Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Simple Spring Mantel

Happy March--it sure is coming in like a lamb and I am loving it. Sunshine and grass starting to green up meant it was time for some spring decor. A few simple changes and additions and my mantel is ready for all things spring.

Simple Spring Mantel Ideas
Simple Spring Mantel Ideas
I removed the garlands I had kept up after Christmas to make the mantel look a little cleaner, fresher. Some vintage books from the thrift store with green covers add a little spring color.
Simple Spring Mantel Ideas
The wicker candlesticks and wood items are from the thrift store and all add texture and warmth. They are staples that I leave up year round and decorate around seasonally.
Simple Spring Mantel Ideas
Another green book elevates the wood bobbins. A small oil painting I found at the thrift store adds a little more color and spring flowers.

I made a New Year's goal to try more new things this year. One of those is trying my hand at watercolor painting. 
Simple Spring Mantel Ideas
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I bought this inexpensive watercolor set (GET IT HERE) and try to paint most days. I have no idea what I am doing or what the "rules" of watercolor are, I am just playing and having fun. 
Simple Spring Mantel Ideas
I painted some shamrocks, four leaf clovers. 

I decided I needed a way to display my watercolor explorations (like a kid showing off their artwork) and decided to make a display board.
Art Display Board
I started with 3 pieces of old, reclaimed wood fencing, cut to 12.75". The wood was split so for one piece I used the split width so the display board was not too long.
Simple Spring Mantel Ideas
I joined the boards together with paint sticks. Even though I predrilled, the paint stirrers did split some, but they still work and hold the display board together perfectly well.
Wise Owl Furniture Salve
I used Wise Owl furniture salve to finish the wood. I wanted it dark to better contrast with the white watercolor paper. Be sure to use a rag on it to buff the salve in so you don't end up with oily watercolor paper.
Simple Spring Mantel Ideas
I added four screws 2" from the top and bottom and about 1" from the edge and wrapped wire around it to tuck the watercolor paper under. This makes it easy to change out my work and helps the paper lay flat.
Simple Spring Mantel Ideas
A simple, fresh mantel for March helps usher in the new season. 

I will probably add some yellow and aqua colored books closer to April and change out my watercolor painting.

2 comments:

  1. I think I will try to replicate the shamrocks!!!

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  2. Hi Becky, believe it or not I too recently decided to try my hand at watercolor art. I just dove in & gave it my best shot & I am really enjoying myself. I did want to learn a few basic tips & I found a watercolor artist who gives really helpful tips on her tutorials. If you'd like to check her out her name is Shayda Campbell & her art is amazing. Happy painting!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!