Our first mantel was very simple; a clock in the middle with a picture on each side. To give it a little more oomph we added antique books stacked in the center with two ceramic blue birds on top. Finally, we added two large metal candleholders on each side with blue candles to pull in the blue from the pictures and complement the birds.
Sticking with the Clock theme our 2nd Mantel - "Metals" was lots of metals, but also with glass, greenery and ceramics mixed in. Featured on the mantel from left to right:
-- Boxwood Greens
-- Butterfly Lantern in metal and glass
-- Red Ceramic Birds, which really added color and warmth
-- Boxwood Greens
-- Butterfly Lantern
Ivy was then weaved through the middle. Other beaded garland or twigs would also look great.
The gals then suggested we remove the ivy and add other touches of green. We added Ceramics; candle holder and bird, along with green wood chip balls, and then finally finished it off with a metal butterfly.
Birds are it this spring! You may have seen the latest Pottery Barn catalog; even Ballards Design. They are adorable and really bring the outdoors inside. This mantel encompasses "Spring". Lots of birds, topiaries and the ultimate centerpiece, the metal twig like candle holders with crystals.
Our smart designer girls also caught our mishap - they didn't think our picture fit the theme, and several wanted us to switch out the box and artichoke. We finally all settled on the revised mantel with Hydrangea in a green ceramic pitcher and added the bird clock. This is now called "Leslie's Mantel"! She took it home.
Transitional and fun, and again outdoorsy was our last mantel theme. The floral picture really pulled you into this one along with the large metal lantern. From left to right we featured:
- Artichoke Stem
- Lg. Metal Regal Lantern
- Red Ceramic Bird
- Metal Basket filled with Green Seed Balls
- Artichoke Stem
- Green Ceramic Candleholders
- Agave Votive Holder
- Metal Bird Clock
Weaved through the mantel - fern like stems
In all of the themes different textures are predominant. The more textures the better. Shoot for at least 5 different textures. They add interest, and in the majority of cases your mantel is the centerpiece; focal point of your room.
We also briefly discussed the hearth. It's important not to forget this area of your fireplace. Candle holders, lanterns, small ottomans, baskets are great items for this space.
Thanks Gals for the great night! Hope you all enjoyed.
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It was great pleasure having Terry stop by my store on Saturday. Terry has traveled the world taking amazing photographs. She was recently approached by the Ashton Company, one of the fine art companies where I purchase art for my customers. After seeing her work, they had no other choice than to bring her fabulous prints into their company. They are the only ones licensed to sell her artwork.
If you have been in the store within the last month you may have seen her photos of England, Mexico and other countries. I only have a couple left, but I have ordered more of her new pieces. She always signs all of her prints and photos too. She is planning a trip to Spain this spring, traveling to Malaga, Seville, Barcelona, etc. Can't wait to see what she comes back with.
I feel very special carrying her work as I have known Terry for approximately 13 years. I discovered Terry through my girlfriend's sister, and began taking my children to be photographed by her when they were very young. She has a studio in Whitmore Lake. They are absolutely my favorite pictures, and if my house were to burn down, that's the first thing I would grab besides my kids and pets.
Below is a picture of Terry and me on Saturday showing off her art! I love it!
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My MacBook crashed yesterday and at this point the folks at Apple had to install a new hard drive. Very bad for me as all my addresses, mail, pictures, etc. are not on my new hard drive, but I have kept my old one in the hopes that my techie husband, Jerry can recover everything! A few files were saved, but at this point I'm lost with no folders, files, etc.
Please be patient over the next week so we can get everything straightened out and hopefully recovered.
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