Hi everyone
I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you something new I have been working on for some time now. My focus while housebound with post-surgical recovery following hip replacement encouraged me to begin another phase of my lifestyle.
My life became minuscule and inward-focused. I was not able to go out and hunt my antique and collectible shops. Nor was I able to work in the gardens this past summer- bummer. I did a lot of reading and online scrolling. But now hips are in the recovery phase, and I have decided to change my blog and shop focus a bit.
As a proud homebody, my favorite spots are my cozy home and garden, but I also find so much joy in the woods and by the sea. There’s something magical about wandering through the woods, where I can listen to the birds singing and watch the little critters scampering around, all while the gentle wind whispers through the trees. And when I need to recharge, nothing soothes my soul quite like spending time by the sea. I could sit or stroll along the shore for hours, letting the rhythmic waves wash my worries away.
I’ve had the pleasure of spending most of my time on two beautiful coasts: Eastern Ireland and the Eastern USA. I’ve dedicated countless hours to hunting for shells, pebbles, sea glass, pottery, and a sprinkle of driftwood, all of which I turn into unique wall art pieces.
I’m excited to share some fresh developments in my journey that stem from a time of reflection and growth during my post-surgical recovery after a hip replacement. Being homebound prompted me to rethink my lifestyle and explore new creative avenues.
During my recovery, life felt a bit confined, as I couldn’t venture out to explore antique and collectible shops or tend to my beloved gardens this past summer—what a bummer! While I spent a good deal of time reading and scrolling online, I’ve now turned a corner as I recover and decide to pivot my blog and shop in an inspiring new direction.
New Beginnings
As I assessed my shop inventory, I was surprised to find that it had diminished significantly over time. Without the ability to add new items and with my woodworker unavailable, I’ve decided to sell my inventory of handmade hardwood boxes. I’m also excited to refresh the remaining pieces with beautiful furniture decals and new wax finishes.
I still have a selection of exquisite antique glassware and decor items that will be making their way into the shop. The heart of my new focus will center around unique handmade assemblage art crafted from seashells, pebbles, and sea glass. Over the past ten years in Eastern Ireland, I’ve collected a wealth of beautiful beach pebbles, and I also have an extensive collection of seashells and sea glass.
These new treasures are the perfect complement to my existing collection of American seashells, gathered on our beach trips along the East Coast, from my roots in New York to cherished moments in Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia, and the Carolinas.
I’m eager to channel my passion into creating stunning wall art pieces using the coastal treasures I’ve gathered over many years. Additionally, I have friends and family who continue to send me shells from their own beach adventures, adding to my ever-growing collection.
Fabric Art
Alongside my assemblage art, I plan to introduce beautifully framed cross-stitch art and vintage textile pieces as I rekindle my love for antique and collectible hunting.
Etsy Shop
To embody this exciting new vision, I’ve rebranded my Etsy shop from HomebodyHavens to WoodSeaWhimsey. You can find the link at the top of the website page. Look out for new products beginning next week—I can’t wait to unveil what I’ve been working on!
I genuinely hope you will be delighted by these new offerings! Your support means the world to me as I embark on this creative journey.
Take good care- Dar
