I finished changing around my mantel yesterday and I’m pretty happy with it. I’ll probably tweek it a bit this week. I used only things I already had – I didn’t go out and buy anything for this makeover (I used a lot of paint ~smile)! I showed how I re-made the center bird picture in the post below this one.
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This candle stick used to originally be this ($1.91 at Goodwill).
Then I painted them black
Now they’re white! They may be yellow or apple green this summer!
I made the moss ball above.
I used sheet moss because I thought the spaghnum (sp?)moss looked a bit messy. I tried all kinds of things to adhere it and hot glue wound up be the best thing. Spray adhesive didn’t work for me neither did white glue.
The little birdhouse you may remember from Christmas. I had three of them spelling out the “JOY”.
I took off the old paper and decoupaged new paper on one and glued some sheet moss on the roof. I love the mossy roof!
I also made some moss eggs. I had some eggs that I’d taken off an Easter wreath last year so I don’t know if this will work with plastic eggs. I used some white glue and again used sheet moss (I made one with sphagnum moss but don’t really like it). Once the moss was on I squeezed the moss and egg to mold the moss into an egg shape (it has a tendency to be round because sheet moss is thick – cut off the dirt part btw).
Oh and the little bird in this jar used to be red and I spray painted it yellow. At one time it was green and it’s been white. Soon you won’t be able to tell it’s a bird it’ll have so many layers of paint on it!
I bought this little bird picture at the thrift store two years ago. It had your standard brown frame and I used the same yellow spray paint that’s on the bird to change the color.
I try to buy calendars that have pictures I know I can use at some point. As you can see this one was from last year and has lots of great bird and egg pictures in it!
I bought this glitter “NEST” banner last year and as you can see the glitter is all tarnished. So I sprayed it with spray adhesive and used some light green Martha Stewart glitter and re-glittered it
I do have a rather large arsenal of things that I can use to make things over. These things have been collected over time and I always buy at the end of the season when things are on clearance. I’m sure most of you do the same! But for someone that’s just starting out this is one really good way to stretch your decorating dollars. Don’t just focus on buying seasonal decorative accessories but buy ribbon, stamps, rub-ons, scrapbook paper etc when they go on clearance. Those are the things that will help you change things up for little money and always buy spray paint when you see it at a good price or use your Michael’s coupons to build a nice stash of colors that you like.
My friend Rhoda is having a “Spring Fluffing” Party Wednesday so I’ll be back then with a little more spring decorating from my home! Thanks for stopping by!
For more spring decorating posts check out The Decorating Voice.Org.
I always like visiting your blog. Your creativity is inspiring 🙂
OOooo, so incredibly pretty. I think I love it the most because you used what you have. I love it!
Beautiful mantel Manuela!
I can do this, I can do this, I mean, I can re-do this… you are awesome!
Your nest looks lovley Manuela! I love the way you reuse/repaint things. Spray paint and a hot glue gun are a girls best friend!
Hugs,
Penny
You do the most interesting and amazing things. My head would spin right off looking at all the pretty things in your home!
Love your mantel – and just in time for spring. All of the moss covered items are so cute. Love them all!
So pretty, Manuela and so creative as always 🙂
I have a weakness for birds, nests and eggs…so I especially loved this mantel decor! 🙂
I love your spring mantel. I also am loving how you are taking my fear out of “remaking” old things. You are so good at that! I don’t know why I just keep all the old stuff. Now, I am seeing with different eyes. It is awesome.
You are always an inspiration. Love your new mantel display. So many good idea’s have my head spinning.
very nice! i love everything. too hard to pick a favorite, lol!
Wow, I love that you keep using the same items and finishing them to match the season. I wouldn’t think of painting and repainting so much but it works so well. The candle sticks are gorgeous! Love the spring bird house too 🙂
Manuela – that mantle is gorgeous! I love everything!!! I love those moss balls and that nest wording is darling!
You are amazing!
XOXO
Jen
Hi Manuela…you are dynamite with a can of spray paint…your mantel looks great. I love the painted candlestick from Goodwill and all that you did with the moss…..Great Job!!
Hi Manuela! Everything turned out so pretty and fresh! You really did good! Deb
Yay, Manuela, your springy look is so pretty, glad you’re gonna join the par-tay! And I’m with you, my stash closet is the first place I go to change things around.
Oh wow! I love what you’ve done! I just need to go for it….take something I sort of like and PAINT IT! hehehe! It looks great when something so small as paint can transform an item! Keep it up!
~Abigail
How fun and definitley a great way to bring spring into your home! I love the way you change out your mantle with the seasons. As always you are such a wonderful inspiration.
Have a great week!
Jennifer
I love your mantel. I wish I had the time to do things like this. I’m always cleaning up kids messes.
Your mantel is beautiful! Love the candle stick transformation!
Wow ~ so many pretty projects! Everything turned out beautifully. ThanX for the wonderful springy inspiration!
This is exquiitely pretty Manuela! You have such a rare knack for doing such lovely things!
I love the moss…like Terri said, it is even prettier because you used things you had and made them over or in a new way!
Love,
Sue
Manuela, your mantel is charming. Goodness, you are a clever lady. So inspiring!!
Barb
Your mantel is so pretty! I Know what you mean about a little paint – I need to redo some of my things. I also am one to buy during after season sales – it is the best way on my budget. Thanks for sharing your helpful hints. Hope you are having a good evening.
Glenda
I love how you recycle things and make then into something new. What an inspiration you are.
Oh wow, I heart that bird house. I haven’t tried working with the sheet moss yet, but you’ve inspired me! Have a great week!
Sooo purty…..and very tweet. cherry
You work such magic with paint! You paint things I would never think of painting, and it always looks so great! Your mantel looks so fresh and beautiful. I’ve got to start collecting paint! laurie
Gosh, Manuela, you are the queen of repurposing and repainting! Love all the things you do. Great tip on touching up pictures. I have passed over a great picture because the colors aren’t right so many times. Happy belated birthday. I’m glad you had a great day. Mimi
Great job I have to say, as always. I like the candlestick with the ribbon, it’s just so nice!
Oh, wow, Manuela, your mantel looks so cute.
This is beautiful, Manuela!
Don’t you just love Goodwll?! And that same birdhouse was at my local store yesterday, WHY didn’t I buy it? You just know that when I go back it will be gone! Thanks for sharing – it’s all just so so beautiful.
The mantel looks so beautiful! I need to do something to mine too!
Keep the inspiration coming! I love to see what is different at your house. Sally
Well…. my dear you have done it again….. perfection…. so springy and so classy …love the moss balls….. and the birds….
HUgs
Linda
very creative! I laughed when I read about your ever changing colored candlesticks! That is so me! What is cheaper than paint, right! I really enjoy all your creative ideas, they really inspire me. Thanks for all your pics! and info on how -to’s
You always amaze me and inspire me to reuse. I love it all xoxoxox Clarice
This is my first visit, and won’t be my last! I love how you have recycled so many things to create a whole new look. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love the NEST banneer! I want one! The calandar picture are great! Love the color you painted the frame print from Goodwill. I adore!! Your moss balls on the wonderful painted candlesticks! Just love Spring at your home!
I love how you reuse things. I need to be more green. Fabulous ideas & great mantel.
Sooo beautiful!! Love it!
Gorgeous!!! Love all your Spring stuff! You have done a fantastic job! I am now a follower. 🙂
Very cute and creative! I came by your blog by way of the Decorating Voice’s Spring Fling link. I think all your re-purposing came out very well.
Gorgeous as always, Manuela! I have had all the supplies to make some mossy balls and have I done it? NOPE.
You Won our Decorating Spring Fling!!! Yeah!!! We love your fresh ideas reusing what you have to make your home gorgeous! You deserve it. Thanks for Participating and we hope to see you again in our next fling.