Okay, so now that I have a mantel (even if it is just a fake one!)… and we framed in the TV, (so it a little less obnoxious), I decided it would be fun to try and join in Layla’s mantel party…
Well, I started decorating and realized I really don’t have a lot of mantel décor… especially long low stuff or tall high stuff… What I do have, it is all about the same height, and the mantel that I thought was plenty deep when we built it could easily be 5 inches deeper.
I feel like the final look is lacking a bit. But oh well, this is my first try people, and while I feel far more comfortable with a hammer than a vase, that is what we are all about right, getting out of our comfort zone.
The one thing that I really wanted to use where the roses that my hubby got me last weekend when I was in the play I talked about on Friday. It was cute, Justin gave the roses to Etta to run up on stage and give to me. She was so excited and I LOVED it more just for how happy she was to surprise me. (the pictures are a little blurry, but I had to add them!)
Anyway, I have been admiring them all weekend, and I am realizing that I love me some fresh flowers! But also I am SO excited because the plants in my yard are just starting to leaf out (is that what you would call it?!). This morning before breakfast Etta and I walked around and examined all the trees. The crepe mrytles especially went form 0 to 60, with no leaves yesterday and covered today in 1 inch long leaves… I don’t know how they did it.
So I thought I couldn’t go wrong with more greenery, it may be too much for some, but the green really makes me happy.
And because I knew my daughters would love some cute bunnies, I threw in two, $1.00 glitter table topper bunnies from Wally-world. And Etta noticed them first thing upon entering the room so my hunch was right! Yea!
So here are a few more pictures, it has been overcast all day so the lighting was pretty bad and the pictures are kind of horrendous… but hopefully you can forgive me!
In case you are wondering what is going on behind the scenes when I try to take these pictures….
I would love to add an Easter garland. An egg one would be fun, but who are we kidding?! The 3 foot tall and below population in our house would have that ripped off faster than I can say ta-da!
If I could though I would have done something like this scalloped burlap banner in light blue and white that I found on Etsy (only one available!)
Or I have been dreaming about making one of these egg garlands… but I need to find the plastic eggs that open on the side, cuz there is no way I am taking the time to make this from real eggs, seriously I love you Martha, but who has time for this? NOT ME!
We built our faux mantel last fall…and each tune I change up our mantel decor, it takes me literally a few days if playing around to get a look I like!
xo,
Shanno
Your mantle looks lovely – happy first day of Spring!
First of all Cassity… did you say try? You tried? Your mantel is awesome! I love your built-ins with the white and dark wood! Beautiful… secondly, I LOVE the frame around the TV…. Now I want to hang my TV and frame it! (Husband hates when I get another idea)… And your little girls are beautiful too! Excellent Job!
Susan
Homeroad
I think your mantle is adorable! And you know what, I loved seeing a peek into what really goes on when you try to take pictures! After all, your family is who you make a home for, so it is only fitting that they are part of the process!
Have a great day!
~joy!
Vicky
sleeping in an unmade bed
I love it! Especially the bunnies! x Julie
Looks great -and you are way too hard on yourself – it is all super great, and considering you built it all yourselves – that is the best – oh yeah, and those cute kids! Take care, Laura
The mantle turned out just lovely! And I think it’s fantastic that you worked with what you had – and changed the height of objects by stacking them.
Hmm, what if you added a garland above the TV? Like hanging from the crown molding? The garlands you’ve shown above are just darling and I think either would look spectacular as an addition to your vignette.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Take care,
Christina
I hadn’t thought of that Christina, I will have to try that next time… Or If i get ambitious I will make one soon! I have another banner/bunting thing that I have been considering making… now I am getting excited to try it! Thanks for the idea!
Your mantel looks great…bright and cheery, perfect for the first day of spring! Love the shots of your “little helpers” too!
Have a great day ~ Laura
You did great on the mantel. Its sweet and perfect. I adore the Holland Clogs too. They make me think of my grandmother who collected a lot of pieces from Holland and Tulips were her fav. She is passed now. ;( I miss her and love her so much.
I love that your home is so stylish, homey, and kid friendly.
xo, jen
My husband actually lived in Holland for 2 years on a church service mission. We have been trying to teach the our daughters Dutch… so I have been collecting some fun little Dutch things, including some shoess! Thanks for all the compliments!
The TV mantel always looks great, but don’t you feel it is actually too high for real viewing. Especially with little kids. If they sit on the floor they break their necks trying to see. I know some people “don’t watch much tv”…but then maybe stick it in a different room?
What is your opinion on this?
Its just too high.
🙂
v8grrl
Hey v8grrl,
It actually hasn’t bothered us. Our sofa is far enough back that it is comfortable. But we are those people you are talking about. We don’t have cable or even use an antennae, and I try not to let the kids watch TV. We have a small 13 inch tv downstairs as a movie option when I am cooking dinner, but TV just isn’t our thing. We don’t have a lot of time for it.
But if we do sit down and watch TV or a movie it is in this room. This is our family entertainment room, and is the only option.
Hope that helps!
Cassity
I had the exact same problem when I was doing mine.. not enough tall stuff.. so I went out and actually built a cross (since I could make it taller) to use on one side. Plus I don’t have a TV, but I do have a mirror that cannot come down (where your TV is) and working around that is always a pain! I think yours looks great. I love the blue bunnies! http://www.themoney-pit.com/2012/03/easter-mantle-reveal-jesus-1-store.html
I like the look of the TV in that frame. Rustic wood is a nice touch. I need to keep this site away from my wife so she doesn’t see all the built-ins near the fireplace!! My project list is big enough!
It looks great Cassity! I especially love those little blue bunnies 🙂
I love how you incorporated the roses that Justin got for you! I went with a pretty simple mantel this year, too. Thanks for sharing.
I think it looks great, but I’m right there with you on the struggle to get the mantel “right”. Gonna re-fuss with mine tomorrow, and I need to ADD some green. Same thing – thought it was so deep all those years ago when we built it, but nothing I want to put up there fits.
But you are right, it’s all about getting out of the comfort zone, especially for me.
~Bliss~
Love the framed TV! That’s a great idea..
I think it looks awesome.
and I don’t even have a mantel!!!!
the room looks amazing – you guys are very clever.
cheryl xox
I love your built-ins so much!! And your mantel is adorable, I’m going to look for those bunnies. 🙂 Your house seems amazing and really makes me dislike our boring, no character, copycat builder grade home even more (everything is honey oak. Ugh!!!). I wish my husband and I were better at DIY, but projects either never get started or they don’t turn out as planned. Plus, it’s difficult to find time for projects with a very active & curious 2 year old running around. Love your blog, so glad I found it via Pinterest!
I love how you’re keeping it real… your honesty is refreshing. I couldn’t help but laugh when you showed “behind the scenes” photos of your kids. I can SO relate! I’m always telling my kids… “get out of the picture!” Lovingly, of course. And your built-ins… LOVE them! Your mantel is adorable! 🙂
Very beautiful pictures! You certainly did a great job with the spring mantle! Love it! I am a new Follower of your Blog.
Judy – JUDY H-J’S THOUGHTS
I like it!!! It’s super cute and happy. I am in LOVE with the frame on your tv.
You did a great job!!!!
I would love for you to share this at my Flaunt It Friday link party. There are also TWO amazing giveaways this week!
Looking forward to more posts,
Sarah@
http://www.dottedlinecrafts.com
Don’t sell yourself short- it looks great, and I love the greenery!
What a lovely mantel and the whole wall looks great! Clever idea to frame the TV!
I think your mantle looks perfect! Your house looks so gorgeous and I love the ‘behind the scenes’ shots!
awww those blue little bunnies are so cute haha 🙂