I have finally finished my Christmas mantel! I think it took forever…mostly because I actually made a large portion of the decorations this year. If you have been following along on my posts the last few weeks, I’ll bet you can spot my creations!
I decided to use a sheet music and mercury glass theme, with some glitter, burlap and greenery thrown in for good measure. So this year’s wreath is musical…and a real labor of love! If you have attempted one, I am sure you know what I mean! lol
You may also recognize my mercury glass candlesticks. I actually found some at bargain prices with some comparison shopping and a few coupons. Click here to see that post. I topped them off with my Pottery Barn copy-cat music candles…a very easy and inexpensive project! (Instructions here) The one in the center is a knock-off of a Pier 1 candle. I simply added a $2.00 wire snowflake from Target by bending it to fit the shape of the candle and attaching it with gold thread.
Do you see my little snow birds tucked in among the greenery? They were also an easy and inexpensive project!
I love the little extra sparkle that they add to the mantel. Click here for instructions for making them.
But here’s something you haven’t seen before…my homemade burlap Christmas stockings! I am really pleased with the way these turned out! Not only can they spell NOEL…
…but also OBIK! lol Now, I know you are wondering what in the world that means! Can you figure it out? It stands for the staff’s names…Ozzie, Baby Kitty, Isabella and Kitty! I can change the charms to their initials when it’s time for Santa to come!
And best of all…I only spent about $10 total for the stockings, including the letter charms! I already had the fabric, so that part was free! That’s the glow of the fire on the toe of the stocking.
Now, don’t be too impressed by the pleated trim because I didn’t make it! I found it at Hobby Lobby about a month or so ago and had been trying to figure out how I could use it in a project. I decided to try it on the stockings since Baby Kitty absolutely refused to allow ruffles. According to him, the pleats are a little more masculine...like a tuxedo shirt! The letter charms came from Walmart at $1.00 each and were the bulk of the cost. Only one problem…they were gold. So I gave them a coat of my new BFF…Mod Podge…added silver glitter and…voilĂ ! I love the contrast of the burlap with the pleats and glitter!
I am sure that you also noticed our co-host, Baby Kitty, enjoying the fire. It’s really cold outside here today and he loves to take advantage of photo shoots that involve the fireplace! I also think he has posted himself here to wait for Santa!
So there you have it…my Christmas mantel! Next time I’ll show you what is gong on in the dining room. I’m giving you a little peek in the mirror!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my Christmas decorations! Please visit these wonderful bloggers and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
The Nester at Nesting Place for the Christmas Tour of Homes
Kate at Centsational Girl for the Christmas Craft Link Party
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Before and After Party on Wednesdays
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Share the Decor
Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage for the Holly Bloggy Home Tour and Transformation Thursdays
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Artie at Color Outside the Lines for Vignette Fridays
Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Linda at A la Carte for Junkin' Finds on Fridays
Laurie at Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie for A Few of My Favorite Things Saturday
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special
Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
See you next time! A la prochaine!
Absolutely beautiful decorating! I love it all.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Shanna
It is so beautiful! I love all the glittery goodness and the mercury glass and burlap are perfect!! Your room looks so cozy and my kitty is usually flopped down in the same spot when the fire is roaring!!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, you have out done yourself. How beautiful it all is. Love, love, love the stockings. I was going to try making some and still may. I went to Hobby Lobby two days ago and the natural burlap was all gone. I am sure they will get more in. I guess everyone is using it for Christmas. I was thinking maybe you had bought all of it for table runners. The little pleated stuff is great and you didn't have to make them yourself. It all looks so good together! Have a great weekend and stay warm.
ReplyDeleteoh, its stunning!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove it all Debbie... You are So Inspiring!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend,
Donna
Debbie, this is stunning! I'm always impressed with the things you do. I wish I had your ambition and talent. Love the look! I'm still in flux deciding what to do for our mantel. Maybe I need to fly you here to consult.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend! ~ Sarah
Just great Debbie! Beautiful mantle, your stockings-wow, lovin' the burlap and the fun letters! Baby Kitty has the best seat in the house:@)
ReplyDeleteThis is magnificent. I love how you created the wreath and the matching candles. The mercury glass looks perfect with the ephemera. This is really special, and your stockings add the perfect accent to a lovely mantle.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Gorgeous in every way!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and I absolutely love the stockings!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I just love this. I think this is one of the prettiest mantles I've seen in all of blogland. I love the simplicity, and you know I ADORE those candles and that wreath. The stockings came out beautifully. I love that you have charms for the staff - just so Santa doesn't forget anyone :) Hugs, Kat
ReplyDeletedebbie, your mantle is absolutely stunning! and especially enchanting to me, a fellow musician. i hope to try making the music wrapped candles. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJ'étais tellement heureux de recevoir votre petite lettre, ma chère Debbie. Ma famille est très reconnaissante pour les aimables paroles et des prières. Little Isaac seront heureux de savoir que tant de cœurs prennent soin de lui à travers tant de miles. Je suis reconnaissant à Kat qui ont partagé ce besoin.
ReplyDeleteJ'adore votre foyer. Il convient très bien à vous, un mélange d'élégance et de simplicité. Homespun et riche en présentation. Une combinaison délicieuse.
Joyeux Noël à vous.
Debbie, your mantle is even prettier than any of your inspirations. I didn't think you could outdo what you did last year, but you did. And how!! Wow! You had to know I would really like all the neutrals, and I do. It is beautiful. Hugs, Jeanette
ReplyDeleteDebbie, absolutely "stunning"! This picture belongs on a postcard.... love it.
ReplyDeletehugs ~lynne~
Debbie, OMGosh!! This is gorgeous I am beyond impressed!! Every year you out do the last year. This is so elegant and pretty. I loooooove it!!! Great job, miss decorator!!
ReplyDeleteI got the glittered letters for my kids Christmas presents too!! I have been getting monograms for them for years and was sooo excited to find ones that i like for only $1. I just can't get over how beautiful this is. It looks like a picture in a magazine, it really does. Love you and I really do miss you,Kathysue
Love, love, love your Christmas decor! Tell Baby Kitty it will be awhile yet before Santa fills those stockings. Please tell us (at the proper time of course) what they get from Santa!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Wonderful! It all came together fabulously. Tell Baby Kitty that I love the pleats, also. Sally
ReplyDeleteWow, Debbie, your mantle is gorgeous! You are the smartest one too! Your wreath, those candles and now those cute stockings! Love 'em and your kitty initials! Baby Kitty is the cutest thing.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Your mantel is incredible Debbie. At first I thought I was looking at your inspiration photo from a catalog or magazine! I can't believe you made those stockings. You are so clever. Love this post!
ReplyDeleteI knew this would be amazing. You can tell at first glance that you really thought this out and boy did it come together beautifully. It is just stunning and of course, the kitty stockings are the cat's meow. What lucky cats and I can see the comfort and joy in Baby Kitty lying in front of the fire. I so love your blog and I don't know if I ever told you this but your blog was the first one I started following. What an inspiration you are. hugs, Deb=^..^=x5
ReplyDeleteIt's simply beautiful!!!! I love that it looks so full and luscious but at the same time so simple.
ReplyDeleteYour mantel looks so elegant. I love every detail.
ReplyDeleteBaby Kitty sure looks sweet too, just like my Gizzy, they look like twins.
hugs
Sissie
I'm so impressed that you made all these elegant things yourself, and for a pittance. You are a decorating inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous, you are mentioned in my post today.
ReplyDeleteLori
WOW!!! That is so majorly gorgeous, I love it!!!!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, your mantel is elegant and absolutely beautiful. Love it! La
ReplyDeleteThis is SOOOO fabulous!! I think it's the prettiest mantel I've seen so far. Stunning! Will be putting on my Facebook fan page. :)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I love your stockings. The pleated trim is a nice touch. I am in love with burlap right now and we are needing new stockings. Maybe these are the ones?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Merry Christmas!
Oh Debbie, it is just stunning. I love the music theme, and all of your mercury glass is gorgeous. Your candles turned out so pretty, I really like them. The stockings are just fabulous. What a great idea, and the are just beautiful. Your home looks amazing and Baby Kitty is nice and cozy by the fire. Perfect. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteOh, it's perfect! I wouldn't change a thing. All of my favorite things! I love the wreath and the stockings!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
xx,
Michelle
Just Beautiful Debbie! I love the wreath and stockings, way to go!
ReplyDeleteLove the stockings, and all the little projects you have done to make your mantel!
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness, Debbie! Your mantle is stunning. I love that wreath...if I had any patience at all I would try making one. I am surprised you haven't Mod Podged your kitties, with all the fun you are having with it!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, Your mantel is gorgeous! I love the mercury glass and your sheet music candles and wreath. The stockings are fabulous and the trim is such a perfect touch. I hope you will join my party that starts 12/15.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays
Sherry
Love the mantel. It really turned out great. I love all your handmade decorations with the mercury glass. The stockings are too precious! Love them. Tell Baby Kitty the pleats are VERY masculine!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and elegant, love everything about it! Visiting from the Sunday Showcase Party
ReplyDeleteYour decorations are gorgeous and you are definitely very creative. The stockings are beautiful and I love mercury glass. I'm new here and glad to find your blog filled with beautiful things!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented. Your mantel is gorgeous! Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday and visiting Kathysue's Guest post.
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful and so inspiring, Debbie! I have not even started yet and I am so jealous of everybody who has done something and all seem so gorgeous. Happy holidays!...Christine
ReplyDeleteYour mantle is just stunning! Looks like right out of a magazine shoot! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic talent you have. It looks fabulous. That is the one thing I really miss from my old house. We had a massive rock fireplace. Maybe my next house will have one. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBaby Kitty and the rest of your staff must be purring peacefully among the beautiful Christmas decorations you have created. I LOVE IT ALL! The wreath, the candles...it's gorgeous and oh-so French! Hope your Christmas season is going great!
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous! I am in LOVE with mercury glass and I just made my first paper wreath. They are sooo much fun to make!
ReplyDeleteYour mantle looks beautiful! I love the music notes on everything :)
ReplyDeleteDebbie, the mantel is just perfect..serene..beautiful..elegant...I think PBarn will be calling soon for a photoshoot for their catalogue. Seriously. It is a classic! Linda
ReplyDeleteLooks like out of a magazine. Just stunning and so creative. What fun! Terry
ReplyDeleteDebbie, this is jaw dropping! How beautiful! Better the PB by far! They had better watch out!
ReplyDeleteDebbie -- this is beautiful! Thanks for sharing, this could be a magazine cover.
ReplyDeleteYou should be absolutely thrilled with all your efforts! They are perfection!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Susan
my three favorite things! Love your burlap stockings! I got 3 yards on clearance at Hobby Lobby and may have to make us some new stockings! Stopping by from Sunday Showcase.
ReplyDeleteYour mantle is absolutely gorgeous! You did an awesome job!! I'm going to have to make that wreath for our music teacher!!
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower...come check out my blog when you have a chance :-)
Shantel @
www.itsapricelesslife.blogspot.com
HI Debbie!
ReplyDeleteI am just in awe of your creativity and decorating talents!
Your mantel is stunning!!
What marvelous ideas and you pulled it off on a dime! You go girl, this is soooo Good!!!
hugs,
Cindy
Oh, wow!!!!! This is so gorgeous! And even better, you made most of it yourself! I love it!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing how you made everything too.
Great ideas!!1 Just beautiful.Kathy
ReplyDeleteThis is so gorgeous! I love everything!!!! Those stockings look wonderful, that trim is great. I "cheat" and use pre-made all the time, so much easier and it looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteYou must be so proud of your mantel, I hope you have company coming over to show it off. Enjoy the fire!
~Michelle
Very pretty! Love the wreath, stockings and mercury glass. Hard to go wrong with that combo.
ReplyDeleteDebbie this is absolutely breathtaking! Just amazing!
ReplyDeleteDebbie - Simply gorgeous! Thanks so much for linking to the party - I greatly appreciate it! I featured these today - stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Hope you have a lovely week! ~ Stephanie Lynn
ReplyDeleteI love the wreath. Did you make that as well? If so do you have a video? Thank you that mantel is incredible and would fit in my house very well.
ReplyDeleteWow you like just about the same things as me. Check out my mantel post. Very nice
ReplyDeleteThat all came together beautifully! I have seen all your great tutorials and have especially loved the knock-off sheet music candles. Those are my favorite!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the stockings...lol. Cute way to change the letters. I was trying to figure out what OBIK meant in French before I saw what it really stood for :-D
Your mantel is so elegant and gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteJane
frugalfineliving.com
So wonderful! Debbie! All your hard work has paid off. I just love it!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteYour mantel is absolutely stunning! LOVE IT!!! I am a total mercury glass/silver/burlap addict too so I definitely relate. Maybe we should form a support group!
Tracy
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteSooooo stunning...love love those burlap stockings and thanks for sharing about the pleated trim...I will check with our stores to see if I can get me some:) Your mantel is by far one of my favorites that I seen in blogland...you really did an outstanding job on it!
Blessings,
Linda
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteOne word, PERFECTION! This mantle looks like it was a lay out in a decorating magazine. You know much I love burlap and those stocking are to die for. Your home looks amazing and perfect those magical family memories you will undoubtedly be makiing with the grandsons.
Love,
Pat
This is my favorite mantel ever! I'm in love with the stockings. The staff had great design ideas.
ReplyDeleteI love everything you've done, it just looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteOh this is just so beautiful! I would love to make those burlap stockings. The music is perfict also. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteCarey
I love it! The music sheet wreath and your cat napping are the best!
ReplyDeleteHere from the linky parties!
xo,
cristin
You have created the prettiest Christmas mantel. Great decorating.
ReplyDeleteI have no words. It is stunning. Seriously. It was worth waiting for. WOW! You must be so proud. Those stockings are so perfect and the wreath is amazing. It is all so pretty.
ReplyDeleteOh that looks very pretty! All your homemade touches are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteMy son left for your favorite spot yesterday, hope he brings me home something Frenchy
Debbie, it is great seeing your mantel in all it's glory again. I just love the white and burlap and silver together. It truly looks like a magazine shot. Thanks so much for sharing at the party and it is awfully cold here isn't it? Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteEverything is soooo beautiful Debbie! I have those same WM letters too! You can't beat um! I will have to look for the ruffle trim the next time I go in HobLob. Ruffles scare me and thus that would be perfect for some of my projects. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I'm loving the candles and sparkling birds--what a bonus to have the tutorials on making them.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb! Thanks for dropping by and visiting. I can't tell you how much I miss blogging regularly and more than that... miss visiting my favorite blogs more often. Love visiting you, because there is always something beautiful to see! Beautiful-beautiful mantle. I adore the burlap/silvery combo.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas dear friend. Hope to visit you again real soon. Blessings. Dixie
What a beautiful mantle. Flawless, like everything else you do!
ReplyDeleteThese are rustic and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit. I just love your mantle. I especially love the little white birds. I have a thing for our feathered friends.
Gwenny~
Stunning! A real show stopper!
ReplyDeleteSo hard to find the bottom of the comments there are so many...well I had to just say how much I love, love, love this, I am your new best friend!
ReplyDeleteWow! Debbie your mantel is truly stunning down to every elegant detail. Love those candles and wreath. Baby Kitty looks precious as well. Chestnut survived! He says meow to your staff.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day!
~Melissa :)
I love your mantel and how you arranged everything. What section of the Dollar Tree did you find those cute little birds? Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMelissa Y.
I just found your mantel today, and finally got inspired to do something. This is hands down the best of the best this year, of everything beautiful and artistic that I have seen on all the blogs. I saved the photo because I don't want to forget a single detail.
ReplyDeleteEllen@http://scribblerunfocused.com
Beautiful! Love all the silver and white. My favorites. Your fire looks wonderful and kitty seems to be enjoying it :)
ReplyDeleteYour mantel is beautiful! I love the mercury glass.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame baby kitty, looks like the perfect place to wait for Santa.
Wow! Debbie your mantel is absolutely stunning! Looks like it came from a magazine that we all get and drool over wishing we had it. I love the idea that you made a lot of your items. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Andrea
ReplyDeleteHello Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI love your Christmas mantel! It is gorgeous! I am going to copy the glittery birds. Baby Kitty looks so cozy in front of the fireplace. Oh, how I wish I had a fireplace...
Thank you for sharing!
~ Tracy
THis is awesome... Love the snow birds... the burlap stockings.. and the musical note wreath,... Am amazed that you have made it all by yourself...
ReplyDeleteAdvanced wishes for a merry Xmas Debbie...!!
Please do link to the blog party here : http://liventhingsup.blogspot.com/2010/10/itz-festival-time.html
Oh I just love it!! This is gorgeous~ the silver, the burlap, the wreath- it is all amazing!!! Fantastic job~ thanks for sharing at my party!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible photo shoot. I felt like I was there. Gorgeous! And love the kitten. :)
ReplyDeleteDonna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
I can't decide which one I like more, the wreath or those darling stockings!! Love them!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! My mantel is similar, but I haven't hung stockings yet. These are just perfect, and those candles are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteDebbie your fireplace is sooo beautiful! Silvery perfection! And I'm with baby kitty! I'd settle myself right there and wait for my hot chocolate! *winks* Merci for stopping by to say hi! It was so nice to hear from you! Vanna
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I am taking so many ideas away for next year. I hung ornaments over our stockings but I love the idea of spelling a word.
ReplyDeleteabby
Completely beautiful! I love it all!
ReplyDeletePottery Barn has nothing on you! Love every tiny detail. Thank you for sharing the links for so many great ideas! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, Absolutely beautiful!! Such great craft ideas, I'll have to look for those initials. Really makes me want a mantel so I can decorate it. You and Kathysue have such great ideas!! Sorry to hear you are in the "deep freeze" too. Just not natural for us southern girls, but it makes it seem more like Christmas.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I just LOVE your mantel, and it looks like Baby Kitty is enjoying it all, too. You have a gift for creativity and decorating, dear. Just absolutely love what you've done. So pretty. I think I'll make some of those sweet little snowbirds today since I actually have some ceramic ones that look just like that. :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you,
Susan @ CluckleBees
Debbie, it's Sunday morning and I'm sitting here by the fire visiting a few friends in Blogville. Just had to stop back by for another peek at your gorgeous mantel. I finally got our mantel decorated last night. Love the brightness that you created. It's full of joy!
ReplyDeleteHope you and the family are enjoying the holidays. ~ Sarah
Just found you through Coloring Outside the Lines, how gorgeous is this?!!! I love your use of texture, just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOMG! Debbie, this is gorgeous. It looks like a page from a decor magazine! I love your burlap stockings. You are just sooooo dadgum smart! You have done an amazing job of pulling all of this together at so little cost! I love it, and I'm so glad you linked it to Favorite Things, because it is definitely one of my favorites too. laurie
ReplyDeleteOh my! Everything looks so breathtaking! I love it all! I've been looking for mercury glass candle holders to no avail. boohoo.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
Sandra
SHUT.UP!!! This takes my breath! I ain't EVEN lyin! I love every single detail!! That wreath!! OH MY GOSH!! The silver, the candles, those birds!!! And the stockings......OH LORD!!! I LOVE them!! I am going back and reading every tutorial...every one!! This is hands down my favorited mantel I have seen this year!! And I have seen ALOT! I have a top four and your number UNO!! I just love it!
ReplyDeleteI am going to peruse up again and marvel at your talents!!
Merry Christmas!!
Lou Cinda :)
Magazine Worthy is what it is!!
ReplyDeleteMAGAZINE WORTHY!!
Lou Cinda
I loved it all...Great ideas!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cozy, creative fireplace! When I first saw the picture I thought it was straight out of a magazine. I love the wreath. And Baby Kitty is precious. My holiday home tour also includes a cat- they are simply oblivious to the "photo shoot" going on around them and can't be disturbed. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteI have JUST found your blog and am positively IN LOVE! Gorgeous!!! Thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteCan't add anything to what's been said. One word- gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh wow!!! I love your mantle Debbie! It is just beautiful and unique! Love the music wreath...I have never seen that before. Everything is gorgeous!! Kristen
ReplyDeleteTotal holiday beauty.. simply amazing..
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing your lovely holiday home with us..
All I can say is that is absolutely beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring me.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! Everything looks just lovely! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I commented earlier on your gorgeous mantel but I wanted to come back and thank you for joining my party. Everything is so beautiful. I wish you a happy and blessed holiday.
ReplyDeleteSherry
beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteYour mantle is beautiful, 3 of my absolute favorite materials all in one place! I am a burlap lover, and just had to let you know how great this looks! Thanks for sharing! I am a new follower!
ReplyDeleteThe mantel is gorgeous! You are so talented!
ReplyDeleteSmiles-
Melissa
You are so dadgum talented! Love the sheet music candles.
ReplyDeleteSharon @ mrshinesclass
Everything looks so pretty! I love it.
ReplyDelete