Mantlescape #1

It's not every day that we can tackle a big DIY project like this.  If we're lucky, we might get the time and money to do one large project a month.  The other days are spent dreaming, making lists and moving around what you already have for instant change.  Today's change was obvious for me.  My mantle.

For the past 4 weeks, my mantle was decorated for Christmas, and Christmas ended yesterday in the Casa de la Transue.  Here is what I whipped together in literally 3 minutes.

My goal was to try to come up with something that could last me through the winter and create a smooth transition into a spring mantlescape.  After enjoying the White Christmas we had this year, I was inspired.  I gathered up white items from all over my house.  When placing them, I made sure that I varied the heights and textures of my items.

Look at the difference it makes when I put my tallest items at the ends of the mantle.

Now, it looks a little "matchy-matchy" with my larger items on the outside.  My poor, glass apothecary jar looks all alone out there since it is clear.  It just doesn't look grounded in the setting.

Now look when I change out the paper mache bird and the lotus flower.

Again, it looks too matchy with the birds equally flanking the wreath.  When decorating, you want to vary your heights and textures while tying them all together as a scene.  In this mantlescape, the color white works in tying everything together.  I even made sure to select books in colors that would work with this display.

In case you like something you see, I have created a source list for you.

• Finials - Home Goods garden section (under $20.00 for the pair)
• Lotus flower - Home Goods ($2.99, but needed to be sprayed white)
• Owl - West Elm ($10.00 with free shipping)
• Apothecary Jar - Thrift store on the square in Dahlonega, Ga ($6.00)
• Books - off of my Black Mountain Furniture built-ins in my library
• Paper Mache Bird - West Elm ($10.00 with free shipping)
• Shutters - Thrift store on the square in Dahlonega, Ga ($20.00 for the pair).  Using shutters as decor was inspired by photos at The Nesting Place
• Wreath - Crafted by Yours Truly (under $10.00 in supplies) after reading this blog at The Nesting Place.  That's right, people.  It is made from coffee filters.

Although it was sad to see Christmas go, it was so much fun to change up my house with a fresh, new mantlescape.  What fresh changes do you have planned for your house now that Christmas is over?


Linked with The Stories of A to Z and Funky Junk Interiors.