Otter Friends

Otter friendsThis is one of my favorite pictures I took at my local zoo and aquarium. It’s so cute! I love how the otters keep close to each other. It was sunny the day I took this photo, and they were sunning themselves while floating on the surface of the water. Just a couple of friends hanging out together (who just happen to be otters). A photo like this would be the perfect image for the front cover of the scrapbook project. It will remind you of a great day spent with friends, and shows that friendships form in all species.

Classic Penguins

Penguin familyTalk about a classic color scheme! Nothing is as classic as black and white. When I spotted this group of penguins, the classic color scheme instantly came to mind. The best part about using this theme? It can be dressed up or down! A photo like this one can be the inspiration for a dressed-down look. Try black and white pillows in a rustic pattern or dress it up with a fancy black and white lamp or side table. Which variety of this classic will you choose? Either way, your space will shine with classic elegance!

African Starfish

African starfishAs I made my way through the aquarium something caught my eye…a starfish! Not just any starfish, but a red and blue African Starfish! These colors are part of another great decorating theme: nautical. If you can’t re-do your entire space, spruce it up with accessories. Striped pillows with hues of red, blue, and white, nautical flags, pictures of trips to the ocean or aquarium, anchors, and other ocean-themed items. Once again, a simple photo can be the inspiration for an updated space!

Graceful Jellyfish

JellyfishOne of the coolest thing about my local zoo is that it’s a zoo and aquarium. This allows visitors, including myself, to see a large variety of creatures. While exploring the aquarium section I came across these jellyfish. I love how effortlessly they glide through the water. Jellyfish look so simple and delicate, but can be quite deadly. Aside from the scrapbook project mentioned previously, I think this is the type of photo that would look great blown up and hung on the wall. The black-light used in the tank makes the jellyfish appear purple-ish. This would make a great inspiration for a design theme: purple, white, and black. You could use different colored pillows, blankets, accessories, or paint to decorate your space. You can use your own favorite animal-based photo for your design theme. All you need is an inspiring photo and your imagination!

Here Kitty, Kitty!

Tiger at zooWhen I saw this beautiful cat I was in total awe! I love cats of all kinds, and was able to find a spot at this exhibit without a lot of people in order to get this photo. It appears the Tiger was eating a treat left by the zookeeper. A Tiger can represent so many things: power, grace, strength, etc. A picture of a wild cat in a nice frame is the perfect gift to any cat lover. This was a great picture, and would be the perfect addition to the scrapbook project mentioned in my previous post. What else will go in our scrapbook? You’ll have to keep reading my blog to find out!

The Elephant

Elephant at the zooGoing to the zoo is like going on a mini global safari. You can see animals from all around the word at your own pace and in a day. I saw this elephant at my local zoo and had to take a photo! This elephant is part of the Asian Elephant exhibit-one of the first major exhibits you encounter. It was very crowded the day I went, but I was still able to get a pretty good shot. I love how big, yet graceful, these elephants are. This backdrop (the zoo) would be the perfect occasion to create a scrapbook of your day at the zoo. Once you’ve finished your scrapbook, you can display it on a table or shelf. Instant decoration that shows memories of an awesome day!

The Lakeside Dock

Lakeside dockIt’s the time of year when the weather is slowly starting to change. Some days it can get quite warm, and I’m already starting to think about fun in the sun. And what’s more relaxing than a water view? When I saw this dock at the lake (which I went down to) I started to think of nicer weather to come. Not to mention the awesome view I got from the dock of nearly the entire lake. This is a type of photo I’d have tacked up by my desk to remind me of Spring/Summer. Have something that reminds you of better weather? If so, take a picture and use it to remind you of better days.

Bufflehead Ducks

Bufflehead ducksAs I was walking around my local lake I noticed these black and white ducks floating on the water. Were they really ducks? I’d never seen them at the lake before, and decided to take a few pictures…and investigate! An online search revealed that these fowl were Bufflehead ducks (specifically, the male variety). I thought these black and white ducks were really cool looking! Know anyone who loves nature or the outdoors? It would be a great idea to take a photo of your local ducks or water fowl and have it printed onto fabric for a personalized throw or pillow. A customized present is always appreciated. See an unusual animal while you’re out? If so, take a picture! If nothing else, it’ll be a great conversation piece.

The Foundry’s Ruins

Foundry ruinsThe picture above is what remains of a once robust foundry. I showed other areas of this foundry in my previous posts. The circular area pictured is where the metal was melted and forged. Given the proximity to water, a pier, and the railroad (in the background), it’s no wonder the company chose this spot for their foundry. I’m sure that at one point this foundry was one of the biggest employers in the city. Now, I doubt anyone even knows the company’s name. I think it’s important to keep remnants of the past on display. Not only can they be turned into parks, but are also a reminder of an area’s past.

The Seagull

Resting seagullTravel much? Notice that no matter where you go in the world that seagulls basically look the same? I think that’s kind of amazing. On the right, you’ll see a seagull that’s made its home near my part of the world. Seagulls always make me think of the ocean (a favorite spot for vacations). I love to watch them glide on the wind or diving into the water trying to catch a meal. I’ve seen many pictures of seagulls, so why not take my own? It’s a great touch to any decorating scheme. Your space doesn’t have to have a nautical theme for a seagull picture to work. As long as there’s something to tie it all together like similar colors, textures, or mood, almost anything can be tied together to make your space unique.