The many faces of Cape Cod

sand dune

Tuesday, June 3rd
“DRIVE BYS: AROUND THE WORLD”

You found me Justin Time


You are just in time for a brand new event in Blogland, hosted by The Inspired Room.




Washline, originally uploaded by bluebirdsandteapots.



Melissa from The Inspired Room is INTRODUCING “DRIVE BYS: AROUND THE WORLD” on her blog today. Melissa always has the most gorgeous posts describing and showing images of the beautiful neighborhoods nearby her home. Melissa's "DRIVE BYS" are filled with gorgeous photographs. Now she has expanded this tour to include her friends worldwide. I always love going for rides to see homes, gardens and admire all the curb appeal. Today, you don't need a gallon of gas to tour the many neighborhoods over at Melissa's blog, The Inspired Room.


My creation

There are many faces of Cape Cod that I enjoy, and no matter what season I always find inspiration to take home with me. I love bringing my camera and enjoying all the sights that I find there. The possibilities are endless...I found this gorgeous washline last summer which inspired a few paintings and cards.


Lovely Washline, originally uploaded by bluebirdsandteapots.

The season of washlines is one of my favorite seasons. As a little girl I will never forget how good the linens smelled when the linens had been hung outside to dry.

A favorite washline was inspiration for this painting. I just added a print of my painting called Summer Breeze Washline to my Etsy store. The original painting is a watercolor, I used a technique called passages of white to make the white spaces flow and hint the leaves so that the emphasis would be on the linen instead.

I remember telling the framer that I wanted the mat board to reflect the color of apple green summers to make one feel that they could almost hear the crickets. I chose a white frame to reflect the color of linen. I found this dreamy cotton canvas textured cloths to use for my prints. The bright white of the cloth gives me the same crisp feeling that I wanted for this piece. The feeling of the print accents the texture of the design that I found in the linen sheets hanging on the washline. The print image is 8 x 10 with a white border for framing






Gardens, gardens and more gardens bloom on the Cape.

Beyond Curb Appeal


I love watching the ferry to Martha's Vineyard from Falmouth.

Cape Cod

The typical Cape Cod cottage with weathered shingles and garden charm.


Cutest Cape Cottage

100_3741Sometimes I get so caught up in capturing all the eye candy, I forget about all the places to visit. I have gone antiquing on the Cape because there are so many and you can find such unusual nautical things. I had never thought of consignment shops.

D's Home Again, East Falmouth Ma.

I guess what I love about consignment shops is the idea that instead of people discarding things, they offer them as new treasures to someone else. I love to see old objects become some fixed up, painted or spruced up treasure. One of my favorite blogs to visit is Daisy Cottage. Kim is the perfect example of someone who can take old things and with a bit of paint, a dash of love and the flair for decorating, she can create a beautiful home filled with unique things. What fun I just found out that Daisy Cottage was featured on Cottage of the Month, on a blog called The Old Painted Cottage...another fun place to travel.


On Friday I was on the Cape and visiting some of my favorite places near Falmouth when I stumbled on something new. The store front of this consignment shop caught my eye as I was driving on Route 28. D's Home Again had such a wonderful variety of things.






There was wonderful transferware, a china cubboard filled to the brim with all kinds of dishes, china and special pieces. I saw a gorgeous old typewriter sitting on top of an old fashioned school desk, Nantucket Baskets, furniture, linens and art. There were lots of old books, jewelry and some great furniture pieces.


I found a wonderful casserole dish that matches my set of dishes that I purchased in Hong Kong in 1992. Wow! I still use these dishes, and I never get tired of them. When I returned home I left it out to admire on my kitchen counter.




I left D's Home Again in East Falmouth with my find, and a brochure that gives you a map and lists all the Consignment shops on Cape Cod. Consignment shops are those hit or miss adventures that make you feel so lucky to stumble across a great find.


Window BoxesWith map in hand I set out to visit some of the shops listed on Consignment Shops of Cape Cod. I got to see quite a few. Another favorite was I love It Consignment & Gift Shop in the town of Cotuit. This shop was such a cute surprise from the doorstep to the little entranceway. There was clothing, shoes, handbags, special treasures on consignment as well as lots of art from local artisans and some new things as well. As soon as I walked into the door the splash of color everywhere was so welcoming.


My creation



100_3733How could you drive by this, and not stop to see what was inside this shop.?
My creation

The last shop I visited was Second Time Around, which is located in Mashpee and had a beautiful selection of clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. The shop was decorated beautifully and the owner was a delight.

100_3730



100_3728
There were so many consignment shops on the brochure, and I can't wait to return and check out some more on the Cape over the summer.


Cape Cod Romance
Before I go, I just wanted to leave you with some images that reflect the many faces of gorgeous Cape Cod. The song for this post is Old Cape Cod, sung by Patti Page, and a melody of sounds from the ocean.

My creationOf course the favorite drive-by would be the view of a sunset reflected in a lighthouse window, or simply from the shore.

The Beach


Sunset over Falmouth

Mr. SegullMake sure you visit all the Worldwide Drive Bys at The Inspired Room.
LiLi M. said...

Thanks for taking me out shopping. I wonder how you knew that I love 2nd hand! Have a nice weekend too!

Beverly said...

Give Me The Simple Life should be words we all try to live.

I've never been to Cape Cod, but I have a good friend that lives there. I'll have to make sure she knows about all of these wonderful shops.

Donna said...

What great places to shop!
The painting you did of the washline is wonderful. I used to love to hang wash out and smell the freshness.
Thanks for sharing such fabulous photos!
Hugs,
Donna

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen, Oh how I would have loved to gone on that tour of consignment shops with you! And love your wash line. :) xo Lynn

Anonymous said...

I love all your photos and artwork. Cape Cod looks like a very beautiful place.

How do you turn your photos into those 4x4 and 2x2 collages? I would love to be able to do that. Do you need special software?

Kate

kari and kijsa said...

We are heading to the Cape shortly (after kijsa gets back from Italy)...we will have to head down to Falmouth and check this shop out...one summer we tried to visit every thrift shop on the Cape...fabulous finds!

Have a blessed weekend!

smiles, kari & kijsa

les fifoles said...

Thanks Karen for your sweet message. It allowed me to discover your pictures and your beautiful art.
A bientôt. Anne.

Unknown said...

Sorry, my computer didn't like a recent change to my blog header, and it froze my blog. Things seem to be working okay now. Karen

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Hi Karen! This is a wonderful drive by, check out my blog and if you want to participate, tomorrow I am posting links to everyone's drive bys (if they want to submit one!!!). This was great fun!

xo
Blessings,
Melissa

Fete et Fleur said...

Oh my! This is a gorgeous post. Your photos are marvelous!!

xx Nancy

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I love the picture of the sheets flying in the wind. I hang mine out and today is the day I changd sheets. Nothing speaks to me more tnan seeing laundry hanging on the line. I know that home is filled with warmth and love....hugs...mary

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Wow, Karen, really these are exquisite! It really makes me want to visit, it is just beautiful! Thanks for being a part of Drive Bys: Around the World!

Blessings,
Melissa

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh what a beautiful post Karen! It is like trveling without leaving my chair. I just wish I could hit those shops with you:>) Thank you for sharing such gorgeous places!

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

These photos are breathtaking! I haven't been to Cape Cod for at least 10 years, but I love it. This makes me want to book a trip today. Thanks, Karen! -Julia :-)

Melissa Lewis said...

Oh wow, I must find a way to get to Cape Cod. These are absolutely beautiful. And all of those shops... oh my heart is beating like crazy at the thought of shopping there:)

Great Drive By post!

pam said...

Beautiful, makes me want to jump in the car right now and come visit your town. Too bad that it is so far away. Thanks for the comment.

Seeb said...

What should I say to this great long interesting colorful Drive by,I definitely enjoyed it,thanks for sharing all these with us especially your painting,so creative I love that .

Vee said...

Cape Cod...my daughter-in-law is from Cape Cod and so I hear so much about it, but seldom see it in all its beauty. I know it's vast and have visited, but it's wonderful to see all of your gorgeous pictures today. I almost feel as if I'm there.

Oh, once I asked my dil if Patti Page's song "Old Cape Cod" played in all the restaurants. She looked at me as if I had two heads. LOL! Patti Page sang that one last year when she performed at the Fryeburg Fair and I just loved it...had never heard it before then.

Irene said...

I always enjoy visiting your blog. Beautiful pictures. Those laundry ones, and the painting are among my very baforite ones.

Teresa said...

I felt like I just went on a mini vacation- beautiful-
Oh to live in an area like that- You are blessed-
Thanks for sharing-

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Karen, this is my first time at your blog & I'll definitely be back. What beautiful photos of Cape Cod. I've never been up there, but would love to visit one day. Your music really sets the tone too & I feel like I was there today!

Rhoda

Unknown said...

Hi Karen,

Thanks for visiting my blog! Your photos are beautiful and very inspirational...

I love MA. My husband and I met and were married there...I miss it!

Gabriela said...

Love all these photos, it's raining here...:o(

~ Gabriela ~

Rhondi said...

Hi Karen
Your pictures of Cape Cod are wonderful. I love Cape Cod. We spent 5 summer vacations in a row there when our kids were all younger, so I have fond memories.
Your painting of he wash on the line is so lovely. You amaze me with all your talent. I love your blog today (as usual!)
Hugs, Rhondi

Mrs. B said...

I love all your pics of Cape Cod! I especially love those photo collages! We vacationed in RI last summer and did spend a little time on the Cape and went to Martha's Vineyard. I just love that whole area. Seeing your gorgeous pictures makes me miss it!

Our Hands For Hope said...

Karen, I love the sheets on the clothesline! Great painting!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

I've always wanted to go there! The pictures (and sound effects) are so tempting!

Anonymous said...

W O W!! i can hear the gulls, smell the sea, and feel the heat of the sun and the wind in my hair. love the cape!! the snaps are the best, and give the real feel of the place. lucky you to be able to go there!! thanks for the tour.jkj

- DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -