Creating A Coastal Vignette from Thrift Store Finds

Welcome to the blog today, friends!

There’s something so rewarding about the thrill of thrifting—discovering unexpected treasures that seem to carry their own stories. Today, I’m excited to share a few special finds as I create a charming vignette for the front hallway. There’s such a joy in gathering together pieces that, at first glance, might not seem like they belong together but somehow blend beautifully into a little scene all their own.

The heart of today’s vignette is a recent discovery that immediately stole mine. Nestled on a thrift store shelf, I found this sweet little statue of a child of the sea. She’s adorned with tiny seashells in her hair and at her feet, gently cradling a delicate seahorse in her arms. The expression on her face is one of pure love, as if she’s found a kindred spirit in the ocean’s depths. She called to me the moment I saw her, and for just $5, I knew she had to come home with me.

To ground the vignette, I turned to another recent find—a beautifully weathered wooden tray. Its worn texture reminds me of driftwood, as if it has been softly distressed by the whisper of the waves and the passage of time. The muted earth and sea tones create the perfect foundation for this collection, bringing a sense of coastal tranquility to the space.

I gathered a few treasures that speak to the sea and the spirit of seafaring, arranging them at the front of the tray. Here, you’ll find a lovely depiction of a portion of the sky—just as sailors once used the stars to guide them across uncharted waters. This delicate scene is captured within a paperweight, its smooth porcelain surface reflecting the light like the glint of the sun on rolling waves.

Just behind it rests a striking piece of coral, its intricate ridges and outcroppings forming a pattern of natural symmetry—an echo of the ocean’s quiet artistry. Nestled within the coral’s embrace are eggs covered in luminous pearls, as if gifted by the sea itself. Their soft blue hue calls to mind the endless shades of ocean waters, shifting with the tides and the sky above. Together, these pieces weave a story of the sea, its mysteries, and the beauty it so effortlessly shares.

Next to the sea child sits a charming antique thermometer, a fitting tribute to the ever-changing nature of the sea. Weather has always played a crucial role in the lives of those who make their living on the water, guiding their journeys and shaping their days. The anchor-like shape of this piece feels right at home in the vignette, subtly reinforcing the theme of seafaring and maritime life.

To bring a touch of softness and natural beauty, I included a vase filled with flowers in complementary tones. The vase itself is a lovely find, featuring a delicate leaf floating against its background, as if caught in a gentle current. Its earthy, organic colors blend seamlessly with the other elements, tying everything together in a way that feels effortless and serene.

Above the vignette, the mirror holds a cherished piece of art—a painting by my dear friend, Cornelia Scibetta. Her work beautifully captures the gentle rhythm of nature, with soft movement in the water and the grasses swaying behind the anchored boats. There’s something so peaceful about the way she brings the scene to life, drawing you into this quiet moment where the land and sea exist in perfect harmony. It’s a serene reminder of the ever-present connection between the shore and the water, a fitting backdrop for this little collection of seaside treasures.

As the vignette extends outward from the center, it rests upon a beautifully embroidered table runner, its delicate stitching adding another layer of texture and charm to the display. Beneath the collection, this fabric acts as a quiet foundation, enhancing the sense of warmth and intention behind each carefully chosen piece.

On either side of the central arrangement, a pair of candlesticks stands tall, their tones mirroring the soft hues of the sea child. Topped with sea-blue pillar candles, they gently draw the eye upward, leading toward the artwork floating on the mirror above. This subtle interplay between elements creates a sense of movement, much like the rhythm of the waves meeting the shore.

The entire vignette evokes the serenity of a peaceful walk along the beach—the sound of waves rolling in and retreating, the scent of salt in the air, the feeling of sand beneath your feet. In her quiet way, the sea child has done her job, reminding us of the beauty of the natural world and the elements that shape it.

Thanks so much for joining me today for the creation of this vignette using finds from the thrift store.