Tuesday, December 2, 2014

My Christmas Mantel

2014 Christmas Mantel

I've been dreaming of a white.....

Mantel.

Some of you know I've been threatening to paint my orange oak mantel for a while now. When it comes to painting something permanent in the house... I struggle. I don't know why?
It's done now and I'm much happier with it. I can assure you it will be painted many times. That's so much more fun than living with something you don't like. 
IT'S JUST WOOD AND PAINT!
(I still tell myself)

I made these stockings. It took me 6 hours to make them and 6 hours to clean up my mess.... No tutorial. Unless you'd like to know what NOT to do. I do like them though... I love burlap, red, and white together.

Several things on my mantel are from a thrift store.

I'm all about cheap decorating. I stuck these extra Christmas ornaments onto sticks and wires and arranged them here.

I have this thing about outlets and cords showing... this JOY sign covers this one where the tree is plugged in. I'm obsessed, I tell ya!

I collect white milk glass vases. I decided to line them up here with some candy canes. 

I flocked the $.99 thrifted wreath and made a bow from red burlap.

We picked up our tree Sunday. I used the trimmings from it inside the stockings. I got the letters and snowflakes from Michael's.

So, tell me, what do you think of my thrifty Christmas mantel?
The tree awaits....
I hope you were inspired!
Thank you for stopping by Thrift My House.

33 comments:

  1. LOVE it all.

    I like the idea of sticking the ornaments on sticks . . . love the stockings . . . the mantel painted white is lovely.

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  2. I love the white mantle. Good for you for painting it! I'm totally crazy about those three wooden thingies you found at the thrift store and painted. They look like the 3 wise men to me, and I love them. Amazing job my thrifty friend!

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  3. I love your new white mantel! I think you will be happy with it for a very long time. It's so classic. Your red and white decorations look great on it. You're so talented to be able to make your own stockings.

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  4. Your mantel is darling...loving all the white with bits of red thrown in. Those stockings are great even though they were a mess to make.
    And I'm so glad you took the plunge to paint your mantel white. It really stands out nicely against the brick.
    Mary Alice

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  5. It's beautiful, Sherry! My original fireplace was much like yours, same brick, mantle and hearth. A couple of years ago I took the plunge and painted my brick white-ish and stained the blah mantle and dark shiny walnut. It made a hug difference but I cringed at the thought of doing it...such a big step, huh? You have done a wonderful job with yours and I really like the old window frame mirror...and darling decor!

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  6. Very pretty, Sherry - I love it!

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  7. Your mantel looks lovely, Sherry! So many ideas to steal! lol! You were very brave to paint your mantel. I too have an issue with painting...mostly just love natural wood so much, I hate to cover it up. But a splash of colour always freshens things up. My Mom painted her brick fireplace last year. Something she had been wanting to do for years. It turned out amazing and she has never regretted it. Thanks for sharing your Christmas ideas with us!

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  8. It looks soooo festive. Great idea on the wreath.
    Did you make the signs? Love them. The red hat
    is so cute on tbe sign.

    M : )

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  9. Hi Sherry. Love your mantel painted white. I did the same thing a couple years ago and have never been sorry. Love the wreath and the whole setting. Great find on those 2 dollar finials. Love them white too and the plug cover up is perfect. Like you, I hate seeing plugs and outlets too. You are so talented and always such an inspiration. Love your style!!
    Hugs

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  10. Oh wow Sherry! I love it all! Those three wooden things are gorgeous and huge! I think you made the right choice painting the mantel white. It really pops against the brick now. The stockings are gorgeous too. I have several milk glass vases.. several of them are identical to yours. I love what you did with them and may have to copy this idea. Like I said...I love it all! Can't wait to see more.

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  11. You have such a flair Sherry. Looks awesome!

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  12. This is so pretty, Sherry! And I love the painted mantel! You did a lovely job of putting this all together!

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  13. Oh, I love the white and all of your gorgeous decor! Looks cozy & inviting! Blessings, Cecilia

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  14. Sherry, It's ADORABLE !!! I love it all. You made me laugh about the what not to do tutorial. Bless your heart. Now don't you wonder what took you so long to paint that mantle??? It is perfect. I need to get some old wreaths and rework them. LOL. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  15. Oh how I LOVE everything you have done! I have to do thrifty decorating, so these are all quite inspiring! My husband is a carpenter, and our mantel is VERY much like yours, but... he would NEVER allow it to be painted! Wood look all the way! Sigh... Not that it is ugly, but I like a change every now and then! Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Sherry your mantle is just beautiful. I love the mantel painted white it looks so bright and fresh. Just beautiful.
    Kris

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  17. Hi Sherry,
    I think that using the trunk inside the fireplace is a great idea for when it isn't in use. You did a fantastic job and this is one of the best I've seen this year.
    Ginene

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  18. I love your mantle. Painting the wood made such a beautiful difference. Your white accessories look so nice grouped together. Filing your idea with the ornaments away for future reference!!

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  19. I love the mantel painted white, it looks so nice! I love all your beautiful decorations too!

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  20. Oh Sherry, the white paint was a good choice. I love how the mantel looks in its new color. Reminds me of my mantel and brick fireplace. When we first got our mantel it was oak and then I took the plunge like you and painted it white....Haven't regretted it yet. Love it! Your Christmas mantel turned out beautiful.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  21. Looks really festive . Love all the red and white!
    Great job.

    M :)

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  22. Love, love, love that white mantel! Good for you for going for it! Everything looks perfect to me and thank you for the tip on NOT making burlap stockings. LOL! Those wood turned pieces have to be the best thrift store find EVER!

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  23. Okay Sherry, you are one amazing gal! The wooden legs that you painted white look incredible! And yes, they do look like ornaments on the top :)

    Your mantel is gorgeous and I was indeed inspired. Hugs!

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  24. Sherry the White is fantastic! And I'm so impressed with all the Christmas decor especially the DIY stockings ! Oh how I wish I knew how to sew! Beautiful ! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!!

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  25. Sherry, your mantel is beautiful. I love the white and it just looks so nice and stands out in such a charming way. Before, the wood just blended into the brick and wasn't the focal point that it is now. You took it from ordinary to an important feature. Great job!
    Those finials are incredible, I love them so much, that I'm going to keep my eyes open . . . I would like to do that, too.
    Have a happy weekend.
    Connie :)

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  26. Ooh, it is gorgeous! Love every detail! Have a great weekend! Maria

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  27. Your mantel is so pretty! I love the paint job - that was the right move. Love the decor too. The three white bobbin thingies (what would you call them) look fantastic all dolled up. :)

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  28. Sherry,

    I LOVE your mantel! The white is beautiful. We have an orangy looking pine mantel but it was custom made to match our kitchen and hubby would die before he let me paint. I love the milk glass vases and the cute stockings. You are so crafty! The ornaments looks so cute with the greenery. You have a great eye for detail, something I need to work on! lol!

    Jane xx

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  29. Complimenti per il tuo bellissimo blog
    A presto.
    Maestra Valentina

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  30. I love your Christmas mantle, Sherry! I have oak kitchen cabinets that I want to paint so badly, but...I haven't found the guts yet! You mantle redo is really nice and inspires me toward making the change. And, any decorating on a budget is good, especially when it is seasonal! Love the stockings as well! Blessings, Cindy

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  31. Beautiful I tell 'ya. The fireplace POPS now with the white mantel. The stockings are excellent, please don't tell me how to make them I can already tell I don't have the patience, and I share your issue with cords and outlets.

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  32. I think it was a great choice to paint you mantle shelf. It really stands out now against the red brick. You have so many cute ideas, here, for pulling together a Christmas mantle the thrifty way. Those stockings are way too cute!!

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  33. Beautiful Christmas decorations and the white mantel looks lovely!
    Jennelise

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