I typically have a “no Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving” rule. Actually, that’s usually my Thanksgiving Eve tradition – Christmas decorations. But this year, shortly after Halloween, I started feeling the holiday creep itch. The Cartwheel App (from Target) had a special 40% off holiday decor. I caved.
I bought a lit “Noel” ornament, two lit trees, and a garland. I am actually most excited about the lit trees. I think they are so versatile, I will get a ton of year-round use out of them. Plus, I prefer to focus more on winter decorating than Christmas decorating. People judge you less when you have winter decor out in early March. They’re not that forgiving when your Christmas tree is still out then.
You may notice my fireplace covering. I love our fireplace, but it just isn’t practical with a set of 2-year-old twins running around. I stumbled upon this great faux stacked log fireplace facade from Pepper Design Blog, and I was set on making this to cover my fireplace. I even bought the wood and was ready to cut it. But then…
I was on an Ikea trip, and I stumbled upon this wood stack fabric. I was feeling a bit lazy, and fabric seemed like a great alternative to cutting a bunch of wood. So, I had a piece of plywood cut to the dimensions of the fireplace opening, and covered the wood with fabric and hot glue. Boom! Done!
PS – shout-out to Patrick who cut the plywood for me… the opening to my fireplace isn’t exactly square, so he had to shave a bit off some of the edges to get the plywood to fit in there perfectly.
For about a week, I tinkered away with the mantle, but something was still missing. I pulled out a frame that I bought for $3 at a thrift store, and wanted to put something inside of it. But, since I already had the “Joy to the World” globe and the “Noel” sign, I thought a Christmas printable would be a little over the top with words. So, I took another route.
I painted a piece of cardboard with black chalk paint (so it would be super matte, plus it was leftover from recently painting my bed frame). Then, I took a silhouette image of a pine cone (Google image search) and traced it onto metallic scrapbook paper. I chose the pine cone, because I wanted to carry over the theme from my candlesticks. After a little cutting and gluing, my little art project was complete.
I love having so many lit elements on my winter mantle. With the days being so short, I get to enjoy my cozy living room every evening.
The fireplace fabric is Amazing! It looks great in your fireplace, and what an easy alternative.
You are amazing, Miss Aimee. Love it.
Very. Nicely. Done. Are those ‘remote control candles’ ???!!!:)
Why, yes they are. How did you know? 🙂
I absolutely adore your creative motivation and skills! You have inspired me to try to. Make the cedar block sofa/love seat. Thanks for sharing your ideas! 🙂
Hi Aimee,
So lovely to meet you!
Visiting via Found & Foraged, and your beautiful neutral white mantel caught my eye – I’m a colour lover, so this was huge! Your ‘Joy to the World’ chalkboard globe is super smart and very pretty!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thanks for stopping by Poppy!
This is just delightful! I’m in love with all the details that make up such a beautiful focal point in your room 🙂 The fabric is just perfection…thanks so much for inspiring us at Twirl and Take a Bow! I pinned and I’m sharing today xoxo
Thanks for the kind words Robin, and for sharing!
I love this mantle!! One day I will have a white fireplace to decorate… One day! Lol. Thanks for sharing!
Lindi @ http://www.lovecreatecelebrate.com
oh man, that is such a great way to use that ikea fabric! so smart.
looks great, enjoy!
b
Your mantle is gorgeous! I love your neutral colors and your fabulous decor! Thanks for sharing! PINNED!
This is simply beautiful! I love the neutrals, and that fabric is amazing! Awesome job!
I don’t know about the “crazy” part but your blog is so aptly named – you really are the Craft Lady! I was drawn to the link pic of your mantel on CW at Posed Perfection and then when I saw ALL of the things you created for “the look”, I was pleasantly surprised. First off, your mantel does give off more of a lovely “winter” vibe and in my neck of the woods, it would definitely still be perfect in March – well you might have to take down the NOEL sign. Fantastic idea to use that fabric for a fireplace cover – first glance, I thought it was real wood. Love the idea of the Joy to the World on the black globe and the pine cone pic is ultra chic – can’t believe you made it! So glad I stopped by!
Beautiful! I love the colors! I am visiting from the Look What I Made link party!
Your mantle is beautiful!!! I love your ornament garland, the Noel sign and the faux wood is just perfect! Thanks for sharing with us at Much Ado About Monday this week. 🙂
~Emily @ Huckleberry Love
I love this! It’s beautiful and peaceful. Thanks for sharing at Do Tell Tuesday!
I love your mantel, and so did my readers! It was the most viewed link at the party last week. 🙂
What a beautiful mantle! Just had to feature it this week on Creative Spark Link Party. Hope you will stop by again today and link up! http://bit.ly/1yf1bP4