Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Snowman Mantlescape

Hello Ladies!
Can you believe that in two short weeks, Christmas Day will be here?!  How are you doing with all of your preparations?  I finally got our house all decked out from head to toe, but of course there always seems to be last minute decorating and crafting projects calling my name!!  Today I wanted to give you a little "tour" of our mantle, which I have decorated with my beloved snowmen.

I just love this little guy!  He looks vintage, though he is not, and of course he came covered in glitter!
Candles, snowmen and greenery.

 My mom gave me this pair of dapper looking wooden snowmen candleholders years ago. Aren't they cute?
I made several of these votives last year.  I just took some glass votives that I already had on hand, and used a bit of Mod Podge to adhere some scrapbooking paper with a sheet music motif.  Easy, peasy!!
 This little cutie is one of my favorites!!


 I made this large pinecone wreath several years ago from pinecones that I collected on our walks. It's really heavy!  Until yesterday, it was in it's natural state.  I decided to spray it with some Heirloom white, and then added a bunch of Martha glitter.  I do like the way the Heirloom white makes it pop against the dark brick, though I wish that I'd have used a bit less of the paint and let some more of the natural color show thru!  Oh well, no going back now!!

And here is a look with all of the lights off, and a roaring fire going!

Santa Paws!  What a serious looking little face! Notice her jingle bell collar?
And here it is with the lights on!  Fun and festive!  I usually wait 'til Christmas Eve to put our stockings up.  Part of that reason is that they do not match like so many of yours!:)  I've been trying my best not to buy anything new this Christmas, decor wise, and I'm not much of a seamstress, so I haven't taken the time to make matching ones.  Maybe I will get brave between now and Christmas and try and stitch some up!
Well, thanks so much for joining me on the tour!  Can't wait to see what you talented girls have been up to!  Have a great weekend!
I am linking up with the following fun parties:
Beyond the Garden Gate Tete's 2nd Hand Collection Party

20 comments:

Karen said...

Everything looks so COZY and very Christmasy, right down to the doggie! Love what you've done with the wreath.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Musings from Kim K. said...

I adore the pinecone wreath. It's gorgeous. The white touch just makes it pop! We're finally getting around to the outside decorations today...snow is on the way! I just posted a few pictures of my favorite vintage Christmas decorations. Have yourself a Merry Saturday!

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

Your pine cone wreath is so pretty. I can't believe you made it. Well, yes I can! I was working on the mantel last night and tipped some pine cones with white paint. I'm almost done. Something is still bugging me :)

Christine said...

So pretty! I heart snowmen. I love the wreath as well, it looks wonderful all white and glittery! Whatever will be do when Christmas is over?;)

Lisa Sall - Sall's Country Life said...

What a cozy and warm Christmasy scene!! The snow and wind is blowing outside my window and your fireplace looks very inviting!!

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

So beautiful!
Santa Paws is too cuuute!!
xo*

Kim said...

Donna, a very beautiful wreath! If you want it a little more natural try using a big old paint brush and a little stain---sort of dry brush ..blot the brush really well..scrub it almost dry. Apply it lightly and see what you think. I too have a collection of snowman waiting to get out of their tote.....trying to finish up private orders so I can get a little holiday going on here. Your baby is beautiful my little darlings are wild and not sure we will have a tree(for them to climb)! Merry Christmas!

Erin said...

Your mantle looks beautiful Donna!!! My aunt would love this, she is a snowman fanatic!!! I can't believe how simiar our mantles are! Love that wreath!!!

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh this is so beautiful, Donna!!!! I love everything...and the fireplace is gorgeous!!!
XO

Tete said...

Whoa Nellie! (OR Donna) There's not enought glitter here! Didn't even raise my BP a point either way! You are slacking-LOL- but I love it! I could do this one! Love you, girl!
Be sure to stop by, my 2nd Hand Collections Party has begun!
Hugs- Tete

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna,
I just love your snowman collection. They are so cute and melt your heart. Your mantel looks so lovely and I think your pinecone wreath is just perfect.

hugs
Sissie

Tete said...

Thanks for joining the party ;)!

mizdarlin said...

Very pretty..love the snowman with the scarf and hat, and the wreath is wonderful..I think you did a great job on it..that's my kind of wreth, all natural! Gorgeous!

NanaDiana said...

Donna- It looks wonderful! I had to laugh at you spray painting your wreath. I could just hear you going, "Oh crap! I should have left some brown showing through"...and then...then..you actually THOUGHT about just a dusting of brown spray paint to give it that illusion, didn't you? Now..you can lie and say you didn't think that ..but being a kindred spirit...I'll bet you did! It actually looks very pretty all white. My girlfriend make one of those years ago...and I'll bet that thing weighs at least 15 pounds!

That little votive thing is REALLY cute and I love your snowmen!

Glad you are done with the biggest share of it. I hope to finish up tomorrow. Hugs-Diana

Faye said...

The snowmen are cute, the wreath is beautiful!
Faye

(wildrosevintage)

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your room looks so cozy, Donna! I love snowmen! Your wreath is beautiful!!

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Your mantel looks beautiful. You have a wondeful and fun snowman collection. I can't believe you made the pinecone wreath...it really is beautiful. Your puppy is precious. I know I say that each time but I LOVE her!

Rebecca said...

I love your glitter snowman-he's so fun and of course your little dog with her jingle collar-who can resist that face!

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

your snowman look happy...I love mica snow! Your fire is so inviting..but keep your snowmen away we don't want them to melt!

peggy gatto said...

I have 35 years of snowmen and love this post!!!