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: Figuring Out a Large Brick Wall Living Room

I really can't believe we've been living here for a month now. So, this is what you see when you walk into our home. A big, huge, fireplace. The paint color, I do like. The fireplace... I would love to paint it white, but can't since we're renting. Those pictures will be going up on the walls, but, what can I do with this space? I'd love to hang a mirror, but there aren't any holes, and I don't think the landlord would be thrilled with us drilling holes in a brick wall. It's just so dark and heavy feeling.

The dining area is filled with boxes and our armoir is being used as a pantry. I can't wait to paint that thing!

This, is the other side of the room.  I love how the chair rail, just kind of stops right there at the end of the dining room. ha! Cute little lamp complete with Nester tassel... though I feel this lamp is too short here.

 I'm thinking doing my gallery wall again... but I would have to spread it out somehow because this wall is so much longer than my last one and can fit two couches here. Because the room is shaped like a triangle, I can't quite figure out how to lay everything out. The couches are facing our tv in a triangle like way.

  (my last gallery wall in our old place for reference)

The tv is kind of caddywampus from the couches and fireplace. It is in the weird little corner off the entrance to the house. I can't really put art above it b/c the way it sits angled in the corner. Trying to figure this one out... I'm thinking of moving it in the dining section where the armoir is and putting the couches L shape to that.

I do feel this room needs an area rug, and a nice giant coffee table, but it's kind of triangular shaped. Maybe a round rug would work in here? Next up, add some drapes... I have my natural khaki colored ones, I really think they would be pretty dyed a charcoal gray, but I have no clue how to do that. I have family coming to visit this weekend, so I'll see what I can do before all arrive.  So, what do you all think about what I can do with this space?

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

Homefront: Shabby White and Bunny Easter Mantel

Some of us have so much stuff we want, no *need* to decorate with, it can get a little daunting.

I have had these adorable blue bunny peeps lights and never know what to do with them. So, I put them around the mirror. I left up other pieces like all those letters and an aqua vase) for character and color.

But, it was just, too much. So much stuff ones eye doesn't know where to rest. The details get lost.

So, I took some stuff down, put it back in my Easter decorating box and maybe I'll use them somewhere else, maybe not, but I'm not stressing it. I encourage you to remove ONE thing from your mantle to see if there is any kind of marked improvement. I still may remove some things, we'll see.

But at least, the mantle looks much more simple. It's still a little busy, and taking it all in sections is easier, but I can enjoy the pieces together as a whole for what they are. Layla of The Lettered Cottage and Nester both have some great mantle tips and so does Kimba where I'm linking my post at A Soft Place to Land! Also linking at a to z "ready set vingette" and Life as Lori.

Amongst the eggs and bunnies, you can still see that I am trying to keep the true theme, the resurrection of our Saviour, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The central reminder in our home with a little bust of Him and a plaque of the empty tomb. I've been considering giving that plaque a light white wash of paint, what do you think? This minty green chandalier, used to be a very brassy tarnished one. I lightly sanded, cleaned and painted it.

In any case, I hope your Easter is lovely and that you have an enjoyable and a spiritual day.

Along with lots of candy, spending time with family and hunting eggs, we will be watching one of my favorite Atonement movies, Finding Faith in Christ. It always helps me to feel the Spirit and have love and appreciation for the Savior. You can order a free copy of the DVD here or watch it in full here. This little video below has a few small scenes.

Oh, and for all of you wondering, this was my "Easter mantel shelf" from last year.

*Also posted at Vixen Made, thank you!

Mantel DIY Headboard

Apartment Therapy (how to with pictures)

I love old antique firplace mantles, as you can see in my previous post about mantle decorating! As one who frequents antique malls, I run across them regularly. Some are quite inexpensive, others are pretty costly.  Whatever your budget, you can find one that meets your needs. Here are a few examples as well as links to how to's on these projects. Foam, batting, fabric, staple gun or nails, nail studs and paint are a few of the easy supplies needed to make a mantel headboard of your own.

Chicago Home Mag

Traditional Home Magazine via House of Turquoise

Maison Reve via Marley & Lockyer

Sunset (plus other headboard ideas)

Apartment Therapy

Mew Paper Arts (how to with pictures)

Blue Creek Home (how to with pictures)

Niesz Vintage Headboard (how to)

Martha Stewart (how to)

A Fanciful Twist

Coastal Living

Gail's Decorative Touch

Southern Living (how to with pictures)

Mantel Decorating

i love four logs 

Pink, black and turquoise, love this. Very Alice in Wonderland with the artwork and eclectic vibe. The scale and slightly off symmetry of everything is just perfect.

I love Spring decorating, and I love decorating my mantle, but I don't quite feel it's ready yet to take out the Easter decorations. The Easter box is here and ready to go, but maybe I'll hold off for another week. In the meantime, my mantle has lots of white, some aqua and soft pastel green to make the transition.

My transitional Spring time Mantle

There are some wonderful ideas out there, whether you prefer to decorate by the seasons, or by what you love. If your style is shabby chic, vintage inspired, retro, mid century modern, colorful kitsch, contemporary, traditional, eclectic, a little bit country gothic... there is an idea for everyone here.

The wallpaper, pink rug and the whites with the wood floor are all lovely. The simple touch of the framed neutral colored art above the mantle and flowers are not overwhelming, but still charming. ~inspiration for decoration

Apartment Therapy + decorating tips love the unique shape of the brass vase, candles and the oval mirror. The symmetry is lovely and so are the colors. Look at the little square tiles on the fireplace, love it!

My two fav colors with aqua, is yellow & orange. This room has it all. Simple, colorful. ~Shop Ursula

Add a piece of mantle art! You should see the before, flip through the slideshow here... what a huge difference some color and a little update can make! I know this transformation is pretty large and intensive, but you can paint the bricks white (I've done it and loved it), slipcover your couches and pillows, change out a few accessories, or even paint a few pieces to match, paint your walls, simplify what you have and that's really all. It sounds more than it really is. -Better Homes and Gardens

One of my favorites, The brass wheat scones are a theme we love too. I usually hang my mirrors horizontally, but the vertical style allows for taller vases on a narrow ledge and adds drama. ~Elle Decor

Copper mantle sfgirlbybay is lovely and rich. The mid century modern sunburst mirror and fawn figruine is adorable. The soft pink flowers in the aqua watering can... simple and lovely ~homebug

analisa's white fireplace is simple and gorgeous with it's minimal accessories, and bazaar style features a modern funky shaped mirror with retro art and deer figurine. Love the aqua and red.

Techinacally a Christmas mantle, due to the bleached bottle brush trees little fawn and tree, but her husband's homemade wood scrap wreath and paper flowers can be year round! ~rock paper scissors

Ornate, beautiful and still homey with the clean lines of the black iron bed and unfussy bedding. Love the aqua and white with a modern romantic touch. I love the open space on the mantel, I do that too.

One ornate white fireplace mantel with a gallery frame wall, lovely! Mariu de Andre's Home Elle Decor UK

Shabby white and slender brass letter V feels so elegant together, and the pop of pink flowers is perfect.

The firelace houses a quilt rack for a cozy reading nook. Love this artistic home library. ~sfgirlbybay

If you don't have a formal mantle, install a wooden shelf and call it done! The vintage and antique mirrors and silver vessels piled together adds some pizazz to the room without being distracting.

A simple vinyl sticker or painted design looks great as a centerpiece when it is a neutral color and has soft lines. Small grouping of photos, flowers and special momentos are a perfect intimate addition to a mantel without feeling too staged or showy. The neutral color scheme is cool and casual.

I love these mirrors, the fact she uses them in alternating gray and white and they fit the space perfectly just astounds me. It's a big focal point, but simple vases and a stack of books add minimal decor so it isn't too overwhelming. Mommy Suprise Contemporary Mirror Mantel

One of my favorites! The crystal garland, curvy white vintage dresser mirror, white button wreath and all sorts of haberdashery and candelabras are lovely and chic. The roses add softness. ~Golden Paws

This feels Country Gothic to me, the huge mirrored window pane and sconses are gorgeous. Look up at the branch inspired chandelier and wooden beams! Alicia Wardenss, Better Homes and Gardens

I love the grey, detailed mantle with the simplicilty of the brass candlesticks, pencil profile sketch, white bud vases and the greenery cuttings. Staged, but cozy and inviting. ~decorology

Typography fans gather 'round! We have a bingo spinner, blocks and all sorts of vintage letters and numbers. The ornate mantle feels at home here, and it's elegance is muted with the colorful rust.

Twice Remembered Mantel's has an assortment of frames, a single letter and topiaries.

julie's super kitschy nick knack mantle is like a shrine of wonderment and and marky1969's fireplace is unique and eclectic. Dramatic black with floral tiles and mustard wallpaper in a bold white flower pattern, they keep it simple with a single white vase with flowers and tall, slender white candlesticks.

This is one crazy mantle! It has everything one needs to feel at home in their quirky little abode. This is the no holds barred style, hey, and if it makes you happy, it makes me happy! Apartment Therapy

Layla, used a vintage headboard to emphasize her fireplace. I love her mantle decor, simple, elegant but maximum style, as usual at The Lettered Cottage.

Even more mantle styling inspiration goodness can be found at Matters of Style, and at Little Green Notebook. Some amazing ones there. Tomorrow... turn  that mantle find of yours into a cozy diy headboard.