Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Spring Mantel 2012

Today is the first day of spring, rejoice! I decided to be a grown up and decorate for the season. The Lettered Cottage is hosting a mantel party so I jumped on the band wagon and dressed my mantel. 

Ever since we've moved into this house I've struggled with decorating this mantel for a few different reasons. First of all it's like totally gothic, Halloween worked, spring was more of a challenge. Secondly, it curves in and out and the narrow parts are actually pretty narrow. Thirdly I placed my favorite mirror above this mantel, which is most certainly it's rightful place, and I refuse to take it down and replace it with something more seasonal. Despite my challenges, my daunting challenges ;) , I am pleased with how the mantel turned out.


I pulled in my wild flower seedlings from the next room and tucked in a couple of seed packets that I haven't planted yet. 
I used my usual books in a different orientation and pulled some San Pelle bottles out of the pantry to use in the spring display. 
Brett got me these pretty antiqued birds for Christmas and I think they are the perfect addition to a spring inspired mantel. 

A yellow painted shutter serves as a backdrop. We have several of these old shutters in our attic that were here when we moved in, and I just so happend to have a can of yellow spray paint in the garage         (it pays to be a hoarder). 
 The purple branches I brought in from outside. I know it seems cruel to trim back a blooming tree, but the tree is awkwardly placed and Brett has never liked it. I keep it trimmed back, to save it's life! 

Mantel mania. How's your mantel looking? 

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The Lettered Cottage

4 comments:

  1. This is definitely a keeper. I love all the different elements you used, from the old books, to the green bottles, and the metal bins with greens and seedlings. Perfect!!
    I'm happy to be a new follower and hope you'll stop by and follow back.
    Mary Alice

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    1. Thanks Mary Alice! I'm glad you enjoyed the post ... I am on my way to check your blog out now :)

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  2. I love it! My favorite part is the little seed packets....oh and the yellow shutter in the background, what an awesome idea! I also loved the part when you talk about trimming back the tree, I couldn't help but feel like you were talking to me or at least thinking about me and my dilemma with wanting beautiful fresh cut flowers in the house but feeling cruel for cutting them. I laughed out loud when you said "I keep it trimmed back, to save it's life!" Your mantel looks great!

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    1. Thanks Liz! I'm so happy I'm making you LOL :D

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