Seaside Splendors Issue #36

By Justina Blakeney
Published: August 1st, 2008 | 11:15am

1. Once without aim, now the driftwood is a frame

Wooden debris after storms, remains from ship wrecks, and stray tree branches get lost at sea and, over time, transform into driftwood. Driftwood is such a mystical material that according to Norse mythology, the first humans, Ask and Embla, were created from two pieces of driftwood. Artists Colin and Satya of Knotty Nature Art comb the West Coast beaches for driftwood for their frames and sculptures that carry with them the spirit of years of adventures at sea. (knottynatureart.etsy.com)

2. Catching waves at coffee time

Not ready to brave the seas? Lunar Lounge has the perfect solution — a surfboard coffee table allows you to envision the surf while staying on turf. Sleek and retro-modern, complete with removable fin and legs, this table (designed by Jonathan Sebastian and Colin Miller)
will have you surfing in your long island iced tea. (lunarloungedesign.com)

3. Felted fishy feast

Though fish is full of Omega-3 fatty acids and are known to reduce risk of heart disease, many people are allergic, morally opposed, or just don’t like the taste of these water-dwelling creatures. But whether you are a sashimi fiend or a seafood-phobic, why not have a felted fishy feast as the centerpiece to your dining table? Go Buggy crafts the most adorable fish feasts from felt — and this dinner special comes complete with shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and green beans. (gobuggy.etsy.com)

4. On sail now

Reiter8 is a Brooklyn-based accessories company that constructs bags from discarded boat sails. The durable totes with bold graphics and a utilitarian feel are unisex and undeniably sexy. If you or any sailors you know have old sails, donate them to Reiter8 owner Katherine Rasmussen, and she will transform the sail into a free Reiter8 bag made just for you. (reiter8.com)