It's no secret that I'm pretty much obsessed with birds, nests, branches...pretty much anything nature-inspired, so when it came to decorate my mantel for spring, all I needed to do was turn to things I already decorate my house with all year around.
I don't think any mantel of mine would be complete without my favorite branches from the woods behind my house. I use them for pretty much any occasion!
I added some "butterflies in flight" by simply cutting butterfly shapes with white tissue paper and vellum and attached with monofilament line. My two-year old liked this project, but I think she tore more butterflies than she made...
I also had fun making a couple moss frames from some thrift store finds painted in chalk paint and moss table runner from Michael's...
I simply cut foam core board and the moss table runner to fit the frame and attached the sheet of moss with spray adhesive...
I then pinned a couple my nests and quail eggs with straight pins as well as some cute little faux butterflies that I found at The Graphics Fairy. I printed out a few sheets of the butterflies on vellum paper, which is somewhat translucent, cut them out, bent the wings a bit and pinned them to the board...
I still can't get over that the fact that winter is almost over... It doesn't seem like we've even had one here in North Carolina! It's been perpetual spring for me for months after living my entire life in a cold, snowy climate. It's just incredible to be able to paint furniture outside during the winter and not have to wait until mid-May to plant flowers. Don't hate me, but I planted some flowers last weekend!
Kristen
Linking up to:
Very pretty mantel! I love the branches with the butterflies on them!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!!!! I am obsessed with birds too!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative! Love the butterflies. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your spring mantel. Nests are such fun to use in decorating this time of year. I love that yours are the real deal! Those branches in the green jar bring the vignette all together. I love them!
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
GORGEOUS Kristen! LOVE LOVE all those nests!
ReplyDeletei am in love! i love all the nature inspired touches, too! and the blues and greens!
ReplyDeleteThat looks very pretty, Kristen! I love those frames with the moss! I generally keep nests and eggs out all year, too. I just love them as a natural element to have in my home.
ReplyDeleteLove your post , the mirror with the reflection of the twigs is beautiful!!! I invite you to visit my blog as well.Blessings Lori
ReplyDeleteThat is totally gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYour mantel is splendid, Kristen! Adore the nature inspired touches! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday! Your participation is apppreciated!
ReplyDeleteOh Sophia! That mantle is just so beautiful! So many gorgeous details. You were super creative in getting a supply of butterflies. I live in Alabama and we have hardly had a winter either. I started taking down my winter mantle today to get ready for the Spring blog parties starting next week. You are an inspiration. I saw your post over at "From My Front Porch to Yours".
ReplyDeleteI love the frames with moss in them. It is very unique. Great job!
ReplyDeleteBenita
Absolutely gorgeous! I'm your newest follower, I'd love if you followed in return and linked up to my little party: http://www.nutmegplace.com/2012/03/showoff-saturday-5.html
ReplyDeleteHope to see you there!
This is soooooo beautiful Kristen! It looks like something out of a magazine and every single detail is fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing it at Inspiration Friday!
ReplyDeleteVanessa
I LOVE all of your nests!!!! What a beautiful collection for your mantle. Just out of curiosity, do you do anything to those nests when she brings them to you? I was always scared of lice or bugs--is that really nothing to be afraid of? I love nests, but never wanted to bring them inside for that reason. I am your newest follower. hope you can visit me sometime :)
ReplyDeleteahhh, I hear the birds chirping and feel the warm breeze! this is so pretty, Kristen, you've really captured the essence of Spring!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful mantel. Such a taste of Spring.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and springy mantel! Love it... very inspirational. the tiny butterflies are very dainty... great idea!
ReplyDeletedee dee
love twigs:)hollie
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, this is so gorgeous and unlike any mantel display I have ever seen! I love, love, love your frames and think that I will be picking up some sheet moss ASAP. You have definitely captured the most beautiful elements of spring. I can't wait for it to arrive!
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Claire @ alittlesomethinginthemeantime.blogspot.com
Love the moss frame and the twigs and of course all of the nests! This is really a unique and fun idea. Come share it by linking up to my centerpiece Wednesday linky party.
ReplyDeleteKarin
LOVE your spring mantle!! Thanx for coming to party at my place. Hope to see ya this week too!:)
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning! love the framed moss and all the butterflies! Would love for you to link up to our Uncommonly Yours link party! Bonnie ;)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - I love how natural and real it looks. I use to collect abandoned bird nests when I was a little girl...but my mom never displayed mine! haha. I also love using branches, I love the butterfly idea
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteSherry
The old adage, less is more, does not apply to my way of thinking, More is More, is more like it, especially nests, nests and more nests. Just love your vignette.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely pictures with the nests and the butterflies. I'm you newest follower.
ReplyDeleteHugs from Sweden
Elna
Very Pretty! Welcome Spring! Hugs and wishes for a beautiful day. P.S. I hope you will stop by and say hello and enter the latest giveaway too.
ReplyDeleteYour mantel is beautiful! Love all the natural elements!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Oh my goodness, it's absolutely FABULOUS!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am SO inspired, Kristen!!!!!!! :-D
Beautiful! I too love natural elements - your mantel is my kind of mantel!
ReplyDeleteSo far this is my fave on the link party. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the moss in the frames, such a good idea!
ReplyDeleteI love your mossy creations!! Great idea, had to pin it on my Spring pinboard, Wonderful,
ReplyDeleteKathysue
Love this one! Super creative and it just turned out beautifully!
ReplyDelete--Katie
@ Creatively Living
Really cute! Love the moss in frames. I'll definitely pin that idea for later :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to spring! I too, love decorating using natural elements; bringing the outdoors in. I am bookmarking your butterfly tree to use as a centerpiece for my mother's birthday celebration this year -- she adores all things butterfly! We've had a very mild winter in NJ and have been tending to our gardens and farm fields as well.
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring!
Deborah
Hi Kristen,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that I love your mantel so much I featured it on my blog today!
-Erin Spain
DIYOntheCheap.com
Hi, I really appreciate your blog. Great.
ReplyDeletedesk chairs
Hi, I really appreciate your blog. Great.
ReplyDeletemeeting chair
This is SO beautiful! Your collection is impressive girl! I'm sharing this in a 5 for Friday Spring Mantel Roundup on my blog today, including one pic and a link back to this post : )
ReplyDelete