Tweaked fall mantle - I love it with the berries, etc

15 years ago

I had posted mantle pics Saturday night after spending about 5 minutes on it using stuff I had in the living room. Yesterday I want to a small local shop where there are beautiful antique, vintage and new items of wonderful quality. I knew she'd have some nice 'flora' for me to add for color. Here are the results and I am very happy with it now. If I can find the battery operated flicker candles in a color other than the ivory that I had there originally, I'll be adding one or two of those.

This is detail from an old hand-painted tole tray that I have loved since first seeing there years ago, but just couldn't pay the asking price. She offered to go way down on the price yesterday and it's now mine. At 13x17.5", it's too big for the mantle, but will be making an appearance in my living room! My favorite fall colors again...

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Comments (37)

My3dogs ME zone 5A
Original Author
15 years ago
Is just below so you can see the progress! :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: here
les917
15 years ago
Very nice! Love the berries that you added. Fall colors are my favorites.

Just me, but I would flip the position of the clock and the small plate on the left, I think it would create a symmetry with the plate on the other side that would be a nice frame for the pieces in the center of the mantel.

I know the mantel isn't wide, but it looks like you have enough room to tuck the end of the tail of the bird behind the jar with the berries - maybe pull the jar forward just a bit? I think that will make the bird feel more a part of the arrangement, almost as if it is peeking out from the berries and stems.

Wondering if you could hang the mirror horizontally, then add the tray above it?
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Kathleen McGuire
15 years ago
That is just gorgeous! I love the fall colors! I better get going on my fall projects. I have a mantle that could use some help!
funkyart
15 years ago
I loved the first mantle but this is definitely "there". Love the berries and pods..

and oh man, I LOVE the tole painting. I wish I could see the whole tray. I have a new found love for tole and your photo is one of the prettiest I have seen-- great find and excellent use of that ol patience ;)
My3dogs ME zone 5A
Original Author
15 years ago
Here's the whole tray, funkyart! I like how the border is a bit imperfect, with a few small dips and irregularities in the design.

I plan to arrange around it on an antique pine bureau in the LR, so to spread a bit of fall around the room. Although I love fall colors, I don't have many fall 'decor items', so that is why I prefer not to put it all above the fireplace.I wish I was better at photography, so I could capture the almost translucent look of some of the berries. They are very realistic, and juicy looking!
funkyart
15 years ago
Oh.. I totally caught the translucent plump juicy berries in your photography. That's what caught my attention!

I also like the imperfections and dings.. and I think it will look gorgeous on a pine bureau. Excellent piece to add to your room.
mcps
15 years ago
That is so gorgeous! I am in awe of your talent my3dogs!
squirrelheaven
15 years ago
Just gorgeous!! and the tray is glorious. I can see why you wanted it so much and she didn't want to part with it easily : )

Here are a couple flameless candle links. Inspired Lighting has some lifelike flickering bulbs. Terribly expensive, but maybe they last a long time. The other site has colored, distressed, and drippy wax styles. There's a pear and spice color, too, in a changing base color candle, but they're hard to find on there. Wish they were also in the irregular shaped style.

Thanks for showing how things progress. I think we forget that sometimes!

Flickering Bulbs & Other Stuff

Colored Distressed & Drippy Candles

Changing Base Color
no_green_thumb
15 years ago
My3dogs - I have been following many of your threads. Your home is stunningly beautiful. Your stained door is fabulous. I know it was a lot of work, but the end result is wonderful.
As I looked at your mantle - Eureka!! I was inspired. I am looking for new everyday dishes. I want white with a lot of different accent pieces. I have seen transferware on many threads, but this morning yours hit me. That is exactly what I will need to accessorize whatever white set I purchase. Thanks for the inspiration.
abundantblessings
15 years ago
You have such an exquisite eye for texture, layering & balance. Absolutely beautiful.

I've not come across the flicker candles in fall colors but perhaps you can find some translucent paper in the right tones and cover one; perhaps tied with a thin string in the middle. You'd still see the ivory from the top but that might be okay. Years ago, I had some Chinese money paper used for their new year celebrations in the fall tones (I think sheets of gold were also mixed in the pack but you could just use the burnt orange or sienna ones if you locate a similar pack). Any translucent paper in the right tones should work so it might be worth experimenting if you can't find the candles in the color you'd prefer. Alternatively, you could also wrap in large leaves (fake would be easier) tied again with a string, maybe with a cinnamon stick for accent. If you try this, please post pix.
robynpa
15 years ago
It just keeps getting better!
My3dogs ME zone 5A
Original Author
15 years ago
Funky, I'm so glad you like the tray. I love tole too, and that tray caught my eye from Day One. I had not seen one similar, and it really is almost illuminated, it has such nice a realistic glow. Check out this one below from a consignment shop (after many markdowns!) It's 22x16.5"

mcps, it's not talent, just finding the right things. 99% of the time it's not a new item, but something with some age to it, which I find 'warm'.

squirrel, you weren't kidding when you said the first site was pricey! Their stuff looks beautiful though. I like the ones on the second site very much, and my 50% off ivory one from Kohl's also changes colors, but I prefer to keep it on the 'realistic' stetting.

no-green-thumb, In addition to lamps, transferware is one of my favorite things. I live the detailed images and there are so many patterns. A few pieces of that will certainly highlight white dishes! I like transferware, Chinoiserie, tole - those detailed images in many things really appeal to me. I just love pattern.

abundant - Why didn't I think of that? I have various berries, leaves, pods, cinnamon sticks, cones, etc in my my craft supplies, and can sure find a a pretty translucent paper!

That will allow me to use basic inexpensive candles like the one I have and change them for seasonal decor! I will definitely be doing this!
User
15 years ago
I'm drawn to your threads. Your house is so pretty! Looks great! Love the lamps!!
squirrelheaven
15 years ago
lol, I couldn't figure out what they meant by 'changing colors' and decided it was the irregular shades of glow along the bottom : ) I hope you saw the different fall colored candles there. I thought the prices were pretty good on the second site and love those drippy and distressed looking ones.
lynninnewmexico
15 years ago
You've created such a beautiful Autumn mantel . . . but then again, you have a way of doing that with all your things! Thanks for sharing them with us here. Love the new tray, as well. Please let us see pics when you get it placed.
Lynn
no_green_thumb
15 years ago
3dogs, my dining room china cabinet and sideboard are hand-painted Chinoiserie, oriental style. I have always loved it ---
Where do you buy your transfereware, antique stores, TJ Maxx??? I know absolutely nothing about it --- it just struck a nerve when I saw yours (although many people here have it) --- and I know it will be perfect. I have a lot of antiques. This will blend right in! Thanks again for the inspiration!!
jesemy
15 years ago
I love it! I'm ready for winter to come and I can sit in front of your fireplace!

Nancy W.
My3dogs ME zone 5A
Original Author
15 years ago
No-green-thumb, Can you PLEASE post pics of your Chinoiserie furniture so I can drool??

The transferware I display is all from eBay and antique stores and is all old. That plate by the clock is Spode antique 'India Tree'. I do have a place setting of that, but wouldn't dare eat off it - I don't want to risk breaking a piece.

The assorted transferware I eat from is new, and from anywhere I see a piece I like. Since it's just me and three dogs, I buy dishes that make me happy, and don't care if I don't have a matched set! (I do have service for 12 in a Churchill England blue on white transferware pattern...)

I buy the new stuff at places like Home Goods, and it's usually their Spode stuff that appeals to me. They get it in all the time in various patterns and colors, and I like them all!
no_green_thumb
15 years ago
3dogs, I don't have any pictures right now, but will take some in the next day or so --- this J-O-B is really getting in my way!!
juddgirl2
15 years ago
Wow - it's gorgeous with all the fall colors!
loribee
15 years ago
Just beautiful!
cliff_and_joann
15 years ago
my three dogs, Your mantle is an inspiration! I need to do mine. We're in the process of changing our mantle from oak to walnut . . . as soon as it's done I'll try and get a new look.
I think I'll ask for your help.:)
Joann
plainjane425
15 years ago
Just beautiful...as usual. Love all the details and colors. I especially love the tray and the beautiful details. I'm addicted to transferware too!! And like you, buy something that I like whenever I'm out and about at Estate Sales or Flea Markets...Just picked up a B/W platter Sunday, Johnson Bros - Tulip Time...Great buy for $10 ! So now I've got to get hopping..cause... Dang, you are one step ahead of me ...I'm in the process of putting my fall decor out as well!!
Lyban zone 4
15 years ago
my3dogs, you have done it again. The mantle is just beautiful. You have also inspired me to start looking at tranferwear. I went to an antique store near me today and they have about 10 different pieces but I know absolutely nothing about it and do not even know what to be checking or watching out for. How do you know if it is old or new. Or do I just buy something I like. I tend to do that, buy something I like and then have no idea where to put it. I do not have your vision. LOL- maybe soon I will post a photo of my LR and ask for help.
Susan
15 years ago
really lovely. when are you coming to my house?!
jaybird
15 years ago
ahhhhhh....I have found out that it is easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission....I'm begging here....your mantle just WANTED to be the wallpaper on my computer screen! If you object I will remove it, but it is so beautiful!
georgiagal
15 years ago
My3dogs, now THAT is a beautiful mantel arrangement!
teeda_2006
15 years ago
My3dogs, you need to publish a book--I could look at photos of your vignettes all day long. I've always loved the type of furnishings/fabrics/accessories you've filled your home with. You are my new inspiration!
amysrq
15 years ago
Okay woman....it's time to name names!

Can you please share the name of the store where you bought the flora? It is really gorgeous.

I have to agree with all others here, your vignettes are so wonderful -- so well done in a completely uncontrived way. Brava!
My3dogs ME zone 5A
Original Author
15 years ago
Holy mackerel! I am humbly accepting these incredible compliments....I just do what I like, and for me, it works, and I'm so happy that you all like it, too. I guess maybe my one rule would be that I buy mostly vintage and antique things - stuff you won't see everywhere.

jaybird, OF COURSE you can use it as 'wallpaper' - what a thrill to have you want to!

teeda, that would be something! I just enjoying doing this type of thing...I wish I could make a living at it...maybe when I retire...I have always been artistic and love working with my hands. I do as much as I possibly can myself in my home.

amyrsg, I don't know where you live, but I am 10 miles from this cute little place called The Mustard House, in Buxton, ME. It's a 1790 house, (painted a deep mustard color with dark red trim) that has been converted into a shop, which is only open Thursday - Sat 10 - 5:30 and Sunday 12 - 4. A friend told me a few years ago that I should go see it, and I am glad I did. :-)
amysrq
15 years ago
Well, thank you My3Dogs! I do get up to Portland now and then. I will add The Mustard House to my to-do list.

What are those goodies anyway? Are they silk or dried or something else? They look quite real...
My3dogs ME zone 5A
Original Author
15 years ago
They are silk - All of her faux 'stuff' is gorgeous! I got the last stem of the orange berries, but she had more of the Chinese lanterns, and other things. She's getting in Christmas merchandise, and I'm sure it will be beautiful.
cooperbailey
15 years ago
Perfect, just perfect!
Molly Brown
15 years ago
I love the Mustard house! I should get there more often than I do. You did a great job on the mantel, and your entire house! Love it.
ttodd
15 years ago
Absolutely gorgeous! You have a wonderful eye for decorating - just like in a magazine. Your entire home is simply inspiring!
brutuses
15 years ago
So, so pretty and your new lamps look perfect. Great job.
primbynature
15 years ago
absolutely gorgeous! you can paint those flicker candles any color you want!!! or wipe some stain on them and then wipe them off until you get the look you want!

Tweaked fall mantle - I love it with the berries, etc

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