Beach Finds Become Pebble Family Portraits

I collect things such as driftwood, pebbles and the best find of all is sea glass! In the beginning I just displayed it all in jars but lately I've been inspired to create one of a kind shadow box pictures. I'll share with you a few... each is specific to that recipient and their lifestyle which makes them so exciting to create and very rewarding to give.

Mom, dad, husky and newborn as the first family portrait for my brother and his growing family. Moving on to a night scene with mom, dad and 3 siblings who regularly visit the beach for a weiner and marshmallow roast.

I bring in different natural elements to create the scene, for this one I wanted a canoe. I came up with an easy material, birch rind from the neighbors firewood. I worked at creating the right shape and size until I managed to get one to scale with the pebbles I was using.

The pictures are assembled onto watercolor paper with tacky glue, if I need to attach a rock onto another rock I use the E6000 Glue.

The rub on transfers are an easy way to add a personal thought to the portrait.

My niece who has two fur babies and loves her houseplants oh and being a teenager she loves to relax! 😃 The blue flower pot is a glass fragment from either a Vicks or Noxema jar.

Here's a sampling of the sea glass you might find along a walk on the beach.

The ocean waves toss and tumble the rocks into a very smooth finish, much like a rock tumbler machine would do. If you don't have access to these smooth pebbles you could substitute with decorative stones sold at the dollar store.

The ocean is a very special place for me to meditate and rejuvenate. and therefore it's what often inspires me in my creativity.