When I got up this morning I had two things on my list. Make bagels from a recipe at The Whimsical Wife and put something - anything - on my naked family room mantel. You can read about bagel making here, it wasn't an easy process for me and the day was perfect for whipping up something new as the kids had a two hour late start due to ice and snow. They didn't get to try a bagel before they left. I was challenged.
This is the naked mantel. At Christmas it looks beautiful. The rest of the year not so much. Before work I asked Brawn to take the picture down. He forgot so I had to do it. I've been channeling Donna at Funky Junk lately, and today was no exception. Her morning post was about her mantel which was very appropriate for me today. Go look at her's I love it. Now when I started out I had no intention of doing a copy cat, in fact I was going to do a Valentine mantel to share with 52 Mantels but after my sad bagel making attempt I decided to follow the map Donna had laid before me rather than try something new on my own. I wanted to finish it today, and I was already short those 2 early morning hours, plus the bagel making time.
First step, put on my boots and walk through this......
To get some of these........
I have more junk around this house than I know what to do with, so finding stuff to put on the mantel really wasn't a problem. I do have a window but I would of had to walk through that white stuff again and hunt it down. I opted to continue with out a window.
I had a seed sign that never had a home, so it was recruited. Old wire bakery mixing whip that holds a candle, yup going up there. Old box, well I have to take out what's in it, but sure. Bird house - daughter does ceramics so she'll be happy to see that on the mantle. License plates, ummm hmmm, those are in the closet waiting for a great idea for my son's room. So I put all the junk I had handy up there, and then sat down and ate a bagel while I looked at it. I'm not sure I like it (the mantel, the bagel was tasty). I love the Funky Junk mantel so I'll have to play around with mine for awhile and get used to some stuff up there and not where it's been for 10 years. Guess I fear change.
I've been telling Brawn I want to take down the log siding. I would probably like all the "junk" on the mantel if I had a cleaner back ground. I'm tired of the wood. I haven't convinced him yet to take it down, so for now this will do. I think I want to rough up the railroad tie and maybe varnish it to give it some shine like Donna's. At least it's not empty today, it's a long mantel. I think I might be more a family photo and frame on the mantel type girl. Tomorrow I may experiment with that idea, and have Brawn fetch me a window. But for today this stays. My favorite part? Those dog wood branches I trudged through the snow to clip!
What a difference great junk can make. I love your window idea. I think that will complete the look perfectly.
ReplyDeleteLove the mantel. Junk is awesome!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I wanted to let you know I passed on a Liebster blog award toyou. I have enjoyed your blog so much! Stop by to check it out: lifeat2810@blogspot.com.
Ooh another award !!!
ReplyDeleteLove the mantle. Seen Donna's, seen yours - equally as great !
I know what it's like though, you know if it's not working for you - and playing is fun anyway !
Looking forward to the next instalment.
xxx
Thanks for commenting on my post today! I love the way you "talk", you make me laugh! I'm becoming your new follower so I can enjoy you every day!
ReplyDeleteLeanne
(Because (I think) I Can)
I like it! I don't think I have the talent for taking disparate objects and unifying them into one great display...but I would say YOU definitely DO!
ReplyDeleteYour mantel is too cute now. You did a very good job of dressing it up.
ReplyDeleteLooks great...I especially love that whip thing, very fun :) And extra kudos to you for heading out in the snow for the branches! Have a great week, Laurel
ReplyDeleteOh, what a gorgeous fireplace!!!! XO Cindy
ReplyDeleteIt turned out great! I LOVE the rock on the fireplace! I also wanted to to let you know that I'm having my first giveaway, I'd love you to stop by & enter for a chance to win a My Memories digital scrapbooking software. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSally
loveofhomes.blogspot.com
I love the old box and lantern and license plate! I think your mantle looks great. Love the dogwood branches too
ReplyDeleteEileen@cottage beach house
Donna at FJI DOES inspire, doesn't she? I think you did a terrific job here - using Donna's ideas as a springboard! Go ahead and add in some feminine elements if that's what you like. I think you should ALWAYS decorate in a manner that makes you smile when you see it. After all, you live with it. ;)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
I love love love your blog!!!!! All of them!
ReplyDelete