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As you know, we’re chatting about Spring Things on the blog. One thing that bloggers and DIYers seem to get all jazzed up about is mantles. Decorating a seasonal mantel is a must, or so it seems. Well, I have a confession… I really struggle with the whole seasonal mantel thing. My darn TV gets in the way and stunts my creativity. So… rather than focusing on my mantel, I’ve scoured the web for the BEST Spring Mantel around! If you want to see oodles more, check out the always fabulous Layla, who’s hosting a link up right now!
Actually, let’s get started with
The Lettered Cottage’s Spring Mantel:
What I love:
-It looks effortless, like “Oh my mantel just sort of did this fabulous arrangement on it’s own, and it was so pretty that these butterflies came through the window and joined without me knowing.”
-I love the pop of green in the basket. It’s really cool and you know I love me some kelly green!
What I wish:
-I wish that when I put things on my mantle with the desire for it to look natural and organically arranged, it didn’t look like I let my kids help decorate.
-I love, love, love (notice 3 loves means I REALLY love it) that it’s non-traditional, but still has some tradtional elements. Notice, there are little robins egg-type vase filler, but it’s not all “in your face over-the-top Easter Eggy”
-I love that the colors and bright and make me feel like spring, but aren’t pastel.
What I Wish:
I wish I could paint an awesome canvas like that. Yup, she actually painted it herself!
-Again, loving that it’s non-traditional…. are you seeing a pattern here?
_-Love that the simple, stark look of it totally reminds me of spring. I’m getting all English teacher-y on you here, but the empty frames and lots of negative space make me think about how during spring, I feel like my yard is empty and just waiting to be filled with all kinds of cool growing things. Then she was genius and put the branches again reminding me of what’s to come. I have no clue what the G is for, but I’m going to go with Grow. Okay, enough lessons in symbolism.
What I wish:
-I wish my darn TV wasn’t on the wall so I could do something just like this!
-I love the canvas panels! They are fabulous and want to know something awesome?? There are kids dump-truck artwork behind them! Yup! Talk about a good upcycle!
-I also love the rope lamp bases. I know Jess would be diggin’ them to!
What I wish:
I wish that I didn’t have plans tonight so that I could do a quick, fabric wrap DIY project STAT! (Okay, I only semi-wish that, because I’m going on a big ole’ group date out for dinner and to see The Hunger Games! I will have to DIY later!)
Hey Tracie- Love the greens! I was reading and thinking where did she get those fern-y plants… Who would have thought of just grabbing them at the grocery store! Thanks so much for sharing. Hope you have a good day… looks like the last nice day in PA before a chilly weekend!
It is a drag to have a TV over the mantel, but I guess it’s also a good excuse to get a little more creative! Check out my spring mantel (TV and all) here.
http://cleverlyinspired.com/2012/03/spring-greens-mantle/.
Thanks girls;)
Hey Tracie-
Love the greens! I was reading and thinking where did she get those fern-y plants… Who would have thought of just grabbing them at the grocery store! Thanks so much for sharing. Hope you have a good day… looks like the last nice day in PA before a chilly weekend!
Monica (and Jess)
I adore the empty frames and the painted mason jars. Love them!
It is a drag to have a TV over the mantel, but I guess it’s also a good excuse to get a little more creative! Check out my spring mantel (TV and all) here.
Hey! Thanks so much for including me on your post! 🙂 I saw your blog on my traffic thingy and was like, what’s going on over there!? 🙂
HI there! Love you two girls and your blog! Here is my mantle!!!
http://knickknackpaddywack.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-mantel.html
LOVE your BIG pics…..next on my to-do list! 🙂
Hi girls! wow, it’s an honor having my mantel feature among those great ones! Thanks!