Christmas Mantel
I made a fun sign for my mantel this year. With all my indoor decor I have been going for a more natural rustic feel.
I wanted a snowy log cabin look for this sign. I couldn’t find any old wood for this one, so I bought 3 boards from Lowe’s and had them cut down for me. (If you bat your eyelashes and look extremely helpless they will usually do it at no charge…or you can go the screaming kid route…trust me, they will be soooo happy to get you out of the store :) )
I stained the boards dark walnut and then hand painted the sign in white. It looked a little too clean, so I took a tooth brush and splattered white paint all over for a snowy affect. I also dry brushed some areas with white paint. Then I sanded the whole thing down. It looks a little cabinesque cabiny cabinish like a log cabin…I think…
(hello! If I realized I was going to show up in the ornament shots I would have at least brushed my hair, ha!)
Remember my little “Love You More” sign, now it’s a pillow. My ever talented mother knit my brown throw.
Close up on my brilliant sewing skills – I was going for a, ummm, handmade look?
My Christmas Candles are on either side of my fireplace on my bookshelves. They look so pretty at night all lit up.
I made these burlap stockings last Christmas and I still love them. I got the inspiration for them from Cottage Instincts, but there are a zillion beautiful burlap stocking ideas on Pinterest!
Clearly, sewing is not my forte, so these were mostly made with hot glue and burnt fingertips :)
I stole the wood from my brother’s stock pile (I’m pretty sure he would never read my blog, so I think I’m safe) although clearly we have a gas fireplace, but just roll with it ok? :)
Now, I just need to get going on my Christmas shopping so I have something to fill those stockings with…
Who am I kidding?
If I put anything in them they will totally fall apart, I really gotta work on the sewing thing…
How’s your shopping going?
Gorgeous!! I love the natural textures throughout this room – it looks so cozy and inviting. Your sign turned out so beautifully! I found you via Cowgirl Up link party at Crafty Texas Girls. I am now following your blog! Hope you’ll visit The Bean Sprout Notes and take a look around.
This is one of the most beautiful mantels I have seen this season! I love all the natural, calm elements used. The stockings are one of my favorite elements, but the big board and twine ornament are close seconds!!! And I just like your fireplace in general.
i am using yoru design or close to it to decorate for Christmas this year because my daughter had most of it left over from her wedding , and i thought it would be neat, then i can give it to her after CHristmas to remember her wonderful wedding days, thank you for taking the time to share this is is so REAL!
I love the way you see beauty in natural things to use to decorate.low cast and clean and easy to store or just leave out, I recently purchased a cottage , it was nt state of the art but i am slowly turning it and having fun doing so, i am using yoru design or close to it to decorate for Christmas this year because my daughter had most of it left over from her wedding , and i thought it would be neat, then i can give it to her after CHristmas to remember her wonderful wedding days, thank you for taking the time to share this is is so REAL!
My Cottage is called Moss Creek. i got it at a steal for 35 thousand i wrote a letter to the guy that owned it and him and his wife let me have it, he built it up right and managed it , the front porch is what sold it for me taking the little cottage from a jungle state and turning it around into an adorable little red cottage
I love this and want to make for my mantle. What size boards did you buy at Lowes? Thanks so much!
HI Lisa, oh man I’m not totally sure this post was from a few years back and I don’t have the sign anymore to measure!
This Christmas decorations are really impressive and attractive too, thankyou!
Where did you get your letters?
Where did you find your letters for the stockings ?
Hobby Lobby!
So cute! So… did you stain the boards from Lowe’s? How did you get the great rustic look to the wood?
I just used a walnut stain and then sanded it down a bit!
I just bought this EXACT sign at Homesense for $16.99 Canadian….it isn’t as big but its the same to the lettering and design.
well that’s a bummer :(
Do you have a tutorial for the burlap stockings? Thanks so much!
If you ever consider selling your sign please let me know. You are so blessed with talent. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
If for any reason you are at all considering selling your beautiful sign I would be very much interested…please let me know… and I sincerely hope I have not insulted you by asking. No matter what, you have been blessed with enormous talent! Wishes to you and your family for a very Merry Christmas.
Hey Dee! I have had lots of people wanting to buy these, but the shipping is crazy expensive because it is so heavy. Maybe you can find someone crafty who can help you make one? Sorry I wish I could send you all one :)
Hi. What is the font you used for your lettering? I see you used two different styles of lettering. Are they freehand are did you use a particular font. If so, would you please comment as to which ones you used. p.s.: Your home is just lovely. Very beautiful and peaceful. Thanks for sharing. Donna
Hi Donna, it was just all free hand, thanks!
I love your sign and mantel! How did you attach the boards to one another? There is probably an easy answer but u can just not think if it right now. What size boards did you use and did you freehand the letters? Thanks!
Hey Kristin – I used 2 thinner pieces of wood and nailed them across the back does that make sense? Eek I don’t know how big the board are, I haven’t hauled this up out of the basement yet this year. I’m gonna guess maybe 8 – 10 inches wide and 3 ft long? I did freehand the letters but here is the best tip write it all out in chalk first then add the paint. The chalk will wipe right off with a wet rag if you mess up :)
Really enjoy your writing style!
This is so nice. I really like snowy log cabin. Thank you for sharing.
——-
Christmas tree toppers
Great Project!
I’m a new follower,
Deb@LakeGirlPaints
You are expert in Christmas Mantel
Blessed are those who lives with you
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
So pretty Kelly. I love the snowy log cabin look you’ve created! Your stockings are perfect. I like the rustic feel of this space :)
This is one of the most beautiful mantels I have seen this season! I love all the natural, calm elements used. The stockings are one of my favorite elements, but the big board and twine ornament are close seconds!!! And I just like your fireplace in general. Those look like glass tiles, which I absolutely adore! Don’t worry…we can’t see your uncombed hair in the ornaments! :-)
What a beautiful mantel! I saw it on Hometalk today and had to come over to visit. I pinned it too. Merry Christmas!
~Kim @ Sand & Sisal
I can’t even say how much I adore this! I love every little detail about it. The wood sign is so lovely. You did such a great job! I’ve been looking around your blog and pinning like crazy, haha. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love the sign!!! Pinned it!
Beautiful Love the sign!
Beautiful, all of it! I am you newest follower! Pinning!
My son was sitting by me on the plane today on our way to grandmas for Christmas and saw the pillow. He really wants to get it for my mom as this is what they saw to each other on the phone all the time. PLEASE can you tell me how I can get one.
Absolutely adorable! I’m putting this on my Christmas gift board. Thank you for the inspiration.
Love your fireplace sign. I’m on the list of people who will be making one just like it next year.
This is my favorite mantel thus far as I said before. I love your honest humor and sincerity too. Nice to have met you here – will be following you :o)
Thanks for linking up to the Christmas mantel party – so happy you did!
Stacey of Embracing Change
You are hilarious! I love your Christmas mantel. Yes…very cabin-ish…cabinesque…cabinny? LOL CUTE.
Thanks for linking up to Frugal Crafty Home! This mantle fits in so well with projects we like to see!
Picture perfect!! Your sign and stockings are amazing…who am I kidding, it’s all amazing!!
Cool holiday mantel and sign. Pinned:) Following your blog now. Follow me back. I posted http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2012/12/doily-tree.html to the frugal party:)
I absolutely love this! The sign is beautiful I wish I could paint letters like this! O and the burlap stocking… Adorable! I would love if you would share this at my blog hop http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/12/frugal-crafty-home-hop-2.html
I’m very excited to be your newest blog follower. Truly inspired!
Love your style. Your mantel looks great. Saw your feature on Sunday Sparks.
I just love your sign. We host the soup stop on our street’s progressive dinner on New Year’s Eve. I am going to use your sign for inspiration for my mantel.
Merry Christmas
Could you share the dimensions of your sign? I’m curious what boards you purchased and what you cut them down to. thanks. I love this.
loving the scale, adoring your lettering!
hope you will find a moment to stop by and enter a giveaway i am hosting for followers (i hope you win!):
http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/12/personalized-lovely-giveaway.html
happy weekend to you!
michele
Umm… will you come design my Christmas mantle? I love the sign most of all!
Wonderful idea! This sign makes your whole room cozy! Thanks for the great tip about “batting your eyes”. I love the whole mantle vignette!!!
Beautiful mantel! I know it is simple, but I love the mason jar candles.
Oh, Kelly your sign is fabulous! What a wonderful display on your mantle. I am a new follower,now and wishing you Happy Holiday’s!
This is just perfect! I love your sign and your stockings! So glad you shared.
This is beautiful! I love every little detail. Your shelves on either side are great too….I’m here from Lettered Cottage and so glad I stopped by! Lisa~
WOW! This is so my style! I just love your mantle! Great job and beautiful blog!!
Gorgeous! I pinned this! I love the sign and the color scheme!
Beautiful! I love the signs and the stockings – the whole thing!
Looks great! Visiting from TLC. Now I’ve got to get my mantel post up on my blog!
Jen
athomeinthenorthwestblog.com
LOVE your style!! FAB job on the sign!
Very pretty! I love how it all looks together.
KC
Is there anything you do that I don’t absolutely LOVE? This is so beautiful! I am seriously in love with your blog. ;)
LOVE your sign…and beautiful decorating style :)
The sign, the stockings,… I love it all!
Beautiful mantel. The decor, the tile, the white… everything looks beautiful!
Visiting via The Lettered Cottage
Love everything about your mantel!! Especially all the wood elements! And that’s a neat idea for personalized stockings!
Your mantle is beautiful. Love the burlap stockings. Your sign turned out great!
Wow! This is gorgeous..I love it all..the stockings..the sign…
This is magazine worthy!
So Beautiful! You did a great job!
Love the whole look, you did a fantastic job with sign too. Wow.
Leslie (aka Gwen Moss)
Came across your blog through Laura at Finding Home. Love your new home, beautiful decorating ideas and sense of humor. I will be adding Lily Pad to by blog reads! Happy Hoidays
Gorgeous!! I love the natural textures throughout this room – it looks so cozy and inviting. Your sign turned out so beautifully! I found you via Cowgirl Up link party at Crafty Texas Girls. I am now following your blog! Hope you’ll visit The Bean Sprout Notes and take a look around
Beautiful as always …xo
Love it all and the sign is perfect. Thanks for sharing.
This. Is. Beautiful. Can’t quit looking at it. You really should make some of those boards to sell. And hand-painted, too?! You are one seriously talented woman!
Hot glue and burnt fingertips…oh how I know the feeling. Your sign is wonderful and all your touches whisper a warm welcome. I’m your newest follower. I found you through Cowgirl up at Cedar Hill Ranch. Hope you’ll stop over at Quirky Vistas and follow too if you like!
Liz
It looks fantastic! Love your style! Saw you linked up over at Coastal Charm, glad I stopped by!!
Fotini
Oh my goodness – your mantel is GORGEOUS!! I love everything about it! Well done, J9 x
Your mantel is PERFECT! I’d love for you to share it at my party!!! Party opens each week on Saturday at 7am! Enjoy your week! XO, Aimee
I think your sewing skills are pretty good. Love your mantel and love your sign. Visiting from Finding Home’s feature of your mantel on FB. :)
Hi Kelly! I absolutely adore your mantle. Stunning!
I’m having a, “It’s a Social Hop like Crazy” party. I’d love for you to hop on over, grab a button and link up your blog.
http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/2012/11/social-hop-like-crazy-party.html
Have a crazy beautiful week!
Love, Love, Love, Love – I vote this the best of the season, I know I have only seen a few – but I am not sure anything will be beat this. You are truly talented!
Take care, Laura
I love your sign! Where did you find the font to use on it? YOu are brilliant …and lol about the kicking and screaming! Works, din’t it?
Happy Holidays!!
All so pretty! I especially love the sign =)
Kelly, just love your beautiful mantel. Your sign turned out great but the really treasure in the post for me was the “Love you more” pillow which is what I always say to my kids. If you happen to see that tea towel again please let me know. Love your blog, and your humor! Have a great day.
Hi Kelly,
I’m new to your blog – discovered you through a linky party. Your mantle and decorations are so pretty – simple and natural, which is my personal favorite style of decorating. I like the bling too but natural is so beautiful.
I love the sign you made and I just might copy your idea on a smaller scale, since I have a piece of framed art over my mantle that stays up all the time. (love your sense of humor the best!)
I just adore everything about this! It screams Festivities!!! Great job:)
Oh i love it!! The sign is fabulous.
Kathy
Love love. Love!! Great mantel!! Great post, I like your sense of humor!
So pretty ….. Love the sign!!!!!! Debbie Vintage On. Dime
Your mantel is gorgeous! I have absolutely no sewing skills so I hear ya! Maybe that will be something to learn in the new year! Great job!
-Shelley
What an awesome sign..LOVE IT!!! I sure hope you will be sharing at my party on Monday.
Blessings,
Linda
LOVE your mantel, especially the sign.
Mary Alice
I love your mantel. The sign is fabulous. The stockings, well put together or not, are beautiful.
So Pretty!!
Oh my gosh – it looks fabulous!! I love your fireplace. I think the logs give it just the right amount of rusticness. Your sign is perfect too!!!
Amazing! I’ve always wanted a mantle and now that I have one I’ve found it’s the hardest area for me to decorate. I love this look and the fullness of the mantle. The sign is perfect!
Oh I just love your look! Love it ALL! The modern lines and finish of the fireplace are just so cool with all the other stuff you have going on – love the eclectic look of it all!
Excellent! I love the homey feel, the sign and stockings are just so perfect!
The mantle and everything is so pretty. I love how you tiled the fireplace. Poking around your blog and it is so lovely. Following!
<3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
Wildly Original link party is open.
So love your mantle Kelly! The sign is SO perfect with the burlap stockings. I just pinned it!
Gorgeous and I might have to copy you and put some real logs next to our gas fireplace. Sometimes it just has to be about the aesthetics and not the function!
I LOVE your sign and got a laugh at the wood by your gas fire! But isn’t gas SO much less messy than a real wood fire? The stockings are cute, every post I see people have matching stockings. Ours were made one at a time as the family grew and they do not match. With the last kid about to leave the next maybe I’ll get matching ones for just the two of us next year.
I’m laughing at your stockings falling apart. It’s a lovely look for your fireplace and I’m pinning the sign!
Thanks for posting! The sign has could go in so many directions depending on personal design preference. Anything from your log cabin look to cottage, floral or chic. Thanks for the inspiration and have a great holiday. BTW…I think you’re incredibly talented!
Simply lovely mantel decorations
and I especially love the stockings..
Sandy
This looks SO beautiful!! I LOVE the rustic sign!
You are ridiculously talented. Seriously. I love, love, love it!!
What an amazing sign! I can vouch for bringing a screaming kid to Home Depot to get boards cut down to size! Your mantle and room are so pretty I love it all!
This looks so beautiful! I love the garland that is on your mantel — it is so full! And I love how your chairs are styled, too. Happy Friday!
It looks amazing! I love your beautiful Christmas sign!!
Absolutely beautiful, Kelly! Seriously, it looks like it could all be straight out of a magazine!
Love love love the sign. It makes such a statement.