Holiday Mantel

And it begins.  But looking at these pictures, I don't think I am done yet.
Here is one side of our fireplace and the mantel in the kitchen.

Yep, that is better.



I flocked some branches, hung red ornaments, and stuck them in a corrogated tin planter.

I love these little bottles. I think they came from old nebulizer treatments.  I would love to buy some if I could find them somewhere.  I stuck on some typewriter keys to spell joy.

And added some things on the other side to balance it out.  The nutcrackerer is one of the very first presents my children gave me when they had money to buy their own presents so it is very special to me.

I like the mix of things put together.  I am thinking about adding greens and a strand of white lights to 'fluff' it a bit.  I will probably be adding a few other objectss as I go through my Christmas things.

This is the other side of the fireplace and the living room mantel.  I am still enamored with French Nordic style so attempted to recreate that style here.

I really enjoy the warm glow of the candles in the evening.  I've gathered some of my silver, ironstone, and bits of nature. 

I am joining Kevin and Layla at the Lettered Cottage for their Holiday Home Linky Party.  No doubt there will be lots of inspired decorating to enjoy.  I also linked up to Blue Cricket Design.

First snow and new camera

First snow of the year.

Trash or Treasure?

With the onset of colder temperatures and sunset before I get home for work, the urge to create has returned.  I often don't end up where I started and suprise myself with the projects that get completed.  Here is a recent creation from an old sweater, a jar of keys, a Starbucks cappuccino bottle, and a broken necklace.  Oh, and throw in some twigs from a lilac tree.

So, Trash or Treasure?

I am participating in the party at freckled laundry and at The Shabby Nest.

I like using branches, twigs, and nature in my decorating.  Here is my "inside tree".  Currently it is sporting coffee dyed and stamped tags.  It changes with the seasons and my mood.  :)   Check out all the other ways people use twigs and sticks at Funky Junk Interiors.