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A White Christmas Mantel

December 3, 2012 by Barb 17 Comments

I wanted to design a different type of wreath this year and when I came across a square wreath on Pinterest I knew I wanted one!

Willow for the frame was an obvious choice for me – I have a mega abundance of it growing in my back yard and I really love working with it. In the past I’ve made baskets, planters, and even a bench using willow. I love the way the branches seem to roll into place and fit together snugly – no matter how crooked they are.

To make the frame I cut four pieces of willow into 20″ pieces, put two on top of the other two (top and bottom) and secured them together with nails. Then I added two small pieces to create the panes. As I mentioned, willow falls together seamlessly and it’s rustic so perfectionism is not allowed here.

Square-Birch-Wreath-Christmas-Mantel-copy

I also absolutely love the wild look of birch branches so out I went again to gather some up. I feel very fortunate that I live in the country and have all this natural material around me.

I simply wove the birch around the frame and the panes. No glue, nails, string or wires were used. As I added branches they all kind of held each other together – it’s really quite sturdy.

Then I added a few birch branches along the mantel and put a couple of strings of teeny tiny white lights throughout. I already had the big wooden frame, the bird picture, the tall white wooden bird and the “Let It Snow” sign.

Square-Birch-Wreath-Christmas-Mantel-1-copy

The only thing I spent money on was the paint for the wooden frame. I wanted my wreath to contrast with the frame and the grey was just not cutting it.

Square-Birch-Wreath-Christmas-Mantel-3-copy

So I covered it using this paint I found in my favourite antique/collectible/junk store (One Man’s Treasure).

First time I’ve come across chalk paint. I was inspired to say the least. It took no time at all to get it done – it dries extremely fast so 2 coats took about 1 hour – perfect for someone as impatient as me. I decided not to use the antiquing wax since I wanted an overall white and dreamy effect on my mantel

Square-Birch-Wreath-Christmas-Mantel-2-copy

I love being outdoors and gathering natural material.

Square-Birch-Wreath-Christmas-Mantel-4-copy

Christmas_Mantel-5888-copy-2

Have a wonderful Christmas!

 

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, HOME DECOR Tagged With: mantel

Comments

  1. Ana Eugénio says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    this is absolutely gorgeous! thanks for sharing :) xxo

    Reply
  2. Deanna says

    December 3, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    I LOVE IT…you are always so creative and I always look forward to your decorating posts. Thanks so much for sharing. It is beautiful!!

    Reply
  3. Barbara says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:22 pm

    So beautiful decorated, I’m inspired!

    Thanks,
    B.

    Reply
  4. TexWisGirl says

    December 3, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    i love it for the naturalness of it! gleaned from your own backyard. :)

    Reply
  5. J9's Happiness in the Every Day says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:25 pm

    Simple and gorgeous! I love the rustic / natural look – not overworked. Well done! J9 x

    Reply
  6. Seraphina´s Phantasie says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    Gorgeous. Your decoration is all the time amazing ! Great work, Barb !
    Have a nice new week.

    Reply
  7. Barbara says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    So pretty, as a past floral designer you really did a fantastic job with your mantel. Lovely simple and beautiful work.

    Reply
  8. Gail Dixon (Louisiana Belle) says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    I really do love it! So different and creative and wonderful. The organic look has such a warm, cozy feeling to it. Great job!!

    Reply
  9. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    December 4, 2012 at 4:51 am

    Oh wow it’s all so gorgeous! All of it!! LOVE the wreath, love it all!!!!
    Jo

    Reply
  10. Andrea Peterson says

    December 5, 2012 at 3:39 am

    It’s so pretty, I love your wreath! How creative.

    Reply
  11. Deb says

    December 5, 2012 at 4:20 am

    Beautiful & creative!
    I love the different textures & the gorgeous stamped bird on tin ♥

    Reply
  12. Crafty Gardener says

    December 5, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    I love the plain and simple look to your mantle.

    Reply
  13. Dewdrop Gardens says

    December 8, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    It turned out so beautiful! I love your wreath.
    Saw you linking at Funky Junk SNS
    Debbie :)

    Reply
  14. Stacey says

    December 9, 2012 at 3:09 am

    So pretty! Would love if you came by the mantel party to link up!!
    The party is happening now!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

    Reply
  15. Stacey says

    December 16, 2012 at 12:57 am

    I adore this mantel! So beautiful!
    Thanks for linking up to the Christmas Mantel Linky Party at Embracing Change!
    Stacey

    Reply
  16. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    December 19, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    your mantle is AMAZING! love it and pinning!

    Reply
  17. Rebeccafaith says

    December 3, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    I love the idea of using what is abundant in your own backyard! Your mantel looks amazing and classy.

    Reply

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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