Spring Mantel and Fireplace

For my spring mantel this year, I decided to go with a farm animal theme. Sheep are great ambassadors for spring. First of all, March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb. Secondly, the shearing of the sheep is an iconic spring activity. But most importantly, spring is the season where Jesus, the Lamb of God, lay down His life for us.

Spring also reminds me of new life and new chances. I read somewhere that we should say “Yes” to things we want to do, even if we don’t know exactly how we’re going to accomplish them. I have been saying yes to things out of my comfort zone this past year, and so far, God has equipped me to accomplish what I’ve been asked to do. My one rule is that I only say yes to things I’m passionate about. One “out of my comfort zone” thing that my husband and I did last year was fly to Chicago. Both of us had flown before, but it had been a long time. My husband was really nervous about it, so I began to think to myself, maybe I should be more nervous than I am. Luckily, we REALLY wanted to see Chicago. Flying to Chicago and back gave me the confidence that I can go anywhere I want to, as long as there’s a nearby airport. You can read about Our Trip to the Windy City here.

In the same vein, if there’s a vignette or decor arrangement that I really want to make, I don’t want to worry about whether it’s in style, or how it will be perceived. I just try to clear away the cobwebs of other people’s expectations and create. One example is my 1978 Retro Spring Vignette. I don’t think we can be successful as bloggers, or anything else, until we tap into what makes us unique.

The color scheme of my spring mantel changed completely when I found an Ideal Mason Jar utensil holder while thrifting. It coordinated perfectly with the dark mauve matting in a 1987 barn cross stitch picture purchased on a trip to Goodwill. After that, it was time to gather all my sheep.

I didn’t realize how many sheep figurines I had, until I pulled them all out. I bought the big, beautiful, string sheep at TJ Maxx this year for a mere $12.99.

I found the primitive-looking wooden sheep at a thrift store last year. It’s appealing to the eye to see different shapes and textures in decorative displays. This very flat primitive-style sheep is great for creating layers.

The sheep bookends/candleholders were made by Dana Gibson. You can visit her website here. I bought them (second-hand) because they had a Staffordshire/English cottage look about them. They were perfect for my spring mantel and fireplace.

The sweet lamb on the end came from an antique store in the 1990s. A friend of mine gave it to me when our first child was born. She safely resides in my curio cabinet most of the time.

The rosy shadow box was left over from my shabby chic phase. I still love shabby chic decor, and Rachel Ashwell’s story of how it all came about. I recently used the shadow box to hang beside my Chocolate and Chintz Valentine’s Day Coffee Corner.

The complimentary pop of turquoise color comes from an Avon Sweet Honesty Cologne dispenser that my mother gave me (I need to order the little saucer that goes underneath it). You can read about my fascination with Vintage Avon Collectibles here. My cousin recently sent me an Avon necklace that was my grandmother’s. She didn’t have to think of me, but she did. I want to remember her kindness, and pay it forward to someone else when I get the chance.

I picked up the “customizable” spring banner at Walmart. I only used 6 of the flags. There are a lot more in the package, with plenty of letters. At $2.97, it was a great buy.

For Valentine’s Day, I painted a 16” by 31” Love is Not Perfect Sign. Not being one to waste, I turned it over and made a Hey Spring Sign on the back. I love big leaning signs. You can move them inside or out, without worrying about hanging them. That’s it for my Spring Mantel and Fireplace. I hope you enjoyed it!

Happy Spring!

Kristie

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