Neglected Mantel...No More!

Where did January go? (and now almost half of February!)  Between the recovery of the holidays,  both my kids being sick for what felt like forever, and a fun family vacation (which was wonderful!), my house has been a bit neglected.  For example, after the Wi took over my mantel (very sad) it went from this to this...

It seriously has looked like this for over a month and has been driving me crazy!!  So I have finally taken action!   My Christmas Mantel was traditional and symmetrical.  I wanted something a bit more casual and eclectic.  More of a comfy feel.  I started with this runner I customized a while back.  It was such a rewarding project! 

 It is simply my $3 table runner from Target, to which I added my favorite bargain trim.  I found it on ebay for super cheap.  I used in to customize my store bought curtains and the left over finished out this lovely mantel swag. Ok, back to the mantel.

Next I  added this arrangement I put together.  I wanted it to look as though I walked through the garden of my French cottage and picked out my favorites and simply placed them in a bucket. (yes, a regular day dream of mine)  I really like how it turned out.  It's a mixture of dried and silk floral and has a very free, natural look with hint of Spring. (wishful thinking!) The galvanized metal brightens things up a bit.

 On the other side of my framed art piece lovely TV, I have this sweet little planter I made last Spring (that word again ;).  I love the container! It's fun how you can give simple greenery a unique look by using interesting containers.

I set on top of some faux books and joined with a decorative finial and one of the candle lamps I had on the mantel before.  I took the shade of to stay with my laid back motif.

Finally, since it is the LOVE month, I made these little X O's.  They are just wood letters from Michaels that I mod podged Christmas wrapping paper on.  I painted out the sides in burnt umber and then added a tiny bit the the mod podge to give it an all over aged appearance.  Just a simple little Valentine touch to add a festive-ness to my mantel.

Completing this 10 minute project has taken a load off my back.  Why do I put off simple things that make me feel so much better? Does anyone else do this but me?  I feels so great, I am ready to take on all the other things that have been making me nuts this past month. There is a looooonngg list!  I hope all of you can beat this winter blues and do the things that make you feel good and hopefully Spring will be here soon!