New England artist Janel Eleftherakis grew up by the sea in Miami, Florida but has lived in New England for the past twenty-five years. Her heart remains in both places and that is reflected in her unique paintings in both oil and acrylic. Often hung with or without a frame, Janel’s canvases typically have deep painted sides and many of them actually originate from photos taken by her 15 year old daughter, Jenny. “My daughter has a unique eye and knows what I am looking for through the lens of her camera”. Children are the subject of her popular series ‘Happy Feet’, where clients commission Janel to capture their children’s feet for nurseries and playrooms. Continue reading Art by the Sea
Here are a some great sea-inspired gifts, toys, and home decorations for the summer.
Rare Beauty
The Charles Schneider Poissons Grand Vase made in 1927 is a clear bubbled glass vase from the Le Verre Francais line. With powder inclusions in blue overlaid in orange tango to green, the extremely rare piece is acid-etched and wheel-carved into the fish pattern. $79,000, valerioartdeco.com
Stranded in Style
The ocean-inspired 18K yellow gold diamond and jasper starfish pendant/brooch from designer Katy Briscoe adds a bold yet classic look to your seaside wardrobe. $20,000, 713-662-9886
Eye Candy
Lafont’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection of sunglasses, Riviera, is inspired by the relaxed elegance of seaside summers. Treat your eyes this season with “Bahamas” ($570) or “Bermudes” ($525). lafont.com
Beach Blanket
Perfect for indoor and outdoor coastal living, Yumi & Laurie’s line of blanQuettes are woven out of 100% organic cotton and bamboo fibers. Choose from an array of colors and patterns, such as the Nevis Collection in Sand/Midnite (shown). From $195, yumiandlaurie.com
Luxe Clutch
Step out in style with this handcrafted clutch from Notting Hill Design. The Eva Clutch (shown in Capri Blue Python) evening bag has fold
over flap, large “Notting Hill Design” buckle clasp, and removable chain link and leather shoulder strap. $1,200, nottinghilldesign.com
Art in the Water
Almost too beautiful to get wet, the Performance Pintail Nose Rider with Octopus design is a handcrafted work of surf-able art (as shown $15,000). Catch a wave on a customized hollow wooden longboard from RAYSKIN. From $7,000, www.rayskin.com
Picnic Time
This Hampton picnic backpack holds everything needed for a perfect beach picnic. Included are matching napkins and plates, detachable wine holder, acrylic glasses, flatware, cutting board, cheese knife, corkscrew, wine stopper, and a cooler compartment to keep food and drinks chilled. $90, poshliving.com
Coastal Décor
Add a splash of color to your office or guest room with Russell & Mackenna’s whimsical cottage-style Writing Desk. Choose from 33 colors including “Bermuda beach” and “deep sea.” Shown in mojito with vast sky sand dollar accent. $1,960, russellmackenna.com
Make an Entrance
Accent your ocean home’s entrance with the oiled bronze Blue Crab Door Knocker designed by artisan Michael Healy. $131.95, doorknockers.com
Spa at Home
Get your skin ready for summer with This…Naturally’s line of moisture-rich lotions, balms, and body scrubs. The all-natural line is available in lavender, citrus, or coconut. $4 to $38, thisnaturally.com
Seaside Dining
Dress up your oceanfront home with the Treasures of the Sea line by Loveramics. Embossed shells on white porcelain plates, servers, and bowls are an elegant and affordable way to add style to your table this summer. Sets of four from $20 to $30, loveramics.com
Under the Sea
Hand molded from kelp collected along the beaches of Big Sur and Santa Cruz, California, these stunning bangles (from $1,200) and rings (from $300) with textured undulations pair well with any look. Available in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold set with white, champagne, cognac, or black diamonds. circleandsquaresf.com
Under the Stars
Relax in comfort on the Outdoor Honeymoon Bed and experience resort living at home. This all-weather retreat is perfect for pool-side lounging or an evening of star gazing. $6,995, outdoorhoneymoonbed.com
