Each new season, my mantel gets a makeover, and I pretty much start from scratch each time, never wanting the same look from the year before. I am rarely willing to spend much money at all, so up to the attic I go to “shop” in my own things.
This year, I started with a couple of items I knew I wanted to use, then built the rest of the look around them. Refurbished stacked pumpkins started it off.
These pumpkins are many years old and originally burnt orange, so I pulled out the trusty Heirloom White spray paint and gave them a new look! Then, I brushed on light strokes of “Rich Espresso” acrylic paint (DecoArt’s Metallic line), and wiped it off with a paper towel. No professional faux technique here! I don’t even know how to faux paint:) One great thing about antiquing or faux-finishing a piece is that it looks better when it’s not perfect.
The next thing I added was a wreath over the mirror (which stays year-round). Again, this grapevine wreath is about 10 years old and was full of outdated fall decor. I disassembled it (and kept the foliage), and went for a simpler look.
I saw these fall wreaths and was inspired to create something similar. Using ribbon, wheat picks and a giant sunflower from last year’s fall decor (which I loved but dismantled to use the base for Easter), a simple, yet elegant wreath came to life!
The space from the top of the mantel to the ceiling is large enough to warrant pieces with height, so I chose these years-old candlesticks (that I still love!), candles from the closet, and fall leaves I snipped from the old wreath! I tied the leaves around the candles with jute.
The opposite side of the mantel, I went with a pop of color using a Peter’s Pottery vase I adore with more of last year’s decor… fall grasses and bittersweet from these fall door baskets.
Once I pulled it all together, it looked “nekkid” still, so in the spirit of keeping my costs low for this project, I stopped in Wal-Mart’s silk flower section and found bittersweet stems. At first glance, they did look “cheap,” but once on the mantel, you cannot tell at all! Score. I probably used 9 or 10 stems, cut off the bottom, and used only the top portion with the berries.
So here is the original finished product…and it bugged me to no end, yet I could not figure out why!
Light! There is no light!
Tea lights (already owned) to the rescue! I could not be happier with the way it turned out. Warm during the day, and cozy at night. And less than $20 spent this season for a brand new look.
Take a peek around your house for things you can repurpose, reuse, or restore to make them “new” again! Pull a piece that isn’t necessarily “autumn” and add a pop of color. If you visit some of the links at the Fall Mantel Party, you will find all sorts of inspiration!
If the blog world has taught me anything, it is to think outside the box, to try something new, and to use what you have!
Happy Fall, Y’all!
Linking to:
Nancy says
looks beautiful! i need to pep our house with fall goodies!
Jennifer says
Love it!
HappyascanB says
You always amaze me with your crafts! I want those pumpkins! Seriously love them!
Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says
Hi Amanda! Your Fall mantel is just perfect. I wanted to come by and thank you for your most sweetest personal email to me today. You reminded me once again, why I love what I do..you really made my day! Thank you and congrats to you on your continued growth and success of your blog.
Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says
Your fall mantel is just lovely! I love how it came out- the pumpkins are wonderful!
Stephanie says
Looks beautiful! I love how you tied the leaves to the candles! So creative!
gatheredinthekitchen.com
destiny says
Your mantle looks great! I need to get moving on my fall decorating!
gail says
Your mantel is sooo pretty. I never change mine, and I rarely decorate. I wish I were more creative.
great job!
gail
Dani says
I love your fall mantle! Stopping by from Kelly’s. Blessings, Dani
Jessica says
Love it! Can’t wait for Fall decorating this year. 🙂