Summer-Fresh Tropical Style

Frame vacation snapshots as high-style changeable art.

-- Convert digital images to sepia tone using a computer and graphics program, then print on deckle-edge watercolor paper made for color ink-jet printers.

-- Adhere papyrus or other art paper to cork tile and place in a ready-made frame with glass removed.

-- Attach photo to the cork with a decorative tack.

-- Switch out photos as the whim strikes.

Drape a bedside table with a woven beach mat hanging to the floor offering the effect of an elegant grass skirt. Drift off to sleep thinking of cool umbrella drinks and sand between your toes.

A wall hanging reminiscent of beach chaise canopies is a charming headboard alternative.

-- For easy construction, choose a fabric that has finished edges and no "wrong" side (54-inch-wide fabric yields a full-gathered effect for a twin bed).

-- Measure height for the headboard and add about 16 inches for balance and hems; cut fabric this length.

-- Fold over one end about 15 inches to make a valance; to make the pocket for hanging, sew layers together about 1 inch from the fold.

-- Hem the ends; feed rope through the pocket and tie around cabinet pulls or hooks installed in the wall.

-- Complete the ensemble with a matching sham; a king-size pillow is the right width for a twin bed bolster.

Drape a chair seat with a summery patterned napkin for an instant spruce-up.

-- Sew large beads to the corners to act as weights, and position the napkin diagonally.

-- Stitch on ribbon ties to secure it to the chair back.

Line a flat waterproof tray with chunks of sea glass and elevate a collection of potted plants to focal-point status. The tray will also help to protect your tabletop from water spills.

Create a breezy spot for beach reading any time of year.

-- Place an outdoor chaise or chair in the bedroom or a corner of the living room.

-- Add a couple of cushy pillows and hanging paper lanterns, then settle in to a relaxing book.

-- Make your reading chair extra comfy with an easy-to-fashion neck roll: Fold a beach towel to the width of your chair; roll, and secure with chenille rope. Tie to the back of the chair at neck height.

Braid bunches of fresh grasses for natural napkin rings.

-- Wrap one end of a bundle of grasses with tape before braiding.

-- Twist braid into a ring and tie with waxed linen thread, then cut off the taped end.

Give plain glass candleholders a tropical makeover. Cover the outside with decorative papyrus; secure with double-sided tape. Wrap with waxed linen thread to hint at the pattern of a net.

Tinted water and tropical foliage make a dramatic centerpiece.

-- Use liquid food coloring to tint water in ocean hues.

-- Tie bundles of foliage or grasses with waxed linen thread and place in vases.

-- An oversize split-leaf philodendron leaf makes a natural table runner.