Even though I don’t live near the ocean, I’m an island girl at heart.  I absolutely love the ocean, hearing the waves, and spending days on the beach.  Since the beach is several hours away I have to settle for bringing a bit of the beach home.

Coastal decor is a great way to incorporate beach items into your decorating, and summertime is the perfect time for maritime themed items.  Here’s how you can take an old fish bowl and turn it into a catalog worthy centerpiece, for just a few bucks.

Project estimate:

• Fish Bowl – on hand or $1 and up
• Metal Decorative Strip – $4
• Candle – on hand
• Sand and shells – on hand

Total:  $5 and up

I found the decorative metal strip at Michael’s craft stores.  It’s easy to cut and work with, but you’ll need super glue to hold it together!  The sand and shells were part of my craft stash, but I have seen decorative sand at Dollar Tree.

Step one:  Cut the metal strip to fit the top and bottom of the bowl.  Use super glue to adhere the two ends together.  I used tape to hold the ends together while the glue set.

Step two:  Fill the bowl with decorative sand or small gravel, and place a candle in the center.  I used a battery operated candle so I wouldn’t end up with melted wax all over my shells later.

Step three:  Fill the space around the candle with shells and other sea items.

This simple fish bowl is completely transformed when you add the metal strip.  I’ve seen bowls like this go for over $20 in catalogs!  These centerpieces would look great at any summer party, and you could inexpensively make several at one time.  Change them up a little by adding decorative stones instead of sand, or use sea glass instead to add a little color.  Have fun crafting, creating, and decorating!