This year my mantel is completely different from anything I have ever done. I was rummaging around in the basement looking for my usual leaves, and fake gourds, and lights. Suddenly I spied a black candle holder that I had bought a few years back. I wasn’t using it because the top was a bit crooked and a candle wouldn’t sit on it properly.
My mind went to some mantels I had seen on Pinterest and I thought, hmmmm . . . clean, simple and graphic. I love it!
I found a small black vase and rushed upstairs with my two treasures to put my teeny tiny sugar pumpkins on them.
I knew I needed at least one more thing (tip to follow) so I actually drove into town and straight to Home Sense. Well, if there wasn’t this tall, black, quirky vase! It was meant to be! I plunked down my $12.00 and took off for home.
It’s perfect for me this year. I don’t know why . . . but it is.
And now for the design tip. A visual triangle. Sweet and simple. Time tested and true. A sure thing.
I’ve been studying the principles of design with scrapbooking in mind but all these principles apply to art in any form.
Eyes follow lines and you want to take control and lead your viewer through your creation – whether it’s a scrapbook page or your autumn mantel. You want them to look at one thing, travel to another and to stay with it for as long as possible. Perhaps going around a few times – ultimately spending more time looking and appreciating your work than they would have otherwise.
I asked hubby what he thought of my creation this year and he said “mmmm, it’s witchy”.
ha! I thought so too!
I love it! Simple & festive!
Jo
wow, love it!
Very graphic…love it.
Well done – I think your mantelpiece looks wonderful. That vase was obviously waiting for you! Thank you for providing the triangle explanation too.
I love the clean look, adore that tall vase and your framed print softens it just enough. Fab!
the print and the candles just finish it off ~ less is more and this is is perfect.
It’s wonderful Barb.
I love it!!
Lovely Barb so perfect…
this is perfect with that artwork and frame. love it! my dining room is black and white, so i usually go that route in there.
Great design sense you were just born with it! Lovely!
Love your header, and the mantel looks awesome!
Simply, simple design that works beautifully. I can just imagine your thrill in finding the perfect black vase to complete the vignette.
ya know what though? it works!! I LIKE it!
I love what you’ve done – it’s very clean and contemporary. Lovely!
A wonderful decoration in warm tones and a strong form. The contrast between the objects is fantastic !
That is such a beautiful fireplace and mantle decor!
I love your simple mantle decor – classic! Thanks for linking this to my Tradtions Thanksgiving Linky Party!
Ohhh- it’s quirky, not funky (see my other comment on flower arranging. . .)! And I see the triangle! That is pretty sophisticated looking for quirky- actually simple and elegant. Beautifully done!