Simple Spring Mantel

I know, I know, it seems like I just re-did my mantel. Well, it was more like a month and a half ago and I have spring fever so I’m wanting to rearrange, redecorate and spring clean! I couldn’t resist refreshing my mantel AGAIN!

I love the simplicity!! And Walt said this is favorite mantel decor yet (of course that was a solicited comment).

Before, the mantel was geared a little more Valentine’s Day

so a month later I thought it was appropriate to remove the conversation hearts. Funny thing about that, Lily (who has her daddy wrapped) will wait until it’s just her and her daddy in the room and then beg him, “Daddy, candy, Daddy, candy” as she points and pleads for a piece. It works every time. I even saw her watching me leave and the minute I was out of sight I heard her start whining for candy – that little sneaky thing!

The hearts and L.O.V.E mugs were replaced with my current bird obsession.

Birdhouses from Michael’s ($2 each)

Bird cage from Michael’s $7 (on sale and with coupon).

Nest from Pier 1 Imports ($7)

As I brought in the distressed bird houses and a birdcage, I realized it was starting to look “natural” so I needed something other than the wreath at the center. I swapped the heart punch wreath (which has found a new home in Lily’s room)  for the twig frame and votive that I crafted last Fall (click here for tutorials).

While the twig frame has been a favorite, it’s very delicate and always breaks when I handle it much. This time I used gobs of glue! I added a little bird and spring twig for color (both from Michael’s). I also tied a ribbon around the votive to freshen it up.

I’ve been using the PotteryBarn urn with sticks/flowers for the last 2 or 3 seasons so I wanted something different that could give the left side of the mantel height. This further pushed me to try to make a topiary. It’s not perfect but for $6 I’ll show it with pride. (Tutorial coming soon)

I also replaced the ‘love’ themed picture art with a monogram and a bird silhouette (see Spring Fever and Bird Mania to see how I created the silhouette).

The last piece that I go back and forth on is the banner.

I printed letters (using 400 size Curlz MT font) on cardstock paper and then pasted it to scrapbook paper. I made slits with an exacto knife and simply ran a ribbon through it and voila a quick and easy spring banner is ready to hang. While I don’t think the banner itself is bad, I think it takes away from the natural elements of the mantel.

What are you thoughts? Should the banner stay or go? Maybe if it was burlap instead of cardstock?

Thanks for visiting!! I’d love to hear what you think!

Linking to: The Lettered Cottage Spring Mantel Link Party