February 17, 2025
“Look what I found, Mommy?” Plunk. Into the bucket goes the jagged seashell missing half of its original frame. But that’s no matter to Little One, enraptured by this treasure of the sea. “Look, Mommy, I found another!” And so the gentle rhythm of a morning by the sea is measured by waves frothing on sand and little hands scouring shells.
Washed and dried as best as possible, the shells find their way to a new home bringing with them a slight scent of their original home. Washed again and left to sun dry, the shells are then scattered thoughtfully across home and yard. Some find their way into an apothecary jar in the office. Some decorate an old printer’s tray. Some rest in outdoor pots beside growing plants. All are reminders of our wonderful vacation on Edisto Island.
I love decorating with nature that my family and I find out in God’s beautiful creation. All of nature is His, from every tiny microbe to the far-flung stars twinkling and smiling upon us every evening. When I bring some treasure of nature—the tangible testament of God’s artistry—into my home, I am adorning my home with the very best Designer ever.
I love using natural elements in my home because they are
--easy to source. I use what I find in my own backyard and treasures we find on trips to state parks.
--inexpensive (usually free!) Rarely, do I pay for natural elements! I’ve been spotted harvesting “weeds” on the side of the road for an arrangement in my home or patio.
--reminders of my Creator. I love the intricate design of a seashell or the tiny curves of a flower blossom. All these touches of wonder remind me of the order and beauty of my Creator.
--teachers to my children. My children recall so many happy memories from natural items we have brought into our home. “Mommy, I want to go back to Edisto!” a child remarks as she handles a delicate seashell. My children also learn about nature by handling it and observing it. “I don’t like picking up pinecones because they prick me!” another child comments as he hesitates to pick up the pinecone display during his dusting duties.
Though God’s creation seems most silent at this time of year, I begin to think of how I hope to decorate with nature in my home this year. As the gardener prepares and plans, so the decorator in me plans for the coming décor year. I often plant seeds and starts based on how they look and the beauty they bring into my home and life, not necessarily for a plant’s practical benefits.
This year, I ordered some seeds from Free Heirloom Seeds. This unique organization gathers seed donations and then distributes those donations to gardeners who send in their seed requests. The seeds are not completely free; as you can imagine, a company needs to collect revenue for shipping and packaging. But I found the prices completely reasonable, especially in light of the incredible seed collection they carry! I was able to find some seeds that, up until now, I have not been able to source. If you want to order from this company, be sure to carefully read and follow their instructions on ordering seeds from them. It’s a unique process.
What touches of God’s creation do you have in your home? May your home and life be filled with beauty and joy.
-Ashley
Personal Disclosure
As the author of Ashley Qurollo Blog, all opinions are my own. Any possible applications are universal in nature, not directed at any one individual or people group. My sincere desire is to help others by sharing what I am learning. Nothing stated on this blog is ever intended to hurt others. Ashley Qurollo, owner of Ashley Qurollo Blog and Website, is not held liable in any way for any application of the ideas and thoughts stated here.
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