NUTTY ABOUT NATURE

“See Ya Later, Alligator” … ALLIGATORS part 3

Alligators may not be the warm, fuzzy type of animal I usual write about, but they are certainly part of our natural world. So much so, down here on the southeastern seaboard of the U.S.A. , that the University of Florida has chosen these reptiles as their college mascot. Go, Gators!

The popularity of the alligator’s image is evident not just here in Florida, but worldwide. In fact, the iconic Lacoste logo has been around since the 1930’s when retired tennis pro, Rene Lacoste decided to capitalize on his own moniker (the Crocodile) to mass produce the now-famous knit tennis shirts.

One worthy note…..the American press labeled him “the Alligator” in 1927 after he won a tennis match and, in doing so, became the owner of an alligator suitcase that was wagered on the win. Somehow, upon his return to France, the press changed his nickname to Crocodile. So now, you know the secret story and the TRUE identity of the little green gator.

Each time I study and research a new animal or plant, I have so much fun looking for cute themed items to wear and play with that I fear I will break the bank one day. How cute would this little cotton hat look with its emblazoned alligator? I love the color, but it does come in others. Hmmm…hard to choose, so maybe two?

The other day I came across this adorable company that sells fabulous looking flip flops (a staple in So Flo). They look super comfy and I love the leather accent, but mostly I love that they have an alligator design. Add these to my list.

There is a Lyn Gaylord belt buckle that I adore. Lyn makes these sterling silver buckles from casts she creates from found objects. She has little piggy buckles copied from a pocket watch, froggy buckles that were hinged match cases, and the alligator buckle was the lid to a snuff box.

If you are a jewelry lover, there are plenty of alligator adornments for you. This bejeweled necklace would be beautiful with a simple little black dress (or for that matter, a white, green or blue one). I would even wear it with a crisp white blouse and jeans (a la J.Crew). While the earrings are so sweet, I’m afraid they would be a little heavy on my too, too small earlobes. If you have lobes worthy of oversized earrings, and you can pull these cuties off….cheers to you!

I really, really love this bronze necklace. It hangs on a black fabric cording (which I would definitely change to leather) and is an everyday-wearing bauble. It reminds me of the doorknob we saw in the last post. Chic and artsy, it is a special tribute to the American Alligator.

By now, you all know my affinity for desk accessories, writing materials and book-related ephemera. That is why MY special tribute to the alligator will be to reproduce this antique book plate. Of course, it will have my name at the bottom so my lend-away books come back to moi. If it comes out looking great, then I will add it to my buyable collection on my website and you will be able to order it with your own name. Stand by….I’ll let you know ASAP.

In the meantime, I do have some vintage-image notecards and some silly mini notecard sets that both pay homage to our reptilian friend.

You may need to order some vintage stamps for your envelopes because they are SO neat.

Or….just buy a package of these dimensional stickers to seal the envelope. I still would find a USPO stamp that compliments the notecard theme….say a green fern. Dress your letters as you would dress yourselves!

Another look for the envelope closure is the wax seal. I have shown you these before in previous posts because (obviously) I really like them. You can change the look by using different colors of wax and it is a classy yet inexpensive final touch to your snail mail.

Finally, just a couple of desk accessories you may love as much as I. Graphic Image makes leather bound pens in a million (a tad of an exaggeration) colors and textures. One of them is dark brown alligator. These pens are THE best I have ever written with and I recommend them highly. PLUS…alligator texture….need I say more?

Add a silver colored metal letter opener to your pencil cup and a set of gator bookends on your desk and voila, you are set ! Oooooo, I just got inspired to make my striped decoupage alligator wastebasket, tissue box and a pencil cup in brown and beige. How great would they look with all the silver and brown accessories?

If you would like to learn more about the Alligator, you can check out these websites or plan a trip to visit one of them. As with any living creature, let’s do what we can to protect their habitat and see that they survive for many generations to come.

. The Reptile Discovery Center at Smithsonian’s National Zoo 301 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 nationalzoo.si.edu

. McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary 12943 61st Street N West Palm Beach, FL 334412 mccarthyswildlife.com

. Everglades Holiday Park – The Gator Boys Alligator Rescue 1940 Griffin Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33332 info@evergladesholidaypark.com

Yes, I’m nuts for Alligators and I hope that now, you are too !

See you soon for another fun and fab topic from our natural world

‘Till next time ….. BB