Mercury Glass, Moss, Grass, Flowers, Eggs…need I say more? Probably not, but I will anyway.
I went a little unconventional with my spring mantel. I did not use much color, but I kept it looking fresh with lots of natural, raw elements. Because I have not won the battle against the speaker, yet, I tend to treat each side of the mantel separately. Of course, I want the whole mantel to be cohesive, but I arrange each side to tell it’s own story. Then I try to replicate some elements on the other side to tie it all together.
The framed moss is a beautiful backdrop for the mercury glass owls and the corked glass specimen jars. I added a touch of white with a punched paper garland stitched together with green thread (see the sewn paper garland tutorial). Two of the three glass jars have natural vase fillers to add interest on a smaller scale. I found the vase fillers in the moss section at Joann Fabrics.
The vase of grass on the other side is a fixture on the mantel. I love the touch of greenery and the height the grass gives. It complements the moss on the other side. To compliment the natural wood frame on the moss, I added a glass vessel filled with wooden eggs. I found the footed glass hurricane at HomeGoods for $10. It would have taken twice as many wooden eggs to fill it up. Instead I used a little trick to give the illusion of the hurricane being full of eggs. I inserted a smaller glass cylinder vase in the back of the hurricane. I stacked the eggs in front to fill it up.
My mercury glass mushrooms are a sweet whimsical touch. Unfortunately one mercury glass mushroom was harmed in the making of this mantel. The remaining two needed something behind them to create another layer. I grabbed a disposable bamboo plate from my party stash and a little white paint. Using the paper punch I used for the garland on the moss frame as inspiration, I freehanded a similar shape on the plate. It repeats the shape and adds another bit of white to the arrangement.
This mantel makes me happy. It is simple, yet interesting with layers and repeated elements. I wish I could say it was as easy to put together as the pictures above portray. I actually tweaked it little bit by little bit over the last week, until I got it just they way I wanted. I love everything about it, but I think the wooden eggs are my favorite for the season. What is your favorite part?
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Yes, I love the wooden eggs. And the trick with the other glass cylinder is a great tip. The frame with paper garland is unexpected. Very pretty.
Where did you find your wooden eggs? I love this look!
Thanks Jenn! The wooden eggs were from Joanns. They are 2.5″ eggs. They come in a bag of 5 for $4.99. I bought 4 packages and used a coupon for 20% off my total purchase. I don’t generally like to spend that much on seasonal items, but they are a classic and can be used year after year.
I love your site and your decorating. But I have to say, this looks wayyyy to crowded. And that vent thing? I would find a way to cover it or disguise it. The eye is drawn to it cause it is smack dab in the middle.
Just my 2 cents.
But I do love your site and your ideas overall.
Hi Fran. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The “vent thing” is the center speaker for my husband’s sound system. I am slowly working on him to get it moved, so I can claim the entire mantel for decorating only. I understand why you may feel it is too crowded. It is probably hard to tell from pictures, but the mantel is huge. It is over 48″ wide and 8″ deep. Any less items and it starts looking sparse pretty fast. However, I would like to get to a simpler aesthetic up there. I think fewer large items would do the trick. Once I get the speaker out of there I will be doing a big mantel makeover!
Looks fantastic Jackie. I love the mix of materials!
Love all the natural materials and I love, love that framed moss. So pretty!
Crowded, are you for real lady?!? I think is just beautiful and nowhere close to crowded! I love it, I also hate buying seasonal stuff and I think this would look great for most of the year!
Love it! So pretty! Springy green and whites – gorgeous!