Thursday, November 5, 2009

Hearth and Home


The mantel is the focal point of our home. It is one of the first things you see when you walk through our front door. It creates a sense of balance, brings quiet ambiance and peace into our living space. Our mantel is always in a state of flux - changing with the seasons. Some things are permanent additions to it, such as the lovely tiger wood Amish made clock we picked up a few years ago while on a trip to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, or the candle holders that I inherited from my mother. Other things change regularly, like the framed artwork of a cornucopia I drew years ago in high school:



This week we used some of the beeswax dipped leaves I blooged about here and strung them up using natural colored raffia. I blatantly stole the idea from a fellow blogging mama, Hillary. The results are better than I was expecting. I had been trying for weeks to figure out how to use these leaves - even in this manner, but just couldn't seem to wrap my brain around the simplicity of the project.




The paper star lanterns are some that my son and I made together last winter. He water colored the paper and I did the folding:


The gorgeous roses were given to me on my birthday, well over a week ago. I love how they've opened and continue to cheer our home. You can see behind them that I had not yet switched out the mantle place artwork when I took this picture.


And last night I completed my first project with my brand new wool roving. A darling little mushroom jingle ball. I actually plan on making more of these just because I think they are so adorable.

I love to fill our mantel with meaningful items. It helps focus and center me. What are some of the things on your mantel?

Yours in quiet tranquility,

Simple Mama

13 comments:

  1. Since we've just moved in and I'm still unpacking the only thing there at the moment is a photo of each of the boys and a china bouquet of pansies I inherited from my Grandmother...

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  2. oh so gorgeous! I love how the leaf garland turned out and the felted mushroom doll is absolutely wonderful!

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  3. I miss my mantels that I had in the UK, I don't have one here in NZ. I do miss not have a place for my Christmas garlands, I gave them away some time ago. You're looks lovely

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  4. I really like the idea of stringing leaves. So simple and brilliant.

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  5. Everything is lovely. I tried to make those lanterns last year and got stuck at the end... I feel like I am the only person who has not been able to make them... but I will try again this year! (or have my husband try.)
    I am glad you are feeling better. I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful wool creations!

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  6. Wow you are one talented mama! That ball is fabulous! I wish I could do that!

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  7. Your mantel looks great! And what an awesome felted mushroom....I am loving anything mushroom these days!

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  8. Unfortunately, our mantle is a corner mantle which means it has a large shelf behind it and our scarcely used tv sits there. Ugh. Not much beauty in that. Our nature table is more of a focal point and much more beautiful! :)

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  9. I love the dipped leaves idea, I will certainly do that next year. I tried sewing with them this year - twas a bit difficult!

    Your mantle is lovely

    Jen

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  10. i am head over heels for that mushroom jingle ball. what talent. it is just precious.
    you are too kind giving me the credit. you sweet woman, are the one who said to dip them in beeswax to begin with :). wouldn't have made it with out your inspiration. it turned out lovely, by the way.

    peace,
    hillary

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  11. My friend just made a waxed leaf garland this week as well, may just have to make one myself!

    Love the paper star bowls - they are just lovely. Am very much enjoying my visit to your blog and wishing you all a speedy recovery.

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  12. Your mantle is so lovely.I really like the lanterns you made with your son.

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  13. Oh those star lanterns are gorgeous! Can you please tell me where you found instructions for them? I have been searching and searching!

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