Monday, September 24, 2012

Autumn Mantle 2012




This is how my mantle has looked all year long. I usually like to change it several times a year, but because of chemo, I haven't touched it. You remember when I got those urns right? Click HERE if you don't remember.

 I started by taking everything down and giving the mantle and hearth a good dusting. I had a few ideas I wanted to execute starting with the making of the extra big "Fall"...Justin did the grunt work I just painted it and applied a finish. I will show you how it was done later this week.


 This wall basket is one of the purchases at Nell Hill's. I originally bought it for the front door, but tried it up on the mantle and liked it. I filled it with branches, leaves, berries and some other stuff. I put a picture hanger in the wall and hung the basket, it worked out pretty good since it didn't stand by itself
  Sprinkles of pumpkins, gourds and berries soften around the "Fall". A faux book to elevate one of the L's and  a cute little wooden squirrel (Kohl's) finish it off.
 Typically, there are white candles in the non-working fireplace, but decided to change it up for my wicker sphere thingies (from Target a few years back). I especially like how the grey wicker talks to the grey finish of "Fall".
 I love these candle holders (Big Lots) and decided to use them again, just changed the candles out.
 I can't wait to show you how we built this, it's really a statement piece.
 Clearance curtains from Z Gallerie, not sure if I totally love the look of them yet, I'm going to leave them up for a little while to see if they grow on me.
 I've been making some other fall touches around the house I'll show you that soon!

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you are inspired!

Good news! The nice people at Kohl's is offering you (my readers) 10% off at Kohl's.com now through October 24th, just use code UBLOGTEN , just because I mentioned where I got my little squirrel from, cool hu?

Joining Kate at Centsational Girl
2011-12-013

34 comments:

  1. It is all super cute!! I love the letters! Very creative and festive!

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  2. I love your F A L L letters and am looking forward to seeing more, plus I am a sucker for squirrels and owls when it comes to autumn decor. Thanks for sharing Michelle, I agree the willow basket is perfect for the mantel and you are inspiring me!

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  3. So pretty! I have always loved your fireplace and it looks great dressed for fall. You have such a nice touch.

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  4. Looks gorgeous! Love those letters and can't wait to see how you made them :)

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  5. Just Beautiful..you have the best taste. Cant wait to see how to make the F A L L

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  6. Michelle, I really love your mantel. The scale and the colors are just perfect. The design is so original, fun and different. One of my favorites that I've seen so far.

    Praying for you my friend,

    Barbara

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  7. When I think you can't top the one before, you do!!! You have such a gift for decorating, and I am so thankful you always share with us! Hope you are feeling well!

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  8. Your fall mantle is lovely...love the big FALL letters especially!

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  9. I really love everything you do. I get a shot of inspiration each time you post something new. I really like the way you transform the color palette of the room with accessories. I strive for that versatility, but always end up with a fixed palette. Any suggestions? Also, where & how do you store all the "stuff" that's not being used?

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  10. Michelle: I absolutely love your mantle. It is so classy..Happy Monday..Judy

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  11. beautiful, really love that basket :)

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  12. Love it! Looks fabulous! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

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  13. I always love your mantels (I have a great squirrel sitting on an acorn I got on clearance - it had a smudged nose - that I painted with oil rubbed bronze spray paint, love him...and I have a different, but also awesome set of black candlesticks from Big Lots) :) Hope you are feeling well!

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  14. Thank you so much everyone!

    Kim, I do have a pillow addiction (huge impact for color), which are stored in my closet...also I've learned to just buy pillow covers and that really saves on storage. As far as accessories, I typically buy things that will rotate into other rooms. For example, my aqua urns are now sitting on my dresser(they work with the color palette in there).
    My only tip for helping a fixed palette is to keep the background neutral and bring in {bold}colors with accessories (I think that is everyone's tip :) but it really works for me). I like bright bold colors and typically buy things in my three favorite colors...I actually have a problem bringing in pattern! I wish I could mix, mix, mix, (like Jamie Meares of Furbish, love her) but really struggle with that.
    Hope that helps!

    I think I'm addicted to parenthesis too.

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  15. I love that little squirrel! Your mantle is beautiful and all the extra touches with the wicker spheres. I love the "FALL" and can't wait to see how you created it. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. that looks amazing, and i love the new curtains for fall. i think your fireplace and mantle set up is always my favorite.

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  17. A gorgeous Fall mantel, indeed! I love the FALL letters.

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  18. So pretty! I love the FALL letters and all of the texture and layers you have going on!

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  19. Thanks for the tips! I hadn't thought about pillow covers. We will be doing some repainting soon, and I think I will strive for totally neutral walls. For the most part, they are neutral now, but I do have some accent walls.

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  20. I am totally diggin' this mantle. You are so talented. I love the FALL letters and am anxious to see how you did it. Thanks for pushing forward. You are an inspiration. I'm still praying for you! btw - I do know how hard it is to decide on patterned draperies. These look great from an outsiders perspective but I know you have to live with them!

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  21. Looks Fantastic ! Glad you are up to the task. love you klair

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  22. Love it! Do you have a tutorial on how you got the mirror in the fireplace? I have one large mirror in the back of our fireplace but yours looks so much prettier.

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  23. WOW!! You are so talented! When I went to the link party at Centsational Girl your mantle picture was the only one I clicked on to see more, and now I'm having so much looking at your WONDERFUL blog. I was heartbroken to hear about your health, hang in there!! My prayers are with you.

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  24. Love your fall mantel! I am pinning it for inspiration :)

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  25. Your mantel is beautiful. Picture perfect.

    Hope you are feeling well and strong.

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  26. Love your mantel! You are so talented!
    Debbie

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  27. Your mantle is so beautiful. Simple, elegant, not overdone and very tasteful. I am so inspired. Thank you! I love it! Regards, Thea

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  28. Beautiful mantle! You have great taste.

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  29. Love it! Your are always so creative. I always look forward to your posts. You're a special, special lady. You're always in my prayers for a complete recovery. Thinking of you.

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  30. i love those pops of orange and black against the white ... that is just beautiful! wishing you all the best with chemo results ... hoping all the fall loveliness gives you a tremendous energy boost!

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  31. I actually posted this on 3 different boards on my pinterest ...autumn, mantles, and flower arranging. I just found your blog recently and really like your ideas:)

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  32. Love the mantel and the whole feel of it. I also LOVE that grey chair in the picture! Where can I get one!!??

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  33. Where did you get the FALL letters? those are so beautiful.

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Thank You for taking the time to comment! Because of the insane amount of spam comments, I had to stop anonymous comments-sorry for the inconvenience.
Michelle