Mantle Make-over and Creative Drawer Pulls

So, I've had a naked mantle for awhile. I have been eyeing this picture for years - was dying to have it for the space above my mantle. Hubby tried to get it for me a couple of times, but was never able to get it and finally was told that it was out of print. THEN, at Christmas time there was a company showcasing their goods at Costco, and what did I find? My long sought-after picture, with a beautiful canvas finish and gorgeous fat black frame. I had to have it - Merry Christmas to me!! It's called Storytime in Gallilee by Del Parsons. Isn't it beautiful?



Anyway back to the naked mantle part. Once I had this picture, and replaced the small one that was up there, it just didn't seem right to have other pictures competing with it on my mantle. So I moved my kids' pics that had been on the mantle over to the piano. So this is the look we've had since Christmas. I just haven't been able to figure out what could go on the mantle that wouldn't detract from my beloved picture.


Well, Kimm at Reinvented suggested I might try some candlesticks, and I have been on the lookout for the perfect set. If you've been by recently, you'll remember these:

My thrift sore treasures that cost me a grand total of $3.75. I mentioned that I wanted to paint them brown or black. Several of you favored the brown, so I went with it. I did dry-brush a little black over the brown just to give it a little hint of black. And... Voila!

My dear friend Tanielle surprised me with this little vinyl treat yesterday. I mentioned to her a while back that I loved this saying, and she remembered and brought me this! Isn't she sweet?

So the saying, and the candlesticks, along with my 2 big vases (also thrift store treasures), which I haven't found any embellishments for yet, but I'm wondering now if I like them better plain, all together equal this:

Now I really, honestly want your feedback. I'm wondering if the space beneath the picture is too empty, but I don't know what I would put there. Also, I'm still not sure if the vases are right. Embellished or plain? And do I need to find another spot for them and put something else there all together? I'm so not good at this decorating thing! Please help!

Creative Drawer Pulls

So I saw this over at Be Different...Act Normal. I had to try it! Yes, yes ... I'm such a copycat! Anyway, last year I got this great, solid wood dresser through our local online classifieds for $80. I have always hated the pulls, and had intended to replace them, but those babies are expensive!!! So I just look at them and kind of gag a little whenever I go in my girls' room.

Here's a closeup:

Yes, that's a bear in the mountains. Cool for a cabin, or hunter's game room. But this is my little girly girls' bedroom. I have it painted and decorated in pink and white with green and yellow accents. There are daisies on the wall, and butterflies hanging from the ceiling! The bears just don't belong! So I changed it to this:

Now, if you are very observant, you will notice that the before picture featured a dresser with a clear top. The after picture below features all the removed drawer pulls, the cordless drill, as well as one box of Scooby Doo Band Aids. Why? Well, let me just give you a tip. If you try to unscrew the drawer pulls from the back using a cordless drill, and you hold onto the drawer pulls in the front with your other hand to keep them from spinning....you won't stop them from spinning, but you WILL rip off your thumbnail.

Anyway, I managed to finish the job without getting blood all over the ribbon - so what do you think?