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Using Upcycled Items to Create a Beachy Vignette

July 16, 2020 by boondocks 58 Comments

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​It doesn’t take much to transform and plastic planter into a pretty beachy vignette. Even better, incorporate pebbles and keepsakes from a memorable vacation!

The beaches in my area in Greece are not full of sand but full of pebbles instead.  So when I think of pebbles I think of the beach. I am going to use pebbles and my love of the beach as inspiration for this coastal style display.

Planter with beach/ancient ruins look, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

I really had a hard time finding pebbles for this project.  In Greece all I had to do was go to the beach and there were miles and miles of pretty multi-colored pebbles. But here in New York, things are different.​

A pebble filled beach in Greece, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

​Materials Needed for this Beachy Vignette:

  • White pebbles
  • plastic planter 
  • Americana Chalky Finish Paint in Everlasting
  • Acrylic craft paints in blue 
  • a 12 inch plate
  • plant and soil
  • two “ruins” 

​I actually saw these as I was walking the dog one day and borrowed a few from the neighbor. Honestly after my Greek pebbles, these were a bit dull. And I really had no idea what I was going to do with them, but I took them home.​

bowl full of pebbles, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

I also had a plate and a metal ring which I wanted to use.  I wrapped the metal ring in twine and then once my puppy saw it, well that was the end of that!​

white plate and metal ring, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

​These are ruins that my son had taken out of the fish tank.  Actually, they had been relegated to the corner of a drawer and so I took them out and thought I could use them in this project.​

souvenirs from Europe, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

The plastic planters I had bought at Dollar Store a while back.  I used one of them.​

Two plastic planters in blue, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

The How To:

I started off by painting the plastic planter.  I used Chalky Finish Paint in white first as a base.  I just put it on nice and thick not worrying about the finish because I wanted it to look rough.

Painting the planter with chalky finish paint, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

I then mixed a few shades of blue into the chalky finish paint and brushed it on the planter to give it a beachy Mediterranean vibe.​

adding acrylic craft paint over the white, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

Using the plate as the base, I positioned the planter and surrounded it with the pebbles.

close up of the pebbles, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

I then strategically placed the ruins in the pebbles. I also considered these glass  accent gems.  Do you think they would have looked good here?​

the ruins placed between the pebbles, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

Do you remember this planter from my unusual planter ideas?  I had filled it with a vinca vine but it no longer fit comfortably.​

old swan planter, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

I replanted the vinca vine into the plastic planter and added the pebbles on top along with another ruin.  I also embellished with another plant.​

Vinca vine inside the planter, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

Now my vinca vine has room to breathe and grow!​

the vine overflowing over the planter, Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

And the setting is most definitely Greek Mediterranean!

planter with a beachy ancient ruin look, #beachysummerlook #ancientruins #beachyplanter #Mediterranean #plantervignette #containerplanter #pebblerockproject #vincavine #easyproject Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

Just a small way to bring a bit of Greece to my patio.​

planter with a beachy ancient ruin look, #beachysummerlook #ancientruins #beachyplanter #containerplanter #Mediterranean #plantervignette #pebblerockproject #vincavine #easyproject Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

I am so glad my son saved the ruins, he usually throws everything out.  I had looked down on them before, but now combined with the pebbles they shine and really add a fun element to the planter.​

planter with a beachy ancient ruin look, #beachysummerlook #ancientruins #beachyplanter #Mediterranean #plantervignette #containerplanter #pebblerockproject #vincavine #easyproject Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

When you see pebbles what do they make you think of?  Not everyone can look at pebbles and see them as inspiration for their love of the beach.   But now you see how I came to this conclusion. The planter vignette is full of Mediterranean sunshine!

Do you ever use pebbles in your projects?

Picture
planter with a beachy ancient ruin look, #beachysummerlook #ancientruins #beachyplanter #Mediterranean #plantervignette #containerplanter #pebblerockproject #vincavine #easyproject #upcycledplanter Using Pebbles to Inspire My Love of the Beach www.theboondocksblog.com

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This blog is for entertainment purposes only: these DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read our full disclaimer here.​

Filed Under: Chalk Paint, Projects, Seasonal, Up Cycle Tagged With: beach themed, coastal, upcycling

Previous Post: « Upcycling Household Items as Repurposed Planters
Next Post: Upcycling a Vintage Chalkboard Stand »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katrin

    July 2, 2018 at 1:38 am

    Aw Mary that is such a sweet summery vignette and certainly reminds of your summers in Greece. Isn’t it great to have memories from all kinds of places we’ve been and lived? And be able to make it into a little vignette to remember and hold dearly… lovely!

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 7:30 am

      It certainly is Katrin. I had no idea I would end up with this vignette when I started this project. Sometimes you just let the memories take you where they want to.

      Reply
  2. [email protected]

    July 2, 2018 at 7:17 am

    I had to smile when you said your son throws everything away. I guess in this case the apple fell far from the tree :).
    Greece may be drop dead gorgeous, but I think I prefer sand beaches for sure. Now that you’re settled, do you miss Greece or are you happy to be where you are?

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 7:33 am

      Doreen, since I have four kids I can honestly say each one falls far in varying degrees. But this one the furthest!!
      I should clarify that the beaches in my area are full of pebbles, but if you drive a half an hour away you will get lots of sandy beaches too. Each area has its own feel.
      As for beautiful Greece, I miss the colors, and the scents of the beach and the flowers. And of course my friends. But I am so grateful to be here with my family and working on creating something that will be permanent.

      Reply
  3. Maria

    July 2, 2018 at 7:28 am

    Well done, looks so authentic with the rocks and blue in the background.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 7:41 am

      Maria it is the Mediterranean look all the way!

      Reply
  4. Michelle

    July 2, 2018 at 9:46 am

    Love the whole look Mary. It’s like you’ve miniaturized the Parthenon and a little bit of the beaches in Greece, plus there’s that beautiful blue of the skies and sea and together. Love the idea and thank goodness you saved that little ruins before your son got to throw them out. They really do look perfect in that setting

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 11:11 am

      It all came together just in time so I can enjoy this vignette from indoors because it is unbearable outside this week.

      Reply
  5. Marie

    July 2, 2018 at 10:32 am

    Awe, it looks totally Mediterranean! How sweet to bring a little Greece into your New York home.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 11:12 am

      I need all the blue I can get Marie!!

      Reply
  6. Michelle

    July 2, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    Mary you have the sweetest way of decorating with things that have meaning to you and your family. In my book that’s what makes a house a home. 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      I have to agree everything has to have some sort of connection. I don’t really like meaningless things since our home is so limited on space.

      Reply
  7. Nikki Gwin

    July 2, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    It totally does have a Greek feel with those ruins! I love how it turned out Mary.
    🙂 gwingal

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you Nikki, it was an easy way to bring the colors of the beach to my patio.

      Reply
  8. Keri Roberts

    July 2, 2018 at 3:38 pm

    Mary, the idea to use pebbles and the ruins is awesome! I love your creativity. You must miss your Greek beaches this summer. I hope you get the chance to go back soon for a visit. 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      I wish Keri, we still have a lot of work to do before we can think of vacations. This small vignette will have to do for now.

      Reply
  9. cindy

    July 2, 2018 at 4:12 pm

    Awe…that project turned out so cute Mary. Oh…I would so miss the sand on the beach for sure. Happy 4th of July to you dear Mary. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 8:19 pm

      Thank you dear Cindy, have a wonderful Fourth of July with your great big family!!

      Reply
  10. Julie Briones

    July 2, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    I would have never thought of this, Mary! Very imaginative!

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 8:21 pm

      It’s my little slice of the beach Julie.

      Reply
  11. Debrashoppeno5

    July 2, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    This is a lovely vignette. It must make you think of the beautiful beaches of Greece every time you look at it.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 2, 2018 at 8:21 pm

      It really does Debra that blue color reminds me of the sky and sea.

      Reply
  12. Kim

    July 2, 2018 at 9:40 pm

    I like it Mary! It has a fresh feel, those white pebbles are different and fun for summer!

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 4, 2018 at 8:59 am

      Kim I seem to be craving white an blue more and more since moving here. I guess those sites never leave you.

      Reply
  13. Rosemary Palmer

    July 3, 2018 at 9:31 am

    I love this. And Greece is so on my bucket list for one of these days. I like using stones and rocks, but most of mine are purchased.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 4, 2018 at 9:00 am

      I’m too cheap to purchase Rosemary. Haha! I think it’s because I always got them free from the beaches of Greece and now it just seems strange to have to pay for them. But I guess I have to learn to adjust. I hope you do get to go to Greece one day, you will never forget it.

      Reply
  14. Maisy

    July 4, 2018 at 3:54 am

    This looks lovely, Mary! Actually when I first saw this on Facebook I thought this was a reference to the Acropolis 🙂 I don’t really associate he pebbles and the ruins with the beach, but they totally remind me of the Pantheon! Either way: very pretty, and a great way to bring Greece to New York.
    Hope you’re having a lovely day!
    Maisy

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 4, 2018 at 9:13 am

      Maisy each beach in Greece is different. While many are sand beaches, where I used to live there were many pebble beaches. So for me that is the image I carry with me. And yes, the Parthenon and the ancient ruins are everywhere. It was my way of combining all those elements into one.

      Reply
  15. Michele

    July 5, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    There is something so real and honest about pebbles. Your little vignette does look like Greece! That must make you smile when you see a reminder of your beaches there! If I were you, I would be missing all that gorgeous blue water!

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 8, 2018 at 7:09 am

      Michele I miss the water and sky and most of all the sunsets and sunrises. I had a kitchen window which gave me the best sunrises in the morning. That was priceless.

      Reply
  16. Katerina

    July 6, 2018 at 8:52 am

    I love using pebbles in my summer decor. Seeing them always reminds of happy times at the beach. I can only imagine you missing them so much but now you have the perfect planter vignette.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 8, 2018 at 7:10 am

      Katerina when we came up with the idea for pebbles I had no idea what I was going to make but then as if by fate, I was drawn to this idea of Greece and it all came together effortlessly.

      Reply
  17. Carol

    July 6, 2018 at 9:10 am

    Very inspiring Mary. I need to grab some plant and make my ugly plastic planters prettier. Like the use of rocks too.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 8, 2018 at 7:12 am

      A little bit of paint goes a long way Carol. That plastic blue did not inspire at all.

      Reply
  18. Miss Kitty

    July 6, 2018 at 9:31 am

    Hi Mary! I love the way you totally brought together so many elements to make this lovely vignette on a platter. It SO looks like the pictures I have seen of Greece. I hope to be able to take a trip to Greece one day and see it for myself.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 8, 2018 at 7:14 am

      Miss Kitty if you ever make it there, I know you will love it. The light is amazing and I think that is what makes all of Greece so beautiful.

      Reply
  19. Linda at Mixed Kreations

    July 6, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    Love the beachy vignette! The rocks may not be the smooth pebbles like in Greece, but they still look pretty with the ruins, and make the pretty blue planter stand out more.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 8, 2018 at 7:19 am

      Linda one year when I visited Greece, I must have been about 21 I took a bagful of the pebbles from Greece to US because they were so exotic to me. My aunt was horrified, she had wanted me to pack some cheese and take it with me but I would not hear of it. I wanted those pebbles.

      Reply
  20. Carol

    July 8, 2018 at 8:52 am

    Mary, I know how much you probably wish you were still back in Greece, but coming up with this DIY idea will hopefully inspire you of all the great memories you had while living there.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 13, 2018 at 4:54 pm

      It certainly does Carol. Almost like having a little bit of home away from home, or to my new home. Oh it all gets so confusing sometimes.

      Reply
  21. Rhonda

    July 9, 2018 at 10:33 am

    I love your repurpose. I think the ruins are perfect in the design. Love your creativity. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 13, 2018 at 4:57 pm

      Thank you Rhonda. Those ruins make the piece.

      Reply
  22. FLORENCE

    July 9, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    To me, this really looks like you Mary. I saw those “ruins” and immediately thought “aquarium.” Ha! They really look good with your planter though. Ruins are so Greece. Really a cute little centerpiece now.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 13, 2018 at 4:58 pm

      Florence would you believe I found those ruins and didn’t remember they came from an aquarium. I thought my son had bought them as souvenirs. Haha!

      Reply
  23. Jann Olson

    July 9, 2018 at 10:07 pm

    Mary, I have never been to Greece, but this is certainly how I imagine it to be. Great job! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann-

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 13, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Thank you Jann, it is exactly just like this.

      Reply
  24. Pili

    July 10, 2018 at 3:14 am

    If there is something that reminds me of Greece are ruins and pebbles. Now you have a little bit of Greece in NY and I am sure your heart will smile every time you see it as it will remind you the beautiful moments you shared with your hubby there, on the boat, at the seashore, on the mountains… You are amazing Mary

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 13, 2018 at 5:01 pm

      Aww thank you Pili. Even here I know that the water is nearby. I could never imagine living in the desert or someplace with no water nearby. You understand me.

      Reply
  25. Debbie

    July 11, 2018 at 1:10 pm

    Hi Mary, you did yourself proud. Your creation really has a Greek feel about it, it just shows you can take the girl out of Greece, but you can’t take Greece out of the girl!…The ruins, the stones, the colour of the planter and the plant, a perfect combination!
    xx

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 13, 2018 at 5:03 pm

      Thank you Debbie that means a lot coming from you cause you know exactly what is there. Even the plant is important because we have so much natural beauty there with all the mountains and flowers.

      Reply
  26. betty - NZ

    July 11, 2018 at 8:33 pm

    What a clever way to bring the beach inside!

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 13, 2018 at 5:04 pm

      I had to do it, one way or another! 🙂

      Reply
  27. Christina Makri

    August 2, 2018 at 2:57 am

    It is more than obvious that you miss Greece my friend! Your heart belongs to Greece and you show it in every way!!! Miss you too Mary 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 2, 2018 at 8:06 am

      Ahhh Christina there is nothing in the world as beautiful as the blue sea and the Greek light, you never forget it!

      Reply
  28. NitkaDesign

    July 22, 2019 at 11:35 am

    What a great piece of Greece ina a little pot:-))) Fantastic project:-)))

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 22, 2019 at 2:09 pm

      Yes that is a great way of putting it. !!!

      Reply
  29. Kippi

    July 31, 2019 at 10:48 am

    I love this scene you recreated with the planter.
    Have a great week,
    Kippi

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 14, 2019 at 11:49 pm

      Thank you Kippi, it bring a little bit of the beach to my home.

      Reply

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