Beachcomber Shelf Unit

This project really was great fun, as it involved using materials other than wood; it also contains plaster, old rope, sea shells and pebbles. A real fusion of textures and contasts, both natural and contrived.

I did not set out with a fixed plan; the whole thing just evolved. I had a bunch of old fishing/sailing rope from a beach on Islay in Scotland, some pebbles from Lulworth Cove, and a pile of driftwood behind my garage, collected from all over the place.

I built the top first, using handcut dovetails to marry the top and side pieces together; I decided to leave them exposed in the end product; as they enhance how man meets nature in this piece. A piece of driftwood, with flowing curves is added to the 'pelmet' to add dimension.

Next I added the verticals on the front, with a recess to take the plaster and pebbles etc., I just used ordinary white plaster - I had an old bag kicking around in the garage, from previous house renovation. I mixed it to a medium consistency and poured it into the recesses. It was then just a case of arranging the pebbles, shells etc. The plaster sets solid in about 45 minutes, trapping the pebbles nicely in place. The plaster has a rough swirly finish, which contrasts and complements the wave smoothed pebbles.

I drilled holes in the front of the middle shelf, and twisted an offcut of rope through, secured by a knot on each end. The boards in the back came from a pallet, which I cut down with a circular saw. You can see in the photo the depth of the woodgrain in the shelves - these boards had been bobbing around in the sea for a while, I think. The satin white paint leaves a slightly clinical feel, which again contrasts the rustic finish.

The base unit was really an afterthought. The four corner uprights came from a gnarled driftwood post, again with a well developed grain and some eye pleasing curves. The cupboard front hinges from the bottom, using a thin piece of rope as a hinge. The interior of the cupboard space is white painted. The handle is pebble which had a hole eroded through it by the waves. Perfect! I set some Lulworth Cove pebbles into the top; this time I added black dye powder to the white plaster so that the white pebbles stand out. The blue and white rope conceal the joint between base and top unit, whilst the exposed handcut dovetails are left exposed again.

I have mixed memories of creating this piece as it involved a trip to A &E, following an argument with an electric sander! One broken finger, one lost fingernail, and half a dozen stitches - all for a moment of inattention!

Actually, now that the pain has subsided, I am quite chuffed with the end result - a real seaside beachcomber type theme; the only thing missing is the sea.

By the way, the blue jugs came from Philip Gardners' pottery in Mevagissey, the ammonite fossils from the Souk in Marrakech, and the largest pine cone I have ever seen came from Lisbon. The money plant is home grown from a cutting!

Enjoy!