Christmas Mantel 2013 | Vintage, Paint and more...

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Christmas Mantel 2013

Written by: Cathy Carroll; Vintage, Paint and more...



This year I wanted to simplify our decor a lot.
Each year I bring out all the storage cartons full of decorations
and
proceed to unwrap everything and put it out.
When it is done I get overwhelmed with the amount of clutter it makes
and
within a few days I am ready to put it all away.
So, I decided the huge Old World Santa collection would stay in the cartons
along with the collection of nutcrackers
and
all the red faux poinsettias
and
the rest of the collection of things we have gathered over the years.


I decided to try a very simple
decor with a very simple and calming color scheme.
I am using white, gold and browns this year.
Not a new concept as many people have used it before me
but,
it is drastically new to us.


This is our mantel this year.
Very neutral in color and full of texture
and I like it a lot.
But, my family is not real happy with the neutrality of it.
They want red
and
green
and Santas
and
nutcrackers
and
all the other things in the cartons.


This is the mantel last year.
There is a huge difference - the red does add
that special something that my family has to have.
However,
this year's is done
and
there is no undoing or going back for me now.
But, next year there will be red again.


Almost all of the items on the mantel are handmade.
I love to create
and
this is especially true at Christmas.


First I laid down a garland that I bought at Hobby Lobby
at 50% off for $4.50.
I sprayed it with artificial snow and added a set of fairy lights to it.
Then on the left side of the mantel
I placed some of my little trees that you can read about
If you read my blog much you know that these have become
somewhat of an obsession of mine.

In the center of the mantel is N-O-E-L.
I made this out of foam core bought at the Dollar Tree.
The "N" is wrapped in brown paper with glitter stars.
The "O" is a snowflake from Dollar Tree that is sprayed with glitter.
The "E" is wrapped with glitter paper from Wal-mart.
The "L" is wrapped with twine.
In front of the NOEL sign are two gold ribbon pine cone ornaments
I made this year.
(Tutorial later)
And then I have two glittery white reindeer ornaments
from the Dollar Tree, of course.
On the right of the mantel are....
You guessed it more little trees I have made.
I just can't get enough of these...


Hanging over the top of all this is my yarn wreath.
You can read about it here and here.
I added some book page snowflake ornaments I made.
(This tutorial is also coming up)
I am definitely in love with the fluffiness and texture
of this wreath.

Underneath all this are the stockings I made last year.
They are made from drop cloth fabric and sheets.
The initials are just cut out of poster board and glittered.
Then I have two white poinsettias on the hearth.

Although this turned out exactly as I envisioned it;
it just isn't us.
We are enjoying it and it really is quite pretty lit up at night.
But, next year I am sure I will not be able to get by
without using the bright Christmas colors.
If I do try - I may have to find a new home??

So, have you ever stepped outside the box for you
and
then been just a little disappointed in your decision.
Were you like me - no turning back at this point?
Or, did you change it back to your old way of doing things?
Would love to hear from you in the comments section.

You can follow me through Bloglovin, Google+, Facebook
and
my Christmas boards on Pinterest
and
where you will find all kinds of inspiration.
You don't want to miss out on the upcoming tutorials either.

Until next time
have a great day and get out there and create
something you love.....



Click here to see the parties I am linking to this week.
Please visit them and see all the great projects and inspiration found there....

27 comments:

  1. I am doing more decorating than in the last decade because we have been skiing for the holidays for the last 10 years.

    But, I am doing less than I used to do. I went through all the boxes and shelves of "Christmas" in the attic and left a lot behind. Except for the tree, I am done decorating and their is a big bag of stuff going back to the attic that I didn't use.


    Your mantel is lovely and it will be interesting to see if next year that the family says to stick with the more neutral mantel.

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  2. I actually liked this years mantel more than last years and that is surprising for me because I love reds! There is something about it that is so simple but elegant! Love the noel! And the tree lights are gorgeous! I wish I had the time, money and talent to create like you do! What a blessing to be able to use your talent in your home! Enjoy your family around this because that is really what is the most important! Love ya Theresa

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  3. Hi I love the white and gold decorations, so pretty. I saw it on submarine sunday.
    Julie at Julie's Lifestyle

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  4. It looks nice. I like color, but neutral is nice too! I did cremes and gold for years. I'm back to color :)

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  5. I love your NOEL and how you used different colors for each part. And I adore all those white trees. I'd love for you to share at our Link It or Lump It party! http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2013/12/link-it-or-lump-it-party-17.html

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  6. Your mantel is adorable and I must say I really like this one over last years. I LOVE the letters and colors. I'm kind of fixed on them also. The little trees are cute!!! I love this and thanks for sharing. www.mylifeabundant.com

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  7. This is beautiful! You did a great job with it! I had to pin it!

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  8. It is so pretty and very calming! I keep thinking I'm going to simplify my decor also, but I think it's ME that would miss the red!

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  9. Oh I love your white and gold mantel, so beautiful. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  10. This is so pretty! I love the white & gold together (always a classic!) I'd love for you to come by and link up at our Holiday link party if you can: http://www.urbanejane.com/2013/12/holiday-glam-link-party.html

    Have a wonderful day!

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  11. Hi, Cathy! I'm your newest follower on GFC! Those are awesome decorations!! I'm envious!!

    xo,
    ochibernadas.blogspot.com

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  12. I love it! I posted something very similar in one of the link ups as well, so when I saw your post I had to stop by and check it out! very pretty.

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  13. Love your NOEL, and your entire mantel! Neutral Christmas decor is so pretty!! Great job!!

    Jeannine @ The Concrete Cottage

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  14. So pretty!! Love the wreath and stockings! Great job :) Hope you can stop by soon.

    Lina @ www.fancyfrugallife.com

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  15. I love it! It looks great! Thanks for linking up with the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board!

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  16. Wow your Christmas mantle is just beautiful!! I love all the trees, and letters and wreath! Awesome! Thanks so much for linking to the Wowza weekend link party!

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  17. Your Christmas mantel is beautiful. Thanks for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays! x

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  18. I've been having a bit of a love affair with gold and glitter this season so I just adore your mantle!
    Oh, and those trees! Gosh I love those! I'm heading over to see your post on those right now!
    Jessie~ Life As Mrs Larson
    www.lifeasmrslarson.com

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  19. Very nice and elegant. Found you via the Pieced Pastimes Saturday link party :)

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  20. The mantel is beautiful!!! That is one of my favorite color combos for this time of year!

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  21. It's so amazing the difference in how the same mantle can look year to year! I love them both but I agree with your fam that the Santas are way cute :) Thanks so much for sharing at Link It or Lump It this week!

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  22. Hi Stopping by to let you know you have been featured a One More Time Events….Thanks for sharing hope you can make it to this weeks party…Hugs Tammy

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  23. This is beautiful!
    Love the change.
    Sherry

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  24. I highlighted you tonight on my blog for centerpiece Wednesday!
    Karin

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  25. So gorgeous in all of its shimmer and shine! Hugs...

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