in in context--what a fab looking shop!
I'm deep into Skyrim right now so maybe I am seeing it everywhere but this is Forsworn decorating gone upscape.
This sort of cracks me up in a good way. I don't personally have any busts in my house, but it seems like a funny take on the beach motif. It's unexpected and not too serious. On the whole, I think I could get behind this!
My partner had a cheap white plaster classical bust lying around. Every December, I used to tape red Christmas ornaments to her ears to give her dangly bauble earrings. Quicker and easier than shells, and more fun.
This is the worst thing I have ever seen.
Is that a bust of Sid Ceaser or Julius Caesar?
Surely shells should only be used for Neptune? Or Tethys -
& make sure the shells are not rare ones...
Whenever I see something on here that makes me shake my head with disbelief, it's sure to be worth clicking anyway, just for the comments... this is why i love AT
No way. No way. No way.
Way, all the way! However, I am very sad about this fad of "curiosities" which was the subject of a post and I brought up the issue of impending extinction for the Nautilus. I recently picked up a decor magazine and saw a picture of a Nautilus in a bowl and in some AT home tours, also. People love nature all right, we love it to death.
For those of us with stashes of shells from a lifetime of walks on the beach, this looks like a great rainy day project to do with the elderly or children. I always like to stick my finger in the eye of good taste.
oh gosh...that is just awful.
Ugh. Gross. No. What a waste.
My first thought, "WTF."
On second thought, "WHY???"
One word:
REGRETSY.
i love everything they do at And George!
-Bethany
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