Friday, June 18, 2010

Summer Mantle

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Well, Summer is here and my mantle was in need of a make-over that was worthy of hot, summer days.  I decided on a beach theme using lots of shells, sand, and other natural elements. 
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Here's what my fireplace looked like before I started:
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Everything I used to decorate were things that I already had.  Most of the shells I used I have had since I was a child.  Most of them came from family trips to Florida.  I'm so glad I have all of these beautiful shells - who knew I would be using them years later to decorate!
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Here's what the mantle looks like now:
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I purchased the apothecary jars from TJ Maxx and Marshall's a few years ago.  I'm glad I have them - I keep them up on my mantle most of the year.  I just switch out the fillers for the different seasons.
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Two of the jars are filled at the bottom with sand and shells on top.
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The third jar is filled with dried sea bark I purchased from Pottery Barn a few years ago.  I think it is actually dried cactus.  I recently saw it for sale at Michael's.
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I bought both of the star fish on the island of Capri in Italy.  Every time I look at them it reminds me of our great vacation!
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I printed out the sea horse and shell print for free from Vintage Printables.  I first found out about Vintage Printables from Rene of Cottage and Vine and now I can't stop printing out things!
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I have two frames hanging near my fireplace.  I switched out the photos I had in the frames for more shell prints.
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Not bad for free prints!
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I added beach grass to a vase filled with sand to set in front of the fireplace.
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To complete the Summer look, I added a hurricane filled with sand and shells to my coffee table.
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Thanks for reading!  I hope you are inspired to bring a little bit of Summer inside your home.
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I'm linking up to these great parties:  Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ Silly Little Sparrow, Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life, Show and Tell Day  @ Blue Cricket Design, Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple, Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage, Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous, Mantle Vignette @ The Stories of A to Z.

35 comments:

  1. The shells and other seaside mementoes are a great summer theme for your mantlepiece.

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  2. I love your shell collection. I collect shells too and toss them around with plants and pebbles. They just liven up things around.

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  3. Beautiful!
    I've got seashells on my mantle too~ It just sighs...summer is here.
    Come join the friday's favorites linky party~

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  4. that is very impressive! i have a jar i do the same with... but you really pull it all together! i wish i had more creative mind!
    love the prints in the frames to bring it together :)

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  5. This is so fabulous! I love it!

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  6. Everything looks great and those prints...WOW! Love the seashells and still have mine from years past too. So glad we kept them.

    Have a great weekend!

    -Rene

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  7. BTW thanks for the plug :)

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  8. I like this alot. We have some shells we just brought back from the beach with us that I am trying to find a way to display. I may have to use some of these ideas :)

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  9. I am inspired! Everything looks so classy. My mantle needs a touch of summer. I get lazy and leave the same items up there most of the year. The only time I really change it is for Christmas. Now I need to find something summer-y!

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  10. This looks awesome - I have shells in my apothecary jars, but I think I'm going to now go back and add sad. I love that detail!

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  11. i did this on my dresser in my bedroom with shells and seaglass from trip cause i wanted that beachy feel. don't you love it?!

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  12. looks great! I have a similar hurricane vase with a big candle and shells and I love the beachy look. I bought a starfish in Capri when I was there too! That dried sea bark is really interesting!

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  13. It looks great a fab idea :) love the prints and the look of the fire place is amazing.

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  14. How charming,first time here like your blog header~hey check my little giveaway:)

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  15. Alissa, Your mantle is charming. I love how you combined it all and included the rest of the room in the makeover. The hurricane on the coffee table-the frames with new pictures. This is a great way to change out a room for little money--I love it! Sherry

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  16. Very pretty! Feels like summer :)

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  17. Oh I just LOVE the beachy theme! How light and fresh. You can almost feel the ocean breeze. You've done a fantastic job.
    Lisa

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  18. Love the summer decorating...like Christmas decorating without all the stress and craziness.
    It looks awesome!

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  19. Looks so summery and fresh! And I also love that you collected them over the years on vacations....it makes it even more special and perfect!

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  20. I just wanted to say hello! I found you through remodelaholic and love your blog! I too am an Interior Designer for a Commercial Architect firm!

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  21. Loving this! I have a huge crush on apothecary jars right now, so every time I see one, I just drool. Thanks for sharing!

    xoxo,
    Kimberly

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  22. I am so glad I found you! I have been looking for ideas for my mantle and a seaside-inspired tea. Love your blog. I am your newest fan.
    I would love to invite you to stop by for tea.
    Blessings, Pam

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  23. This came out so beautiful!! I love what you have done. Thanks for the tip on the vintage prints! Also I have been to Capri and we loved it there! We took a hike to the top where some cool ruins were and on the way had a instantaneous picknic lunch of cheese , olives, and bread (those were the days before I realized I couldn't have gluten!! I kept wondering why I was so sick!! ha!)

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  24. Oops--for got to give you my spindle cottage link. I will with this comment!

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  25. This looks great! It all came together really well! Nice job!

    I also have a mantle in my post!

    We also loved Capri!

    Katherine

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  26. Oh everything couldn't be more perfect. I love all your gorgeous containers with the shells and all of your other fabulous accessories. You really do have a knack for creating the best vignettes. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  27. Beautiful. I love that bark...need to find some of that!

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  28. Alissa, what a wonderful way to welcome Summer! I love all the sand and shells, oh and cactus! ;) I really like the speckled tall vase on the hearth too, beautiful!

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  29. Very nicely done, and I adore your fireplace.

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  30. You have done such a nice job on your summer mantle. Such a lovely beachy and refreshing feel it give the room.

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  31. You did a wonderful job. It all looks great and gives a cooling effect.

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  32. Love the seashell prints. I went on that site you mentioned but couldn't find it. Do you remember what category it is under?

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  33. It looks great. I love decorating with shells! Thanks for linking up.

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  34. That looks so clean and elegant! Thanks for sharing!

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  35. Where did you buy the beach grass?

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