2013 Winter Mantel

Keeping a cozy feeling to the family room was my plan for this winter mantel.

I started with the 'Pom-Pom Wreath' hanging it on my vintage vanity mirror. I made the wreath following a wonderful tutorial for a 'DIY Pom-Pom Wreath' by Edie at 'Life in Grace'.

I used a chunky cream wool yarn for the pom-poms, tied them onto a wire wreath form and added a gray satin ribbon for a bow. As Edie suggested on her tutorial, I pulled some of the yarn to give them a less uniform look. I really like the final somewhat frumpy look.

Sprigs of pussy willows were placed inside white pitchers. A crumpled sheet of newspaper was used instead of floral foam to keep the branches in place.

This rusty old milk jug has seen better days but in my mind she is more beautiful now than when she was new.

I added a stack of birch logs to help anchor the combination of whites, grays and creams.

Old books are turned to show their gracefully aged pages and placed in the mantel cubby.

More turned books are stacked to give height to the branch filled pitcher.

A full view of the 'Winter Mantel' bringing warmth into our home during this chilly winter season.

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