Well I’ve finally felt well enough to tackle a few things around the house. We moved some new bookcases into the living room a while ago but I haven’t had the energy to actually arrange the books and make everything nice to look at (so I’ve edited them out 🙂 )
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I started with easy part of the wall -the center and that is the fireplace mantel. I got this fabulous wooden house months ago and I mean months…like 6-7 months ago on clearance at TJMax. It was a different color so I, of course, painted it to fit into my color scheme. I love it! It has a flat back so it’s easy to prop it up against things.
The books I’ve picked up at thrift stores over the years. I’m always on the look out for colorful books or ones with interesting titles – just to use for decorating.
Everyone can use an apothecary jar! It’s easy to find things to fill them with. This one is filled with some fake lemons I got on clearance at Target eons ago!
I found a bin with some papers in it in the garage (we’re in a decluttering/organizing phase – at least my husband is 🙂 ). I thought this blue paper with the roses was pretty so I covered a book with it. I think it’s some old Cath Kidston wrapping paper from Target.
I’ve been wanting to try flameless candles for a while since a reader suggested them for my fireplace and I found two for 99 cents at Goodwill last week. I quite like the lovely glow they cast!
It’s going to take me a while to tackle the bookcases that are on each side of the fireplace. I’ve been looking for some wallpaper or wrapping paper (scrapbook paper is too small) to line the backs but can’t find anything I like (at least that’s not super expensive). That’s one of the things that’s been holding me up. I don’t want to put all the books etc back and then have to take everything off again to line the cases! But I have a few other ideas of what I could do or use that I’m going to try out.
Have a wonderful Independence Day everyone!
Manuela ~ Where did you find your print “God Bless Our Home”? I love that! I’d sure like to find one that is downloable (is that even a word?) so I could print it from my computer.
Helen – I love that print! The frame was originally navy blue and I painted it red and think it looks so much better.
I got it years ago so I don’t have anywhere to direct you. Perhaps an ebay search for a similar print?
Oops – I mean to write “downloadable”.
Your mantel looks wonderful and I want to wish you a wonderful 4th of July!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
That looks very nice — enough color and contrast for some pop, but still restful and calming to look at. You have hit a nice balance I think. Are you folks frying there like we are in Memphis? Too hot for too long and too dry to boot — you’d think we could have at least one year without record breakers! Glad you are feeling better!!
That mantel looks great. I’ll have to show my hubby who thinks that those who purchase books for their colors are nuts. There’s nothing nutty about that mantel and those primary reds, blues, and yellows. There’s even a green one. That will get him!
So glad that you are feeling better. Thank you for the 4th of July wishes, you, too!
Your mantel looks great! Love the blue house.
I do so love your paint job on your cute house! Perfect sitting in front of the mirror. I keep thinking I’m going to line my bookcases with an old book I have. But I can’t seem to decide…
Brenda
And that awesome wooden house looks even more dimensional when placed in front of a reflecting mirror! Love your creative and pleasing mantel! Sooo refreshing!
~Kelley
Love your mantel. That house is peffect. Have a great 4th as well.
Love the mantel and the pops of color from the books and candle holder. Adore the mirrior and the piece over the mirror. Have Happy and safe 4th.
Cynthia
Oh, I know! I’ve purchased old books before just for the covers (when they are a dollar at the library sales).
Love your colors. 😉
Love the mantle and the colors you used. Can’t wait to see your bookcases when you’re done!
another wonderful mantle by Manuela 🙂
how did that flag get hung that high? looks great.
Hi Manuela,
Lovely mantle decorations.Your mirror is beautiful. Enjoy your 4th Juy.
God Bless
Barb from Australia
OH it ALL looks good…OF course!!!:-) You have done it again! LOVE that pop of bright blue you used to paint your house…Oh if only painting the BIG house could be such a snap…another BIGGIE on the list to do here…sigh… Keep your eyes peeled like you always do, andI KNOW you’ll find something for your bookcases, and we’ll all be WAITING to see what you did. ** I don’t know if you are looking for patterns or florals or what, but just when I was looking at your wall I was thinking that Map pages from an atlas might would make a great background with all your blue green red and yellow…(all colors on those Maps). Of course – you’re back to that problem of having to do it in smaller segments. But if you got one of those BIG TRAVEL CAR Books, it might not be so bad…ANYWAY….Just another passing whimsical thought as I viewed your post pics. HUGS to you Manuela..HAVE fun, and I DO hope your leg pains are still staying away!!! Happy Fourth! 🙂 xo
Love your house! So great!
I love to use books to decorate with! 4th of July! Independence Day!
Deanna
Your mantel is so bright and cheery! Have a wonderful 4th of July!
I love the wooden house – it would be so fun to decorate for holidays – little wreaths in the windows for Christmas & a candle inside. So pretty.
I also really like your book colors, what a great idea.
What a wonderful mantel, and a perfect house!
Hope you have a happy 4th July :o)
Rose H
x
Hi Manuela,
I’m sorry to read you aren’t feeling well. Hope you are better soon. I love the mantle! I read a few posts down about the process. It looks great! (Love the new name of your blog too, which is probably not new, but I’m VERY behind on blogging!).
Hope you and your family have a Happy Fourth of July!
Suzanne (Painter of the Past)
I have a question about your Ikea couches. I’ve always liked that Ektorp couch and since we need a new couch I’m considering this one. I especially like the fact that it has covers you can take off and wash. But I was looking at the Ikea website and it says those covers shouldn’t be put in the dryer. How do you dry them when you wash your covers?
I love your blog and you have a beautiful home.
Thank you! I emailed you about the couches.
Manuela~
Your mantel looks so pretty.
Let’s see… I like the YELLOW PAINT ON THE WALLS FIRST!
Then of course all the other colors.
That house is darling…love the turquoise you painted it.
I also like the look of that print too. God Bless Our Home…
May He bless ALL OUR HOMES… as we dink around making them pretty to look at!
Happy 4th, Pat
I have a lithograph (vintage) of the very Currier and Ives print (in your first photo.) I won it at auction and it is very fragile and very dear to me.
xo
Claudia
I’m glad you are getting a little reprieve from the pain and can do some house puttering. Be careful and take it easy.
You were the first blogger who made me love using papers to cover both books and shelves, and I always love your style. This is no exception, and I think the whimsical house on the mantel looks just wonderful.
My daughter is on the hunt for some flameless candles for her fireplace in DC. It’s no longer a working one, and she wants the cozy feeling of flame. Love the way yours looks. Love the GW price even more!
Love your BEAUTIFUL, COLORFUL mantel!!!!! You are so talented to come up with decorations that I could never imagine! Love your flag! Happy 5th of July! I am running a little late reading blogs! Have a blessed day! HUGS!
Everything looks so lovely & colorful! Love, love, love the painted house! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
The fireplace looks great. Love the candles in it 🙂
Your mantel is so pretty! I love those flameless candles. I bought some at Costco last Christmas. Mine have a timer in them so they come on at 7 and stay on for like 5 hours. So fun to come home to “candles” burning. Mimi
Hope you’re having a great weekend and I always love your visits.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉