Vases are not just for flowers anymore. A quick and inexpensive way to spruce up your home for summer is to break out those glass vases or dishes you may have hidden in your cabinets. These vases look great when filled with seashells, sea glass and other natural materials that are easily found at the beach.

Vases whether big or small can be used, and are readily and affordably found  in Pottery Barn, Home Goods and Target. You can even use a vase left over from a floral delivery.

I will admit that it can take time to find enough “perfect” shells or perfectly smoothed and weathered pieces of sea glass, but the search is the fun part of the project.  If you don’t have the time to comb the beaches in search of shells, or if you don’t live near a beach, there are many great places to buy shells in bulk.

I recently purchased an assortment of starfish from S.T. Prestons in Greenport, NY.  They also carry a wide variety of seashells large and small.  Once you’ve got a vase, and some shells or glass to use, it’s time to make your display. Make sure your vases are clean and begin layering your favorite things in them, for a perfect display on a coffee table, shelf or mantle.