Seaside dreams: make an ocean view—whether real or imagined—part of your decorating scheme. Gather shells on the beach or purchase them from Jewelry Portal BR

Seaside dreams: make an ocean view—whether real or imagined—part of your decorating scheme. Gather shells on the beach or purchase them from

Valancing Act

A window shade as wispy as a morning fog is topped with a gentle swag of pearls, shells, and sand dollars. Purchase shell ornaments where holiday decorations are sold, or make your own by gluing bell caps (available in the jewelry-supply section of crafts stores) to the top of shells. Press the bell cap so the shape fits the shell tightly, then glue it in place with epoxy.

You'll need: two 7-foot strands of pearl beading, five shell ornaments, eight sand dollars, gold cording, gold embroidery ribbon, a hot-glue gun, two small nails, and a hammer. The length of pearls and number of shells will vary according to your window size.

How to: Arrange the sand dollars and shell ornaments along one strand of pearls in a pleasing configuration. Tie the shell ornaments to the strand with cording and the sand dollars with ribbon. Secure the ties to the strand with hot glue.

Tie the pearl strand around small nails tacked into the top of the window frame. Add a second strand of pearls below the first, swagging it gently.

Edge and Ties

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