Today – and for the next couple of days – I am going to take you into my creative process and share the failed attempts of putting together a mantel.
Before anything else, allow me to apologize for some of these photos, this particular one I took with my phone.
I put together a total of 5 displays until I was satisfied with the final product. Creating a cohesive display takes trial and error and though I enjoy the process, it can sometimes be frustrating. So I will usually take photos as I go along and walk away to review them.
I find that looking at the photos gives me a different perspective and I’m able to see what areas of the display need more attention.
My initial thought was to keep the blackboard I had used for my Christmas Mantel and add several frames for interest. But I found the contrast of the hot pink of the daisies and the black felt a little too harsh.
In my next attempt, I removed the blackboard and simply framed some dictionary hearts. I added a little contrast with these pretty teacups I had recently purchased at the thrift store (all four for $2.00) and used the books from last year’s Valentine’s Mantel.
I liked this a little better, especially the colour combo of the pink and turquoise.
This was pretty, but I still wasn’t happy so it needed to change once again. I was getting a little closer to what I had envisioned but not quite there yet.
I hope you come back tomorrow to see takes 3 and 4. In the mean time, you can also check out my mantels throughout the seasons here.
What do you think so far? What would have done differently?
Thank you so much for your company. Have a beautiful day.
much love,
Usually, I don’t like pink, but you have changed my mind.
Marina
http://marinainblue.blogspot.com.es/
I liked the contrast of the black chalkboard against the white. But I also liked the pink and turquoise.
Can’t wait to see the final product!
I love it, it is soft and pretty! YOur photos are just so lovely:). I also loved all the takes, no surprize:). Congrats on that amazing news last week, you so deserve it ALL:). Have a great week, Jen
I love the final results best of all! Gorgeous girl… Other than that I do like the last one shown as well with the heart cut outs. However, you asked what I’d do different, so here it goes. I don’t like the green mugs in the photo you shared and feel like they crowd and make the overall look change from serene and relaxing to jumbled. I also would of pulled out the far right candle holder and not used it, but taken the candle out of it and replace the candle next to it with the matching ones. It is the only candle that isn’t the same, so it stands out when one studies the photo.
The levels the mugs are on behind don’t work either, and just removing them all together would be best, just shift a few things over here and there, and pull that one candle stick out, replace the candle and it would be awesome. That is just my 2cents worth.
Love, love what you do Lucy though, and I would of never been able to personally create any of these 3 great mantles, but when viewing it all on my computer screen, than I can make suggestions of how I’d do it. lol
Have a great day! Can’t wait to see 3 & 4. You have inspired me.
btw, would you ever consider liking my facebook page for my business if you haven’t already? It is Gretchen Johnson Schaumann and than under work at is my business page for Mimi-Toria’s Designs. Just trying to grow my business, and be more out there in 2013. Thanks!
Gretchen
Love it!
The teacups would be very appropriate here in the states where January is National Hot Tea Month 🙂
I like all of the takes so far!
OMGosh, Lucy. I love them all. I’d have a hard time picking but I would probably go with the old window sash and books…OR….the chalkboards….it’s a toss up- xo Diana
Lucy… just came across your blog! I have a love for mantel decorating and I thought “Scene 24, Take two” (LOL) and the final one at Folk Mag are both BEAUTIFUL! Sharing on FB! 🙂
Kendra
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