Summer Mantel {2013}
My mantel has been begging for some attention over the last several weeks. After I decorated the mantel for Spring, I had to tear it apart for a few events that I had to decorate for. So, it’s been looking pretty sad and bare.
Two weekends ago, I went yard sale-ing for the first time in forever and found the neatest life preserver rings. One in particular stole my heart. I brought them all home to hang on the wall in my boys’ room, but they haven’t made it past the living room…yet. I love how easily this year’s Summer Mantel came together. I used items that I already had on hand {things that you’ve probably seen before} and a life preserver ring as the statement piece.
Is it quirky? Yes.
Is it a little weird? Yes.
Does it reflect the collected, layered, funky style that I love? Absolutely!
I filled a minnow bucket with fresh flowers {as well as curly willow} to add a pop of color, a bit of green, and a woodsy texture and color. The chalkboard easel is one of my favorite things. I used a Chalk Pen from Hobby Lobby to write and draw on the chalkboard. Those things are genius!
I adore the chippy look of the life ring. Swoon.
So pretty!
I stacked up two pieces of reclaimed wood from Southern Accents and used thrifted Scrabble tiles to say the word “breathe.” That’s what I’m doing a lot this summer…breathing…deep. 😉
Three of my aqua insulators made an appearance on this mantel.
Creamy yellow beauty.
I bought this super cool lantern a few months ago with Zulily credit. I LOVE it!
I really like how bright and Summery the mantel is right now. It has given the living room a vibrant, happy feeling.
Orange and turquoise are so pretty together, no?
Don’t forget to breathe.
That, my friends, is this year’s Summer Mantel!
Some have scoffingly said, “Do people really live like that?” on my mantel posts before. And honestly? Yes. Yes, they do. I get easily bored with my home decor and changing up the mantel decorations is a quick and easy way refresh my living room. I realize that this doesn’t float everyone’s boat, but it’s definitely helping keep me sane. 😉
Do you decorate your mantel or other space in your home seasonally? Or do you decorate and leave it alone for months or years?
Would you have ever thought to put a life preserver ring on your mantel? Don’t ever be afraid to try new things!
xoxo
Myra
Sharing at: Tips & Tutes, Transformation Thursday, Chic & Crafty, I’m Lovin’ It & Weekend Wrap Up Party!
“Everyone’s boat”- LOL, clever 🙂
Love it- my favorite is the bucket and cheery yellow flowers! And the lantern… 🙂
Love it!! Especially love the chalkboard easel…so cute! You always have the cutest mantels, Myra!
I love your summer mantel! My kind of perfect for sure, thanks for the inspiration!
~ Carmella
Carmella´s last blog post ..DIY Chevron Painted Tote Bag….
Beautiful! I think the life preserver adds some great interest.
As for the scoffers….I’m sorry. Sometimes I think people just get jealous and act out of that. I’m one of those people who rarely changes their decor but I love seeing what other people do.
Lydia´s last blog post ..Tasty Tuesday: Best Ever SOFT Chocolate Chip Cookies
I think this just may be my favorite mantle make over you’ve done… Luv luv the preserver and I think orange/turq may be my new fav color combo for summer… I have a vintage iron patio set that I need to re-paint.. Hmm… Happy Summer…
Myra, I absolutely LOVE it! You always seem to find the coolest stuff at yard sales. I would totally put a life preserver on my mantle if I had one.
Like you, I love having things in my house that are one of a kind and a little different! After all, I do have a pair of used antique Dutch wooden shoes that I got in The Netherlands on my dining room hutch?!?
Katie´s last blog post ..Menu Plan Monday
Great mantle, Myra! I’m an Auburn fan so I love the orange and blues. That little chalkboard is such a great idea…it can be changed easily for different seasons and occasions. I’m gonna have to get me one of those!
Your mantel looks great. I think it is very inspiring 🙂 I have recently found the joy of yard sale treasures too. It can be very addicting, lol. I love your blog ~ Thanks for sharing with us all!
Anna´s last blog post ..One man’s trash…this girls treasure!
Beautiful mantel! Where did you get that cute chalkboard easel? I would love to get one of those!
Myra…your mantel looks great! What a unique mantel display…with some very different summer ideas! You are a clever girl! It made me feel the magic of summer…you know those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! I like to decorate my mantel too, but I am not so clever as you. Mine are kind of blah. So, maybe I will take a stab at making it more interesting after seeing yours.
God’s every blessing to you and yours!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
Looks great, Myra! Quirky and fun–just right for summer. The minnow bucket is awesome, and I just love the life preserver!
Richella at Imparting Grace´s last blog post ..Changes in the kitchen
I think it looks wonderful…………………………… I have a huge fireplace and mantel and I just leave it blank. There are two candles on it. I really need time to spruce it up but I am not that creative.
I Love it! The life ring really gives it that vintage, beachy look. Great idea Myra 🙂
Misty
Lovely! I am with you Myra – I change my mantel all the time. In the fall, winter, and spring it is monthly. I only do it once in the summer… usually because we have gone swimming!
I think it is beautiful and I can’t wait until we have a mantel I can decorate again. I miss our fireplace/mantel! 🙂
Joy´s last blog post ..Big Book of Earth & Sky review
I love all of your mantel makeovers. This one is super cute! 🙂
I LOVE that life ring, awesome!! And the smile pillow. 🙂 You always do such a lovely job.
Brenda @ a farmgirl’s dabbles´s last blog post ..Watermelon Mintini {and Seagram’s Escapes for summer}
Lovely as always Myra!
Tabitha´s last blog post ..Our Menu for the Week of June 9, 2013
lovely and inspiring, just what i needed to read today! thank you 🙂
I love your mantel! It’s beautifully quirky! 🙂
Allison @ The Golden Sycamore´s last blog post ..Vintage Patriotic Decor
OMG! I love it all! Such a perfect, elegant & fun summer display!
I was searching Pinterest for 4th of July wreath ideas and I found this one and made me think of your mantle and thought you’d like it.
http://www.missflibbertigibbet.com/2012/06/uss-america-and-my-first-linky-party.html
Tabitha´s last blog post ..Our Menu for the Week of June 9, 2013
Oh my goodness! That life preserver is awesome! The entire mantle is amazing! You are so talented!
Therena´s last blog post ..Thrifty Thursday: Bread Box
Love love the real and orange! Your mantels are always so adorable. I totally understand mixing it up I have a buffer I do my staging on. I don’t live in a dept store window, but, one piece my furniture pieces looks like it does 😉
Love the life ring…so cute! Coming over from TT&J.
Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus´s last blog post ..Freshening up an Outdoor Bench
Thanks so much, Ashley! 🙂
Gorgeous Mantel!
I am so in love with this mantel. I don’t even know where to start. From the life preserver (where did you ever find it??) to the scrabble letters to the chalkboard sign!! I am now going to change my own from “beach” to “gone swimming.”
Shawna
Your mantels are super! thanks for the good ideas.
Thank you so much!
This mantel is sooo pretty