Burlap Carrots DIY {Spring Farmhouse Mantel Decor}

Hi Friends ~ Have you ever been out shopping and you see something and think... 

That doesn't look too complicated. I bet I could make that...? 

Me too. In fact, that's what happened when I was out shopping last week with my mom and sister. We spotted some cute (factory-made) burlap carrots. I loved all the texture and the neutral, unexpected take on carrots.

A few days later, I played a little game of memory with myself. Where did I see those leftover styrofoam cones? Garage, in a half-unpacked art bag. Burlap sack? Laundry room cupboard. Glue gun? Dining room drawer. The only thing I needed to buy was the raffia. So the price was right for this mini DIY. ;) 

Wood Rounds Fireplace Insert DIY {Farmhouse Style}

Hope your day is going well!

I wanted to share with you a recent change I made to the fireplace mantel in our dining room. Obviously, this is not a functioning fireplace. I brought the mantel into this room to add some interest and depth. If you've been here before, you might remember that we used to have a canvas curtain hanging inside the mantel. I was ready for a new look...

Vintage Books and Herbs Mantel...

I guess it's like when you decide to try to lose a few pounds, and suddenly all you can think of is apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce. 

In winter, when most of the outdoors is dormant, I start craving nature indoors.

Meet our dining room mantel...

~ A Late Summer Mantel ~

Some people paint.

Some people garden.

Some people sing.

Some people write poetry.

Some people (like us) re-style their mantels.

And we know this nesting is part of our art. As we add old books for "lift", layer textures and consider colors, we soon find we are in our zone. That place where creativity comes alive. We see beauty and try to capture a "feeling." 

Plaster statues remind me of rural France. Silver trays provide a touch of elegance. Old books give a cozy library feel. The white pitchers and mason jar stemware represent the simple joys of country living. 

Hydrangeas and hops vines from the garden fence give their nod to nature, 

which is still so alive this time of year.

I walk away with one last glance, satisfied. 

And ready to face the dinner dishes...

Xo

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French Country Cottage

A Simple Spring Farmhouse Mantel...

I have long loved how beautifully and seemingly effortlessly Courtney of French Country Cottage and Mary Alice of Chateau Chic have used old books and mason jars in their mantel decorating. (I'm sure there are others - but these were the first two who came to mind!). 

I was especially drawn to this look because old books and mason jars are items I already have on-hand!

So, I snipped a few flowering branches from the yard and simply added a few books, jars and the branches to our existing mantel decor...

These trees in our front yard, are now in full-bloom. Even when it is still dark outside, their white flowers seem to be illuminated - almost like fresh fallen snow! They catch my eye from our laundry room windows. I am in awe of the Creator's artistry!

I hope it's beginning to feel like spring where you live. I know many have had an extra cold and long winter... and are extra ready for spring this year!

What do you have planned today?

I'm off to our youngest's field trip, which is to the grocery and pet store... so today especially, here's to finding beauty and wonder in the ordinary! ;)

xo

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Adding Character with a Mantel

Bringing a mantel into a room has to be one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add character and warmth (or at least perceived warmth! :) to a space.

The fireplace pictured below is the only working fireplace in our home. 

(You may recognize the rusty antique headboard I found at a yard sale last spring!)

Along with adding architectural detail, I love that mantels provide a great place to decorate. So if you can't get over them not being attached to a functioning fireplace, just think of them as upcylced shelves. ;)

We found the vintage mantel below on Craigslist for $25! Stacking wood inside adds more texture and depth to the room. 

The antique mantel below, also purchased on Craigslist for $75, gave a whole new feel to our dining room. It definitely upped the "cozy factor." You can see the dining room before and after pictures here.

I made a simple drop cloth curtain for the inside of the mantel that is hung from a small tension rod. Since we don't have window treatments or a rug in this room, the mantel curtain softens the space.

We probably have enough mantels in our house now. But, if I found the perfect one for our master bedroom... I'd be okay with that. :)

Do you use mantels to decorate your home? Do you have a perfect place for one in mind? Or, are you a purist, sticking to true functioning fireplaces?

xo

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