Happy First Day of Spring!

With all the snow we’ve had this year, you would think that I’d steer far away from white for spring.

Nope!  I went for brightness by creating a simple, dramatic white mantel for spring.

Spring has more than her fair share of cloudy days.  And there’s nothing like a background of white with color pops for a dramatic look to brighten the spirits on a gray gloomy rainy day.

 

Happy Spring! Bright White Spring Mantel with Color Pops :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I’m excited that spring has officially arrived.  You too?

There is still a bit of snow in the forecast.  But, the reality of spring’s appearance is seeing larger and larger patches of grass each day.

Furthermore, I saw green pushing through the dirt.  Spring bulbs are beginning to emerge.  Yay!!!

Shall we do the happy dance?

 

Milk Glass Helps Create a Dramatic White Mantel for Spring :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It was fun creating a simple, dramatic white mantel for spring.

I love the mirrors that usually hang over the mantel, but this time I wanted the freshness of white.

The same frames that decorated the mantel for Valentine’s Day were resurrected from the craft room again.

Since I can’t afford to purchase art, I decided to make my own to fit the frames.

Okay, I didn’t actually make those lovely tulips.  Instead I went to everyone’s favorite inspirational spot, Pinterest, and browsed botanical prints.  Trying to find three in similar tone and color and style was a bit of a challenge.  I saved my choices to my private pin board.  Do you have a private pin board for projects.  I find it’s really helpful.  Plus then I’m not spamming the pinwaves with incredulous amounts of repinned inspiration.

 

Make Your Own Framed Art :: Dramatic White Mantelscape :: AnExtraordinayDay.net

 

Once I had a handful of tulip prints I liked (I think these are older prints which someone scanned from old books.), I printed a draft to see how they would work in the frames.  Based on that, I pulled up PicMonkey, tweaked the prints, and sized them to be 8×10’s.   Then I printed my tulips on presentation paper and placed them behind the matte and frame.    Because reflections drive me crazy, I chose not to add the glass over the prints in the frames.

 

Paper Garland :: Decorating the Mantel for Spring :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

This time I planned to hang the prints on the wall in place of the mirror, so my next step was to decide what to place on the mantel.  After shopping the house, I choose these vintage milk glass containers, a goblet and candlestick that had been spray painted white for a past project, and a little white bird that you might remember from the fall mantel filled with crabapple branches.

 

Simple Mantel ~ Paper Garland and Milk Glass :: Dramatic White Mantel for Spring :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

The milk glass on the white mantel with the tulip prints on the wall was simple and dramatic.  But, it needed something else.  So, to add a pop of color I decided to create a garland.

The garland is made from 2 inch circle punches and pretty scrap book paper glued on to white embroidery floss.  In my mind this project wouldn’t take more than an hour.  Between choosing the paper, punching the circles, folding, and gluing, it took much longer.  But, in the end it was worth it.  I’m really pleased with the final results.

Placing the garland was super easy and quick.  I literally walked up to the mantel and draped the garland back and forth, stood back, and made one tweak.  That was it.   Sure, I could have played with it a bunch, but I am really trying to not over think things.

 

When spring comes I love all the freshness of the new season.  It's a time in my home decor when less is more.  I love the simplicity of this mantel all in white with color pops from the easy to make paper garland and printed tulips for the wall. Pin-it now for later.

 

I asked my friend what she thought and she said the eggs were really cute.  You know….I, too, actually thought those giant circles looked like eggs when I stepped back to critique my work.  It’ll be a few weeks before I’m interested in an Easter mantel. Hmmm…maybe they’ll stay. [wink]  Or not!

This mantelscape works for me.  The objects are similar, duplicating color and texture.  There’s a bit of contrast with the colorful paper garland.  And the artwork in the white frames, again, duplicates the white milk glass and the color pops with the garland.  Whenever you want to create a simple mantel, look to duplicate objects.  Whether it’s color, size, or shape, repetition is your friend and helps to give a cohesive look and a silent simplicity.   What works for you?

 

I’d love to hear what you’re doing to decorate your house for spring.  

 

Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.

Wishing you An Extraordinary First Day of Spring!

Diane

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Comments

  1. Very nice, Diane. Our house had been all white for so many years, that DH wanted to paint the living room a different color, so it’s about a mid-range sea foamy/olive kind of a thing. But it goes well with the rest of the decor. I’m thinking of maybe some stenciling to imitate a simple crown molding design. Do you think that would work?

  2. So bright and fresh and pretty for Spring! Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!

    Alison
    Nancherrow

  3. Such a pretty Spring mantel! I love the milk glass. Spring has definitely arrived here in Texas. We’re just trying to enjoy the mild temps before it gets too hot. 🙂 Enjoy your afternoon!

  4. I love love love your white with pop of color! Just love it. Great job! I love your blog girl so glad I found it by Friendship Friday blog hop! I look forward to your visit soon at my site!

  5. Looks beautiful, especially against your lovely paint color. I love the garland and didn’t think egg; no, not even once! I’m visiting via TTF and I posted a spring-ish styling of my foyer. I’ve got a nest with some eggs and a green, green topiary. Yes, spring is coming 🙂 Blessings, Diana
    Adirondack Girl @ Heart

  6. Betty Brown says

    I usually start with spring flower arrangement on my coffee table and then I decide on the kitchen table.I try got decide if I’m gonna use a table runner or yellow place mats.MY husband is so funny he thinks you are suppose to move the palace mats to eat so I guess I will use a table runner with yellow spring flowers on it.:)

  7. Beth says

    Very pretty mantel, I especially adore the little bird! Love your blog!

  8. This is lovely, so fresh and clean looking. Great!
    Stampin’ Up! Scotland

  9. Wow! That´s so cute! Love the colors! Best …Michaela

  10. Sarah says

    Beautiful mantle, love the pops of color mixed with white.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Sarah! It makes me smile too!
      Blessings!

  11. So pretty! I’m excited to say that this post is the first featured post on the new TTF Pinterest board! http://www.pinterest.com/thriftygroove/thrifty-things-friday-features/
    I will also feature it on TTG FB page today! Thank you for sharing your lovely mantle with us this week!
    https://www.facebook.com/thethriftygroove

    • Diane says

      That is awesome!!! Thank you so much Diann!! You just made my day!
      Hope your weekend is filled with extraordinary moments!

  12. Hi. New Reader here from The Weekend Retreat Linky. I’ll check out your other social media and follow, too.
    Really beautiful mantle. Great color and I’m a huge fan of all white. I have a wall of white subway tile, white shelves and white kitchen bowls, plates, etc. So, you are a girl after my own heart. Isn’t PInterest great for finding temporary images to frame? Your garland turned out beautifully.

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Dana! Your wall sounds extraordinary. 🙂 You are so right…Pinterest is a treasure trove.
      Thank you for all your kind words and for following. 🙂
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  13. super happy. loooove milkglass and whites in general. i’ve never seen that diamond pattern looking one-something to attain to!

    • Diane says

      Oh I hope you find some too!!!
      Thanks for stopping by and leaving your kind words! [hugs]

  14. Ann PAULEY says

    Diane,
    Very nice mantle ! Easter bunnies would
    Be cute to add later also if u wanted.
    You are ahead of me, though. I just took
    My st. Patrick ‘s day stuff.

    • Diane says

      What a great idea Ann!! I hope by now you’ve had some fun creating a spring mantel. 🙂
      Blessings!!!

  15. LOVING this mantel…so simple, but very pretty! Perfect for Spring!

    • Diane says

      Awwww…thanks Meredith!!
      Hope your upcoming weekend is extraordinary!

  16. I love milkglass! such a pretty mantel 🙂 http://www.handmadeintheheartland.com/

    • Diane says

      It makes my heart sing too!
      Thanks for popping over Angela! 🙂

  17. LOVE your Spring mantel! It really turned out great!!

    • Diane says

      You are so nice to say that Laura…Thank you!!! :)_
      Blessings!

  18. Mel says

    LOL…apparently your friend and I both need a trip to the optometrist. Definitely saw eggs with the birdie and AWEOME tulip prints. Maybe I just have eggs on the brain cuz the 4 year old and I will be creating something eggy for decorating her bedroom. Oh…maybe we can try for garland like yours if I have springy paper bits in the stash. Anything for occupying the kiddo, give it won’t be outdoor playing weather at 31 degrees.
    Oh, but it IS spring!! 🙂 Wooohooo for grassy patches and bits of green pushing up!!

    • Diane says

      Haha!!! I guess that would include me too…and I made those so called ‘eggs’!!! LOL
      Yay for patches of green! Hopefully not buried under the snow again. :-/
      Big hugs my friend!!!

  19. Your mantel is so pretty! I love milk glass and it is perfect with the pop of color on your garland.

    • Diane says

      You’re so sweet! Thank you for those nice thoughts, Virginia!

  20. This is adorable! Thanks so much for the morning Spring inspiration 🙂 I don’t yet have a mantel BUT there are definitely some things you have here that I could sprinkle around my apartment.

    Hope you are having a great weekend, and stopping in from SITS Sharefest today 🙂

    • Diane says

      Thank you Charlotte!! 🙂
      A gal doesn’t NEED a real mantel to have fun playing in like manner. Any bit of flat surface will do.

      Have fun creating bits of springtime around your apartment!! And thanks for stopping by! {hugs}

  21. My favorite flowers are tulips and I LOVE those prints you chose. It looks so spring-y and I love your mantle! Thanks for sharing a little sunshine on the web today. Stopping by the SITS girls.

  22. Beautiful spring mantel, Diane! Thanks for sharing on the Nifty Thrifty Sunday Link Up!

  23. Love the crispness of the whiteness against the primary colors. So pretty!

    Wonderful to have you at Seasonal Sundays!

    – Alma, the Tablescaper

  24. I love the pretty tulip prints that you made with the clip art. I have Pic Monkey too. I have been using it for a couple of months and I love it! I did not know that I could tweak clip art on it, I will have to check out the tutorials and try to tweak a few prints for my seasonal art. Thank you for sharing!

  25. So so bright and springy! Love it!

  26. Really cute! I love the paper garland! Happy Spring!

  27. I love your mantel! It’s so fresh and pretty, and the garland is especially cute!

  28. This is so cute. I need a spring mantel!

    I’d love for you to link up at Link’n Blogs, if you haven’t already. 🙂

    xo
    Daniela
    http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com

  29. I just shared a Spring mantel too but it’s not as lovely as yours. Great work! If you have not shared at Bacon Time Anything Goes linky, please do.

  30. Vintage milk glass pieces are lovely. Your mantle is crisp, fresh and eye catching. Love your graceful banner. Great pops of spring.

  31. I love the POPS of color, so beautiful… love the prints in those frames, too!

  32. What a fresh and clean mantel idea! Thanks for linking up on Best of the Weekend!!

  33. Trish says

    Your mantel is beautiful. Very Springy light and airy.

  34. Love it! And yes, I have secret Pinterest boards for posts I’m working on.

  35. I love clean and pretty mantles. You did a great job.

  36. Carol says

    Your white mantel is just darling! I really like the milk glass and the cute & colorful banner.

  37. That’s a fantastic project! The brilliant use of spring colors against the white mantel and rich sable tone on the wall is very eye-catching and charming. Nicely done!

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks!!
      Best wishes for An Extraordinary Day!

  38. I love this mantle! Now I just need to get one. 🙂 We are in the process of moving and having a fireplace/mantle is a requirement for the new house! Thanks for linking this up to MotivationMonday!

  39. Super cute mantle!!! Hey, I love that garland…do you have a tutorial for that? I looked closely at it in your photos…is it three craft punch circles folded and glued on the floss? I saw your post over at “Sunday Showcase” .

    • Diane says

      Miss Kitty….I did not do a tutorial. It’s super easy though. I punched out my circles…folded them in half….glued all the back sides together except the final two…added a dab of glue to the embroidery floss and placed it in the inside where all the circle folds gather…and then glued the final sides together. I hope that makes sense. 😉

      Have fun being creative!

  40. Bev says

    Love this…the milk glass with the prints…perfect!

  41. I love the pops of color against the white. I shared and pinned.

  42. Oh how pretty. I love the prints and the garland is the perfect finishing touch. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

  43. This is beautiful. I love the contrast.
    Sherry

  44. Love this mantle. I’ve been looking for some fun ways to spruce up mine for spring.
    I found you from Elizabeth and Co. link party. 🙂

  45. Wow! The way you decorated your white mantle really is dramatically stunning! I love the garland…..
    🙂
    “hugs” Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

  46. That banner is just so adorable. Of course you mantle is to, it just says SPRING TIME! I’d loved for you to come share this at our link party.

  47. Now you’ve inspired me to spruce up my white mantel – I confess I still have a vase with winter-ish berry stems up there! Love you collection of milk glass. I need to get into the habit of just picking up pretty items when I spot them so I can also “shop the house” for decorating items. ~ Erika @ http://www.yayforhandmade.com

  48. Absolutely gorgeous and the prints are beautiful. Who is this pic monkey. I must meet him, giggle…. Thank you for sharing your lovely blog at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop xo

  49. This screams spring and it is so pretty!

  50. First time here… Visiting via Imparting Grace’s party! Love your spring mantle… Especially all the white! So crisp and fresh looking 🙂 hope spring appears soon (it is snowing as I write this) 🙂

  51. Barb says

    Being a paper loving gal (think stationery/letter writing) my eye gravitated automatically to your beautiful garland. It was definitely worth the extra time as it turned out just perfect. Love the choice of colours/patterns on the paper too. Visiting via “Live, Laugh Linky Thursday” linkup

  52. Beautiful! I want to make the garden! Hope I am coordinated enough to! Wishing you a beautiful spring!

  53. I love all of your milk glass. You mentioned grass coming up thru the dirt – haha..we are still under snow, not a lot of grass in sight! Enjoy your spring mantel

  54. It’s just beautiful!!!

  55. Suzan says

    Just beautiful – you mantel looks like the epitome of Spring !!!
    Visiting from The Charm of HOme
    xxx

  56. I love your mantel, Diane! I am featuring you in my spring roundup this coming Monday. If you would rather not be featured, please let me know:)

    Katie
    http://www.funhomethings.com

  57. What a beautiful way to add pops of color! I love your mantel. I just wanted to let you know that I will be linking to this post on 3/28 if you don’t mind.

  58. Marti says

    Love, love, love your mantle!! I’m in love with the white bowls! Pinned

    • Diane says

      Marti….you make me smile! Thank you so much. 🙂

  59. Diane, your mantle is wonderful! Love the botanical prints and the pops of color with all that white is so refreshing! I love picmonkey also. Mainly use it for collages. Should experiment more. Haven’t created a secret board. Wondered what I might need one for. Thanks for the suggestions! And thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    • Diane says

      Thank you Jann! It’s fun having great tools like PicMonkey at our disposal. I’ve made printables and more there. “The Monkey” a real blessing for me. 😉

      The “secret board” is especially useful when I’m scanning and pinning for ideas/projects. I really don’t want to send people in my stream screaming because I’ve inundated their feed. 😉 This works out well and I can weed out the not-so-good ones and have a really great board inspiration.

      Blessings my friend!

  60. Cindy says

    Beautiful! So bright and cheerful…love your pictures! Thanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday…
    Blessings,
    Cindy

  61. How lovely! Thanks for sharing with us at The HomeAcre Hop!

    Please join us again Thursday at:
    http://summers-acres.com

    ~Ann

  62. I love your color pops! !! Great great great! Happy Spring to you!

  63. Kathy says

    Hello Diane, Your mantel is quite lovely and cheerful; perfect for spring! I will be featuring your post in this week’s Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

  64. This is one of th prettiest spring mantles I have seen yet this year. I love the fresh colors… This would be terrific on my blog hop. Would you please come join the party?
    Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop
    Thanks much!! 🙂
    “hugs” Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

  65. Jody says

    Diane, I’ll be featuring you this week at Simple & Sweet Fridays. Thanks so much for sharing your Spring Mantel!!
    Hugs,
    Jody

  66. I LOVE this mantel! Lots of white + lots of color = just my style! Thank you so much for linking up at Get Your DIY On: Thinking Spring! Happy Easter!

    ~Abby =)

  67. What a simply beautiful mantel, but then I think you proobably already know that with how many sweet people commented. You are very creative Diane!

  68. Ivory says

    So cheerful and fun. I love it.

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