Easing Into Fall Mantel

If you have read my blog at all, you know I have declared my love for fall and indeed September is not disappointing.  It was a frosty 33 degrees this morning and 70 degrees right now--perfect!  But, while I adore the season, I am not quite ready for pumpkins and gourds, but my mantel (aka, built in shelf) was ready for a little fall decor.

 Last year I shared 5 ways to use junk in your decor when I shared my pumpkin filled shelf HERE.  I used those same principles to decorate my "easing into fall" shelf.

 

1.) Use junk to create height--here I used an overturned apple basket.  

A vintage cocktail to go case also adds height and reminds me of fall tailgate parties.  My parents had one that was always stored with the brown, wool plaid blanket and I would take it out and place house with it.  I don't think I mixed up pretend martinis, but probably juice or coffee.

2.) Reclaimed wood to add texture such as these reclaimed and old wood frames.  I added the globe for a bit of blue and because it is also a great back to school prop.

3.)  Rust --A rusty pulley 

holding a goofy picture of me (I must say, it seems weird to display a picture of myself--I don't usually do that, but it did make me smile.),

and a rusty metal fry basket full of apples from my trees (the trees are loaded and a lot of these were on the ground) add the perfect touch of industrial.
4.)  Old Books--I love these school books and nothing says fall and back to school like some old text books.

Look at this lovely Aesop's Fable book, swoon--I will never get rid of it!

5.)  Nature's "Junk"--Apples and branches from an overgrown bush are the perfect natural touches for this time of year.  I added a little water to a mason jar filled with the apples and branches.  Hopefully, it will help them last a few weeks.

Look around your home today.  If you are like me, you are bound to find some great junk to use in your fall decor. 

 Happy hunting! Linking up at Funky Junk Interiors!!