Bella Nest: mantel

3.13.2012

Soft & Sweet Springtime Decor

Spring Quiet

Gone were but the Winter,
  Come were but the Spring,
I would go to a covert
  Where the birds sing.

Where in the whitethom
  Singeth a thrush,
And a robin sings
  In the holly-bush.

Full of fresh scents
  Are the budding boughs
Arching high over
  A cool green house:

Full of sweet scents,
  And whispering air
Which sayeth softly:
  “We spread no snare;

"Here dwell in safety,

Here dwell alone,

With a clear stream

And a mossy stone.

“Here the sun shineth

Most shadily;

Here is heard an echo

Of the far sea,

Though far off it be.”

-Christina Rossetti (1847)

We linked up to:

Debbiedoo's
Brassy Apple
Keeping it Simple
The Girl Creative
DIY Home Sweet Home
Craft-O-Maniac

1.28.2012

Hello there! I thought I wasn't going to be able to decorate for Valentine's Day this year because after a search in the attic for the box of decorations, I came down empty handed and discouraged. But I love this fun holiday and I had to do something! I came up with some last minute ideas that I want to share with you. Here's my makeshift mantel...

First, let's start with the hurricanes on the ends...

I wrapped yarn around until I was happy with the thickness, then tied it in a knot. I made the flowers from an old t-shirt and added a rhinestone with hot glue. Click here for a rosette tutorial.

Next, these candle holders were originally mahogany and NOT pretty! I've probably had these for 10 years and just recently realized how blah they were. Before Christmas I painted them white with acrylic paint and used another brush to paint Mod Podge {you can also use Elmer's glue} and sprinkled Epsom Salt over the entire candle holder. Here you can kind of see {no thanks to this make-do camera I'm using!} the sparkle of the salt.

I found this beautiful lace ribbon at G.W. to use for the bows. For the candles...

Next, I bought a small round jar from the Dollar Tree and used my E600 to attach it to a glass candle holder I also bought from D.T. I filled it with conversation hearts.

Then there's the framed I <3 U...

I used tinsel garland from this project and wrapped it around a frame holding in place with hot glue. I attached the wooden I <3 U sign {bought from Hobby Lobby years ago} with some white ribbon.

Lastly, there's the lollipop and hearts dish made from another small vase and candle holder from D.T.

It's filled with the left over scatter hearts from Target and Dum Dums.

I had to add my sweet, little birds and pink feathers.
The soft pink and white with the candlelight is so romantic! My guys love looking at it and are so sweet to comment on it. I'm so glad it makes them happy!