Recently, I posted about my awkward mantel arrangement and asked for suggestions to make it right. Vivian, Meri and Marie all gave wonderful ideas. I tried each one and ended up with a combination of all three. Thank you friends, for helping me out!
This was the before arrangement...boring and out of proportion...
here are some things I tried...
The suggestion for using the books was a great idea, as was the plan to move the window to the center of the mantel. The mantel is not very deep so it made putting items in front of the window tricky. I was getting closer to the look I wanted here (My family room has the worst natural light for photos)
This was better but still not staggered enough. I turned the window lengthwise..
and made a banner to hang across the window..(thanks Meri, sometimes the obvious escapes me! When she said "hang or make a banner" I thought "Yikes! That's what I do!!)
So there it is...it looks much better in person than in these pictures. The books are from the Jan Karon Mitford series (if you've never read these, I highly recommend them!) I took the paper book jackets off and the books are nice looking naked.
The long legged bird in the center was a gift from my sweet friend Jacqueline. The curly wire of his tail is for picture holding. I love him.
A closer look at the birdie banner. Dee, I used some of the embellishments you sent...they worked out great!
The links for my decorating friends are as follows...visit their blogs, they all amazing things!
Meri of ImagiMeri's Creations
Jan Karon's Mitford Series books can be found here.
If you need my address to send a bill for your services, just let me know. *wink*wink*
OK-last item for today is something that I never posted. I am an ardent follower of the blog
and have purchased several of Jennifer's pillow covers from her shop.Right now I have this one on for the Spring and Summer season
Her lettering is phenomenal! Last year she decided to offer prints and downloads of her chalkboard signs. All of them are awesome but when I saw this download I had to order it...
I found this great unpainted frame at Michael's. (I think it was $5.99) David spray-painted it my favorite cream color and I used scrapbook paper as a mat because I didn't have too much room to play with. I love the quality of her prints and downloads and she is enlarging her selections all the time. This is still in my dining room..I hate the thought of putting it away. Here is the direct link to her shop..and be sure to check out her blog. So much beauty!
I hope you enjoy your day...we are having some much-needed rain here.
xoxo
Joyce
7 comments:
Joyce it looks amazing, and I'm glad I was able to help. Have a lovely weekend!
Hugs,
Meri
The mantle looks great! Love of your choice of red books!
Thanks for the link to Jennifer's shop. Love the look of the chalkboard signs...the frame you used for your sign is pefect!
Wow, it's amazing what a little rearranging of things can do. The mantel looks beautiful. Love the chalk board sign as well. I say you leave it up all year. It's something to be celebrated and a good reminder.
looks just right now. turning the window sideways and adding that gorgeous banner was perfect!
have a great day!!
xoxo
I love her blog too. Gorgeous home! I think your mantle looks fabulous now. I love those Mitford books. I've read them all twice. Thinking about reading them again...Mimi
Isn't it amazing how just moving something here or there, or adding a little banner to your window could make something lovely into something spectacular. Aren't you glad you asked for advice. It's wonderful. ~ Abby
Hi Joyce just checking in with you it's been a really long time and I wondered if you were still running? I have signed up with that Etsy shop you mentioned below to be notified when she opens again, too cute I love her stuff. Nan
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