It’s that time! 
I should have never bragged that I would get 3 mantelscapes done, because it’s definitely not happened.
That’s okay….give me some time.
🙂
Plus, I’ve told you I couldn’t decorate for Christmas and I’ve been dying to tell you why.
You know the fabulous Layla and Kevin over at The Lettered Cottage??  
Well, somehow, some way, they’re coming to my home to shoot it for Cottages and Bungalow’s Magazine!!
I know, I’m speechless.  I love our home, am blessed by it.  I guess I just don’t consider it magazine-worthy.  It is a total honor and I can’t wait to see them work behind the scenes. 
 The teeny-tiny-eensy-weensy downside?  No Christmas decorating for us yet.
So, for now, all you’ll be seeing is this mantel.
We’ll work on the rest after next week.
🙂

I’ve been inspired by a white Christmas, sheet music, mercury glass, and fresh greenery for this winter wonderland mantel.
This was so out of my norm, and it was a lot of fun to play around with the different look and textures.

I showed you my inspiration a while back and I focused on the obvious…white.  Adding in some varying textures with the white burlap, old books, and sheet music changed it up enough to give some interest.   I added the mercury glass vases I made, and the greenery was clipped from my yard.
This morning.
In my pj’s.
🙂

See those silver beauties on the fireplace?? My sweet mother-in-law gave me the Ballard mercury glass candlestick holders for Christmas…lucky for me we got to celebrate this last week!  They are absolutely gorgeous and were a total surprise!
(don’t worry, those curtains will be steamed before next week 🙂

My goal really was to use things I already owned with a few small purchases for this look in particular, and I mostly pulled it off.  I purchased the metallic and berry branches from Hobby Lobby, the cardboard present (that I painted white/silver), and a few reindeer ornaments (that came from a package of 12 @ $6.00).
branches:$4 for 2= $8
cardboard present box=$2
ornaments= $6
Everything else came from around the house and the yard.  Save a couple of items, they were all previously purchased at flea markets and thrift stores.  The ornaments and the dishes are the only exception.

One of my favorite elements is the empty frame, found at a flea market a while back and spray painted white, holding the brilliant glass ornaments I got from Willow House a few years ago.  I love them…really could have six sets.

The little trees were a find at Khol’s, I believe, and the candlesticks and pedestal all came from the writing room.  I also simply wrapped sheet music around some candles with scotch tape and even added a white burlap tie to some for some added interest.

Alright, now I’m gonna take this down and get ready for the superbowl of house decorating/organizing.
I’ll keep you posted along the way!
And…can’t wait to see your mantel!!
*linking up to Layla’s Mantel Party and some of my favorite linky parties found here.*
Wanna see what’s going on behind the scenes as I get ready for the Cottages and Bungalow’s shoot?
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Happy Decorating!