Homefront: Christmas Mantel

 I would love a larger statue of the kneeling Santa and the baby Jesus.

 I love using reds, aquas and whites for Christmas, though it will change one day.

I love love love trees, I think it would be fun to get one each year.

 My childhood gingerbread house debuts, and this vintage reindeer pair I found at a garage sale is a favorite.

 Ornaments and garland that will be going up on the tree.

My oldest son is almost 5 and has been asking about Santa's 'realness'. I found this book and it ties in the Christ child and the Santa legend beautifully, and explores the historial roots of Santa. For any Christian family who loves tradition, but also wants to keep the focus of Christmas on Christ, this book is a must!
It's called A Special Place for Santa by Jeanne Pieper
I got mine at Hobby Lobby for $10 and it would make a great Christmas gift!

 

 We found this authentic Chinese drums at Goodwill for an amazing price. they had about 30 of them, so I think a local monastary must have closed down or remodeled around here or something. We got 3 of them!

To see 2009's mantel in my old home, see here. For 2008's mantel in another home, see here.

Post will be linking up with lots of Christmas Mantle parties!

•  The Lettered Cottage Holiday Home Mantel Linky Party
• December 2nd :: Rhoda’s Christmas Vignette
• December 7th  :: Kate’s Christmas Craft
• December 6th  :: Deck the Halls Party @ Between Naps on the Porch
• December 9th  :: Sarah’s Christmas Tree Link up
• December 9th  :: Coastal Charm Open House
• December 10th :: Cloche Party @ A Stroll Through Life
• December 13th :: The Nester’s Holiday Tour of Homes {here at Nesting Place!} AND Kelly @ Kelly’s Korner; Show Us Your Life Christmas Tour {don’t you love how I bold our day?}
• December 15th :: White Christmas Party @ Cuisine Kathleen
• December 15th :: Share the Decor @ No Minimalist Here

Homefront: Vintage Granny Square Afghan and final Mantel Scape

My afghan finally arrived. The description from the seller, "This is a lovingly made 1940's Granny Square afghan by my Pennsylvania Dutch nana when she was probably in her 60's. She passed seven years ago, at the age of 103. I have so many memories of her crocheting afghans for everyone in church, and those in need. I bet she made 500 or more in her lifetime."

When I got the afghan, I was amazed at the perfection of each little detail and color groupings. I really love how the main color is a dark navy, instead of black for a less severe look. I would love one in a cream color one day.

The question is, how do I clean a vintage, handmade wool afghan? I found some information online, but if anyone has any tricks, feel free to let me know.

 And this is my final mantel scape in this home. It will all be packed up by tonight. I would have changed it more than last time, but everything is already in boxes. I'm so glad I painted my mirror white. It looks so pretty with the white mantle. The white chair needs a fresh coatsoon, but I kind of like the shabbiness of the old green color showing through.

The chair was in front of a dumpster in our first apartment, we've been carrying it around for 7 years now, and the little wood truck I got at an antique mall for $7. It's so cute, it's usually on the wall in the boys room with their toy cars lined up on it, but we never had a chance to put it in their room. It's special to me because my grandpa was a truck driver. We really need to paint that armoir one day.

*why do my mirrors always look streaky? I cleaned it today!? 

**linked to: life in the fun lane's first fresh coat friday,  sew much ado's, we did it wednesday, blue cricket designs show and tell

Soft Yellow Accents

I meet a lot of people that are scared of yellow. But, it is a very versatile color that could transform any room! Using a soft, creamy version in small doses may give your room a hint of sunshine and whimsy. It may be your missing link! So, try it out with some flowers, a small figurine, a frame, a few pillows or a chair. You may be surprised at the impact it can bring. And if you don't like it, no harm done, just slipcover the pillows or use spray paint to change the color on any figurines you find.

In liz of say yes to hoboken's room above, she does it perfectly. I have been eyeing that artwork for a while now too from artists kiki and polly and tushtush's naomi print.

Brooke of playing grown up turned this boring folding screen into an amazing turquoise headboard with lots of sanding and a few coats of paint. Typography pillows from urban outfitters. Love the yellow paring, it really brings a subtle warmth to the room. Any other color would change the look entirely, making it stark and bold.

 Cheap wall art from Tidy Mom. She hung a square of burlap on the wall behind a pretty frame, painted a paper mache letter and nailed it to the wall. Easy! The creamy, pale yellow roses add a sweet touch of sunshine to the aqua walls and dark wood. I love the tri balance of the turquoise, the wall, the bird figurine and the mason jar holding the pens.

 

Christie Chase made these unique and cherry tables for a friend's patio. She started off with some rather interesting vases, added two plywood circles with gorilla glue, then sanded and painted them. Design Sponge shows Christie's gorgeous, yellow and gray home here. The following two images of her rooms are perfect.

The frame wall isn't overbearing when the size of the prints are surrounded by light mats. I love the wall color! It really adds sophistication to the room. The yellow and gray pillows add that soft touch of floral and color.

I could live in this picture. Her guest room is cozy and functional. Yellow and green accessories can be changed at any time and the room will take on a whole new meaning with it's white, gray and natural bones.

This room's bright chartruese wall paint won't work everywhere, but is perfect here. Softened by the white furniture and grand fireplace mantle, the color is brought through the room with an accent pillow. The zebra print rug and black geometric prints work because the furniture lines are clean and modern. domino

This ruffled white table cloth with lemony yellow chairs and flowers are the epitome of sweetness. If lemon meringue pie could be a room, this would be it. The ruffles are even brought in with the plates, cake platter and even the striped straw creates an almost ruffled illusion! indoor sweets picnic table from country living

Love yellow interior inspirations? Visit subtle sunshine here, the influence of color here  sfgirlbybay's yellow bit road here,  simple and true accessory ideas here and orange vs yellow aqua lovers here