Handcrafted Coastal Sea Shell Mirrors

February 6th, 2012

Handcrafted Coastal Sea Shell Mirrors

by Paula Nickels

Hello coastal fans and welcome for the first time to Paula Nickels’ “OCD” Coastal Sea Shell Mirror collection found exclusively on The Iron Fish’s coastal decor blog.  If you like coastal decor and you like an extreme attention to detail, you will love these sea shell collage mirrors.  Featured today is Paula’s largest and most elaborate mirror.  At 6’6” x 3′, I suppose you could consider this a “full length” beach house mirror.  Call 843-842-9448 today to purchase this piece of coastal art at only $2900 + shipping & handling.  Makes for a great beach house gift!

Full length:

Paula's large coastal sea shell mirror

Paula's large coastal sea shell mirror

Detail photo:

Paula's Large Sea Shell Mirror detail photo

Paula's Large Sea Shell Mirror detail photo

This & That

January 27th, 2012

beach house decor inspiration

It’s been a while since we’ve done a This & That post. This coastal living room features one my favorite color combos – coral and aqua. It reminds me of a relaxing beach sunset so it’s fitting that the featured iron fish sculpture is called “Coastal Sunset Sam”. Made exclusively by Chase Allen for the Iron Fish Gallery, this Iron Fish Art would be the perfect addition to your beach house decor.

Beach house living room via.
Iron Fish Sculpture available here.

Mahi Mahi Sculpture-Dolphin Art for the wall

January 23rd, 2012

Mahi Mahi Sculpture-Dolphin Art for the wall

mahi mahi / dolphin sculpture coastal bedroom

mahi mahi / dolphin sculpture coastal bedroom

Eat the meat but keep the trophy?  Here is your option to skip the trip to the taxidermist when you catch that trophy Mahi Mahi / Dolphin.  This steel sculpture is an artistic rendering of your catch at what ever size you want handcrafted by renowned coastal sculptor Chase Allen at The Iron Fish Studio.  Not photographed but as easily accomplished are Chase Allen’s renderings of wall hung sail fish, tuna, wahoo, bonita, cobia, and many other sought after sport fish.

mahi mahi dolphin mounted sculpture

mahi mahi dolphin mounted sculpture

5 foot mahi mahi sculpture–$525

4 foot mahi mahi sculpture--$425


Having Fun With Coastal Decorating

January 18th, 2012
coastal bathroom with crab sculpture

coastal bathroom with crab sculpture

Coastal Bathroom Decor Made Easy–Nice Crab Sculpture Accent!!!

Don’t work so hard to bring a nice simple coastal touch to your bathroom.  This room is supposed to be calming and serene.  How simple is this handcrafted crab sculpture(ONLY $165)?  It stands out to perfection against the white paint on this coastal bead board.  If you are stressing out finding the perfect coastal accents, stop immediately!  You are doing it all wrong!  Take a deep breath, walk on the beach and start again.  You will be pleased with the results and always remember, coastal decorating should be fun!

Sea Urchin Pillows

January 16th, 2012

I came across these on Etsy and had to share:

coastal decor

Sea urchin pillows! Each piece is handmade from up-cycled bedspreads. Like anything handmade from independent artists, these would add a little uniqueness to your coastal bedroom decor.

Image via Etsy

A Coastal Christmas

January 5th, 2012

I hope all of you had enjoyable and memorable season. After filling lots of holiday orders, we’ve taken a little time off to relax and enjoy our coastal Christmas here in the lowcountry. We’re excited for the new year and have big plans here at The Iron Fish. We thank you for your continued support and wish you much happiness and success in 2012.

Starfish Wreath via Etsy

Island Inspired Art

December 9th, 2011

Iron Fish Art Press

US Airways - Iron Fish Art

US Airways Magazine has featured Chase Allen and The Iron Fish in their most recent publication. It’s always an honor to receive recognition for the artistic work of The Iron Fish. Many thanks to the kind folks at US Airways!

(P.S. They also included the story about Chase’s “almost” debut on HGTV. Take a moment and check out the article!)

Oars in Nautical Decor

December 7th, 2011

I know oars and paddles are probably considered by some to be rather ubiquitous in nautical decor, but you know what? I DON”T CARE!  I think they’re fantastic! Every time I come across an image where a designer or home owner has included one in there beach house decor I stop and ogle a little.

Here are a few images of oars and paddles in nautical decor I’ve rounded up for your viewing pleasure:

nautical decor

The two most frequently used applications for these accessories are are hung on the wall (like this one from Pottery Barn) or simply leaned against a wall in a corner.

nautical decor

At first glance this room coordinates nicely, but upon further inspection the only items in this room that hint at nautical style are the oar and the rope. (By the way, if you’re looking to replicate this room, the rug is from Ikea.)

nautical decor

I’d love to see the rest of this house. It has a very Scandinavian style to it.

nautical decor

Sarah at A Beach Cottage scored a great find with these vintage oars.

nautical decor

An oar as a hanger in an entry! Very creative!

nautical decor

Another example of oars hung as coastal wall art. I like the simplicity of this room.

nautical decor

Remember when I posted about the unique handrail for these stairs? Here’s another great handrail! Quirky and unique, these oars add definite style to this staircase.

1. Pottery Barn 2. Redmodelista 3. Lonny 4. A Beach Cottage 5. Design Sponge 6. Paul Wicheloe for Coastal Living / Skimbaco 7. Sunset

2011 Iron Fish/Volunteers In Medicine Christmas Ornaments On Daufuskie Island

December 6th, 2011

The 5th Annual, 2011 Iron Fish/Volunteers In Medicine Christmas Ornaments have finally made it back to Daufuskie Island.  The Volunteers in Medicine fund raiser ornaments are made by Chase Allen from The Iron Fish Gallery and hand decorated by the Daufuskie Island Elementary School students.  After the students decorate the ornaments,  all 200 colorful swimmers head to hilton head for packaging and then are delivered back by Daufuskie resident and Volunteers in Medicine Nurse Diane Simonelli.

If you would like to add to your ornament collection or start a new one, please contact Diane Simonelli at 842-4570.  Only 100 are coming back to Daufuskie so call Diane ASAP to get the pick of the litter.  They sell out every year!

Happy Holidays from The Iron Fish Gallery, The Daufuskie Island Elementary School, and of course, our low country heros, Volunteers in Medicine.

Daufuskie Island Christmas Parade

December 1st, 2011

The Annual Daufuskie Island Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 10th, time TBA. Donations for decorations, buffet and stockings can be sent to Laura Leigh Miles at P.O. Box 10, Daufuskie Island, S.C. 29915.

Checks should be made out to Daufuskie Island Christmas Parade. Donation jars will be at Marshside Mama’s and Daufuskie Crab Company.