The Outer Banks: Corolla, NC

In 1892, a Harper’s Weekly article described Corolla: “If there were any spot on earth that one would expect to find untenanted, it surely would be this stretch of sand between ocean and sound. …Yet, there is a hardy race who has lived here from father to son for over a century. They exist entirely by hunting, fishing, rearing cattle and acting as guides.” Each year, I find myself immersed in the history and the spirit of the small town of Corolla, which is where we spend a week each summer. This year I happened upon a little store called A Greener Shade of You, which featured an assortment of local, handmade items, and I walked away with a necklace. Above is the necklace, handmade by Donna Silvestri. I love the technique she uses, it’s so simple and beautiful.

Of course I can’t walk away from something cute for the little ones. I couldn’t believe it when I saw these incredible handmade crayons, I would love to get my hands on the molds Ducks In A Row used to make them. She is a mother (of course!) and makes really good, healthy things for kids to play with.

Perfectly Coastal collects seashells everyday when she walks on the beach, and she creates beautiful home accessories with the shells she finds. I always wonder how people find perfect starfish, conch shells, and silver dollars when all I seem to find is sea glass. I just love this shell “topiary”. You could use it in so many different ways, even as a centerpiece. It would also make an excellent gift, instead of flowers, maybe for someone who has fond memories of fun-filled summers at the beach.