Our Bright and Cozy, Mixed Metal Christmas Mantel

Our Christmas mantel for this year is complete and I couldn't be happier.  It brings me joy every time I look at it. After a little trial and error, everything started falling into place.  Without further ado…

I took my inspiration from some of the mantels in this post.

I started by layering this wreath over our DIY antique mirror.  The candelabra wall sconces were a yard sale find from months ago.  They were originally brass and I almost left them alone.  However, they weren't the prettiest brass color and they had some areas of tarnish, so I ended up spray painting them silver.  I found the sparkly pewter colored candles at Marshalls.

The small sweater stockings are from Target (only $4 each!).  There is one for each of our fur children. The two silver striped stockings are from Lowe's.  I used clear command hooks to hang the stockings as I didn't want any stocking hangers competing with the rest of the mantel decor.

The marquee letters are a DIY project.  I essentially followed this tutorial.  The letters are cardboard letters from Hobby Lobby that I spray painted gold after removing the front piece of cardboard and punching out the holes for the lights.  

The lights are these battery operated globe lights from Lowe's.

I made the tree out of scrap wood, a dowel, and pieces of garland.

I used wire to secure the garland pieces to the dowel and then wrapped the base of the tree with some gold polka dot burlap from JoAnn's.  I tied it in place with the same gold ribbon that I used to hang the wreath.

The faux sheepskin throw is from Marshall's.  I just love the coziness it brings to the mantel.

Our mantel exudes exactly what I want it to for Christmas - feelings of brightness, coziness, and warmth.

Christmas Inspiration: Mantels

This is the second post in my "Christmas Inspiration" series.  You can find the first one here.  I am so excited about decorating our floating fireplace mantel for Christmas.  Here are some mantels that are inspiring me.

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This twinkling canvas is simple and right on trend with the chalkboard craze.  It doesn't hurt that the quote is from my favorite Christmas song.

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Again, I'm drawn to the simplicity of this mantel.  The green, white, and mixed metal color scheme is divine.

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The giant star is inspiring me to make a new topper for our tree.  I also like the playful woodland feel that the deer and mini Christmas tree add to this mantel.

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Another toned down color scheme with a rustic feel results in a cozy, calming fireplace.  And how cute is that deer perched on top of the E?

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Ahhh.  Marquee letters.  What's not to love?  Something similar will be making an appearance on my Christmas mantel for sure.

What I'm drawn to this year for our mantel:

• a mostly neutral color scheme
• a simple, uncluttered design
• a cozy, organic feel with a bit of rustic glam thrown in

Rainy weather this weekend delayed our shutter project.  Instead I spent my time working on the mantel, creating a wreath for our back door, and starting on our Christmas tree (yes…we put the tree up yesterday - I LOVE Christmas, remember?).  I'm having a small issue with the wreath, but I should have the finished mantel post ready for you later this week!

Christmas Inspiration: Wreaths

I LOVE Christmas.  It is absolutely, without a doubt, my favorite holiday.  I've been immersed in Pinterest inspiration for the past couple of weeks and just made purchases at the local craft stores for some materials to start my Christmas crafting.  Here are some of the wreaths that I've fallen for.

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I love how Sarah kept things simple with her boxwood wreath by just adding some gold dots.

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I've been wanting to make a wood slice wreath since Laura from Finding Home debuted her first one this Fall.  There is a big branch sitting in our carport waiting for me.  I'm hoping I can start on it this weekend.

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I love the softness that this feather boa wreath brings to Chris' Christmas Mantel.  You can find the tutorial here.  

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Since I already have a grapevine wreath form, I thought this might be an easy (and cheap) way to change it out for Christmas.

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Virginia made this ornament wreath for only $10!!!  Her tutorial inspired me to look for inexpensive ornaments at our local dollar stores.

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For a modern take on an ornament wreath, look no further than these PVC pipe wreath tutorials.  I really like them but I'm not sure I'm going to take the time to make one this year.  Maybe I'll feel more ambitious next year.

I'm going to make two wreaths this year - one for our front door and one for our back door.  We always enter through the back carport door and I'd like to have something festive to look at when I'm going in and out.  I deserve that, right?

As for other project news, our shutters are assembled and sanded!  We hope to paint them (and maybe possibly install them???) this weekend.  So keep your eyes out for the second installment of our exterior facelift.

Schoolhouse Inspired Hallway Lights

The other day Seth and I were walking around the lighting department at Home Depot when I spotted these schoolhouse inspired lights for only $30!  (Just so you know, we've had these up for 3-4 weeks and have not had either globe fall off - not sure what happened to the other reviewers.)

I knew they would be the perfect replacement for the tiny, dingy, brass lights currently on the ceiling.

It took no time for Seth to swap them out.

Now, I just need to touch up around the bases.  And I have no idea what color the ceiling paint is.  Hmmm….

I'm loving the vintage feel that they bring to the hallway.  

Another project checked off the list!