Autumn Mantle

I live in the hot, humid part of Texas. Yes, I know, what part of Texas isn't hot right now? I tell you this so that you will know that I have no practical need for a fireplace, but we have one, and it makes my heart happy. Why? Because it is attached to a mantle, and my decoration-organization crazed brain is chock full of mantle displays.

One of the first things I did when we took possession of our house was prop some pictures up on the mantle above our new fireplace. Mind you, this was while our living room was covered in drop cloths and every imaginable tool for removing wallpaper, tiling, and general home improvement was strewn across the floor. We didn't even live in the house yet because it was a construction zone, but there were pictures displayed on the mantle.

So, this mantle reveal is more than just another fall arrangement-it is my first, long dreamed about and finally realized seasonal mantle display. Enough drama. Here's how our mantle looks right now:

Sorry about the poor quality picture. Someday I'll get better at using a camera.

I spent a grand total of $3 at the dollar store for the pumpkin doilies, leaves on wire and burnt orange ribbon. I printed the subway art for free from this blog. Everything else was scavenged from my craft room and the assortment of stuff that hasn't yet found a permanent place in our home. Who am I kidding? None of our decor is safe from rearrangement. I don't like cleaning, but rearranging is my forte.

I made this book paper wreath mostly following Martha Stewart's directions here. However, I used a bent coat hanger instead of floral wire and made a complete circle instead of a horseshoe shape. I also hot glued the leaves directly to the coat hanger in layers. I traced and cut out leaves from an old children's encyclopedia I thrifted through several episodes of Criminal Minds, but I like the way it turned out.

I pinned several other fall and winter craft ideas, so I'm sure the mantel will have other projects to display soon. I'm loving the anticipation of cooler weather and all the fun acoutrements of fall. Happy autumn, y'all!