current obsession // mantel designs

We just recently moved into a new rental house.  And we love it!  It's a little roomier and we are so glad to have a backyard for the pups, but it did come with a few challenges... #1: a giant wood paneled fireplace/mantel.  Even with a design background, this was a challenge I have not yet encountered.  Mantel design is somewhat of a science, but it's rules are also meant to be bent.  To me, it's the focal point of a room and can set the mood for the entire space.  It can also help harmonize the design of the room.  

Since the harmony, balance and mood of my home is very important to me I have been currently obsessing over mantel designs.  OBSESSING!  Even more so since the holidays are coming up.  I took to Pinterest to find some ideas that incorporated items I already had, like old shutters, a salvaged window and candle holders.  Well I found TONS of lovely inspiration, so much so, that I thought I'd share with you.  I've also included my final mantel design at the end. 

Hope you enjoy perusing as much as I have!

 

 

 

 

And a few with some holiday spirit...

After hours on pinterest and several iterations later I finally came up with a winner.  Our style is somewhat a mix of island eclectic and rustic, so I chose to incorporate items that showcase this. I really love how it turned out and even ended up making a fabric wreath from our left over wedding fabric to tie it all together.  There's nothing better than decorating your home with things that hold fond memories.

I plan to keep the shutters & window and change out a few of the smaller items to transition into Fall and then again for Christmas/Winter.  I'll try to do another post showing these as well.

If you are like me and are feeling a little overwhelmed with a huge blank mantel, just remember some simple tips:

1)  Start with a large focal piece or two

2)  Add objects of varying heights and textures in groups of 2 or 3

3)  Layer art and add smaller items to fill in

4)  Make sure some items are sentimental/meaningful

5)  Books help add height and color

6)  Greenery/flowers and fabric can soften the look

7)  Try to only use 2 basic colors in the design - for example: blue and turquoise - this will help keep the look cohesive and not too busy

And 8)  Just have fun and don't be afraid to try many layouts before you get to your perfect one!

Thanks for reading and I hope you've enjoyed this bit of mantel inspiration.  :)

my holiday gift tags... in action!

Just a few shots of how they turned out.  :)

And if you missed my printable FREE holiday gift tags the first time, get them here!

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DIY // FREE Printable Holiday Gift Tags

Last year, I ran out of time to do any special wrapping or create my own gift tags, so I ended up using these cuties from Domestifluff.

 This was all fine and dandy, but this year I wanted to have a try at creating my own designs.

Well, I just finished and I think they turned out to be pretty snazzy... I know they are navy and red, and not green and red, but I plan to use them with some brown craft wrapping paper that has navy pin stripes on it.  I still think it's quite festive!  Sort of a vintage Americana Christmas.  I had so much fun that I think I'll be making this a permanent holiday tradition.  :)

I wouldn't dream of not sharing, so if you love them too, click here to download the printable version of my gift tags! (1Mb PDF)

I haven't started my wrapping yet, but when I do I'll post some images of the finished product.  :)   (Update: I did, check them out!)

Happy Holidays!

 
 
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modern gift ideas...

During my weekly website browse (I like to e-visit my favorite stores to check out new items or their clearance section..for any items I just had to have last time, but didn't because it was too much and I didn't really NEED it), I came across the cutest grouping of gift ideas from West Elm.  

Now, it's probably too late to get any of these as gifts for Christmas, unless you have one close (as I, unfortunately, do not), but I thought I'd share anyway because these would still make an excellent birthday or New Year's party hostess gift.  Or a "your name here, you've been an awesome person, so you deserve something nice," gift to yourself.  I mean, who doesn't like those??

There are waaaaay more here, but I chose a few of my favorites to highlight below. 

Happy browsing!

Champagne Bucket

Baggu Bag Collection

Agate Coasters

Olive Wood Paddle Board

Favorite Throw

Cast Metal Jewelry Tree

Glass Knot Paperweight

Tala Storage Canister Set

Charity Mugs  

This is one gift that keep giving... 

West elm donates 50% of the purchase price from the sale 

of each mug to the organization represented

tidings & tags...

 It's official.

I am done with all of my Christmas shopping and crafting... and I've got to be honest, it feels pretty GOOD.   Since I had to work today, and also Monday through Saturday this week, I was kind of nervous that I wouldn't get it all done.  I set out yesterday morning at 8:30am with only five more people to get gifts for.  Granted, I pretty much already knew what I was getting them, but I finished 10 minutes to 1 o'clock.  A miracle, I know.  Behold the powers of my organizing and list making (thank you mom).

Anyhow, I just have to finish a bit more wrapping, but that's it.

Speaking of, I really wanted to do some created wrapping this year... like burlap and ribbon or craft paper and handmade bows, BUUUT I'm just a bit too busy for that.  Maybe next year.  

I did, however, use some super cute printable tags from Domestifluff, (pictured below) on all of my gifts.  The best part...they are free!  They look especially cute on my crafted gifts -- that I'll be sharing in a post after Christmas.  

Even though I choose these, I found so many other great ones...check them out!!

Like these, from Lovely Design.  I really like how she shows how to use them.  

(There's my craft paper and bows!)

 

And take a look at these cuties from Cake. and The Tomkat Studio.  For the love of polkadots!

I think I might save these from Jones Design Company for next year... they have this classy black, white and green set, and a pretty red and icy blue one.

And last but, definitely, not least, these adorable and fun mustache gift tags from Delightful Design Ideas.  I know some ladies that would LOVE these on their gifts this year!

Happy tagging!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

...except for the weather.

 I mean, I know that it's Florida, but come on...just a bit of chilliness would be nice.  

Actually, today has been unseasonably cool and I am taking advantage of it!  I wore my second sweater for the season, as are the pups, and we are just hanging out, doing all things CHRISTMAS.

I know Phoenix looks annoyed, but I promise, he loves his sweater!

Our Christmas tree is up, lit, fully decked out and finished off with the keepsake star my mom just gave me (looks so great, thx mom!).  Aren't the jewel toned ornaments cute?  I got them here. We only have one present so far, but no worries, there are more to come!

I have about four Christmas flavored candles lit and scattered around the apartment.  It seems excessive, but I really believe that every room should get to smell fantastic.

I am also wrapping presents, sipping hot tea and listening to some lively Christmas tunes.  Then it's on to some holiday gift DIYing that I can't tell you about quite yet...since it would ruin the surprise!  I promise to post all of the loveliness after the holidays though. 

Speaking of DIY, these are the pup stockings that I made last Christmas...aren't they adorable!?  I made them out of old fabric samples from work.  Perfect for a bone or squeaker toy...

Well, I have a lot more Christmas-ing to get done, so I will leave you with our family Christmas picture and wish you & yours a very merry holiday season!