2013 Spring Mantel

The calendar tells me that we are in a new season but outside it's still Winter. I know our turn is coming soon, so it was time to refresh the mantel.

I wanted our Spring mantel to have a warm and natural look with a vintage feel. Old books are such an easy way to add a bit of color and charm.

Vintage bottles are a favorite find of mine. I love the details of the raised letters and the unique stopper style tops that once held ale and tonic.

Warmer days and the welcome return of our feathered friends will let me know that Spring has arrived.

The simple wreath was made with split peas following a tutorial at Love of Family and Home.

The lovely vintage bird tags are from Lilac and Lavender. I simply printed them and placed them into the dividers of the printer drawers.

I am looking forward to hearing the lovely music of our seasonal guests.

 Are you in the midst of Spring or are you anxiously awaiting its arrival like I am?

PS - Have you linked up to Saturday Sparks 4 yet?  The party is open till Friday. Hope to see you there!

Linking up to the following parties:

Snow Covered Old Truck Love

My husband has a love for old trucks. The more 'rusty' and 'crusty' the better. 

 The '31 Model AA Dump Truck - a true workhorse that has stood the test of time.

Venturing a little further into the snow to see what else Mother Nature has painted.

This little '28 Model A Truck reminds me of the old show 'The Munsters' - cute but kind of creepy at the same time.

 There is nothing like the quiet that takes over with a freshly fallen blanket of snow.

The '49 Chevy has been tucked in for the winter and is savoring the first seasons snowfall. Winter has arrived and I am enjoying every moment.

Fall Mantel 2012

Another 'Summer' has passed us by and the time has come to welcome 'Fall'.

Autumn in New England brings cold nights and fields filled with their final harvests.

 A peaceful walk in the yard provided me with a bounty of natural elements to use on the mantel.

My 'Million Bells' hanger bloomed most of the summer in this galvanized basket. I decided to reuse it to greet the new season with a simple gathering of pine cones.

I have a thing for vintage metal tools and parts and I like to find different ways to display them.

Their worn surfaces whisper to me about their well used past and the hands that once guided them.

I found this weathered wood architectural molding at one of my favorite antique stores. The shop is called  'Log Cabin Antiques' and the owner 'Lynn' is just the sweetest person. Her shop is filled with wonderful and unique barn finds and antiques. Be sure to visit her shop if you are ever in the area.

I am of the mindset that small details make a big difference.

 This wonderful antique tool box was a Christmas gift for my husband several years ago.

The paint is 'chipped' perfection.

 Only time can create this perfect patina.

Another find from 'Log Cabin Antiques' - a little lantern that looked right at home hanging from our antique wagon steps. 

This is my favorite time of year!  Fall has arrived in New England and I am savoring every moment and  hope you are as well.

Linking up to the following parties:

Scenes from the Side of the Road 2 - Train Station

Out and about for a short drive, we passed this fading piece of New Hampshire history.

It was known as the 'Ossipee Station' and was built in 1875.

This old postcard shows her original beauty. The steeple and dormers were removed at some point.

Sadly, years of neglect have taken its toll.

The porch ceiling has grown weary and tired.

The roof has remained steady throughout the years and has protected the wonderful trim work, which is in amazingly good shape.

Wonderful gingerbread molding has weathered nicely throughout the years.

I can picture the passengers waiting along these well worn floorboards for the arrival of the next train.

The last trains ran through here in the 1970's.

She has been abandoned since then.

Forgotten to the sands of time.

Her resilient beauty still shines through.

She is now privately owned and the tracks have been removed.

The bones of the building are in good shape and her lines are straight and even with no sagging. It seems she would be a perfect candidate for restoration.

Another postcard from back in the day. My hope is that someone will turn back the hands of time and restore her to her original glory, so that she can be appreciated for many years to come.