My Christmas Mantel 2013

Even though I'd had a general idea of what I wanted my Christmas mantel to look like this year for quite awhile, for some reason it has taken me a long time to put it together.

But after a lot of fussing it is finally complete!

One of the reasons it took me some time is I had several small projects to complete for the look to come together.

Project #1: I bought two black lanterns from Ikea and spray painted them red.

I think I may use them on my breakfast room table next year.

I love the bright punch of red.

Project #2: I needed some tall candles for the lanterns, but all I had were some short white candles from the dollar store that I had used last Christmas.

They were in great shape and I hate to waste things, but I needed them to be taller.

So I wrapped the bottom of one candle with ribbon, pinning the back.

Then I stacked the candles and placed them in the lantern.

Easy peasy!

The lanterns are propped up on blocks so the greenery is nice and full.

I have had these reindeer for many years and they appear in a different spot

in the house every Christmas.

I plopped a few red ornaments on top of the greenery for more pops of red.

  

Something I was very excited to use this year are stocking made from grain sacks!!!!

Jill from Sew A Fine Seam made them for me and I love them!
They are my favorite thing!

Project #3: I wanted a large piece of art for the mantle, but didn't want to spend a lot of dough.

I simply went to Picmonkey and typed Merry Christmas over and over and
changed the font to red ink.

I had it printed at Costco for about five bucks.
 I placed it in a frame I've had for years.

To make the piece a little taller I placed it on top of some stacked books.

I ripped the covers off of some old paper backs and wrapped them in ribbon.

I love bright pops of red and white at Christmas time.
I didn't want anything too elegant or formal on the mantel because Christmas is for my kids and I wanted my mantel to have a bright, playful feel to it for them.

In front of the fireplace is a large nutcracker I've owned for 15 years.

I got him at Costco and I don't think I'll ever get rid of him!

I also filled a Kubu basket with gifts and a stuffed moose.

You can see a little peek of my tree to the side, but it isn't quite ready yet.
I am attempting a woodland themed tree this year which is requiring a lot of projects, but I am having so much fun Christmas crafting that I don't mind.

Linking up to:
Mantel Party @ From My Front Porch To Yours
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch To Yours
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

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Write by: AN - Tuesday, December 10, 2013