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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?

Comments

Tanielle said…
I think it looks great! I love the drawer pulls! So stinkin' cute! love ya!
Karies place said…
I LOVE that photo on your mantle. And what you did is just right. Don't add or take anything away.

I saw the ribbon idea on the blog you mentioned. Very cute.
Amy said…
Wow I think everything looks great. You knew what your mantel needed. I love your bow idea also. How crafty you are.
Anonymous said…
I love the mantle. I really don't think you need anything. Cute ribbon idea especially for a girls room!
Unknown said…
I like the mantle and love what you did to the candle holders! The ribbon drawer pulls are so cute, what a great idea.
Jan Holt said…
I love the candles and the drawer pulls! You are one crafty gal.

Thanks for visiting my site today too.
Tiffany said…
Both projects look great!
Unknown said…
I love what you did with the mantle. The picture is beautiful and I love the quote you put above it. What a creative drawer pull solution. I just found your place and I'm glad I did!
I think that your Mantel looks great. I love the quote idea too! What a great quote at that. Great conversation piece. I too love those drawer pulls. What a great idea.

I wanted to say also thanks for following. I am so excited to always be meeting fresh new bloggers. I love this little blogging world where others share my passions in life.

I became a follower to you too! And I am stealing your button to add to my page as well.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Ashley Nichole.
Unknown said…
Oh, those candlesticks are PERFECT. The vinyl letters above the picture set it off and really keep the focus on the picture. I like the vases, the color is great. My only suggestion would be that they look to be the same height as the candles, so maybe put something in them that's taller? I know that you don't want to detract from the art, so maybe some plain braches or something?
Mama Nut said…
LOVE the vinyl letter quotes...I'm a huge fan of quotes on walls and used to stencil them letter by letter before the Cricut was invented! I love the tiles (I think that's what they are) sitting on top of the dresser with way cute ribbon pulls. Did you decopauge (sp?) the pics from a calendar? Care to share...I love them! Thanks for stopping by my blog this morning....
Anonymous said…
Both makeovers look great!
Your mantle looks awesome!! The quote above it looks really good -- I also love that quote and have it on a tile in my house -- well, my old house. So, about the vases - you asked for opinions so here is mine - I think you should paint them. I don't know what color, but just something to maybe match a little more or help tie them in.
Your mantle looks wonderful. That picture is beautiful. I love the saying above it - awesome!

And cute drawer pulls! Easy and inexpensive - yay!

XOXOOX
Jen
Unknown said…
Awesome! I think this is quite a source of inspiration for me!
Jennifer said…
WOW
Well done mama.
You stay busy. busy. busy
Your mantle looks lovely - everything is so pretty up there together.

Those drawer pulls would look so sweet in my niece's bedroom - I'll have to show them to my sister.
Oooh! You are good at the mantle makeovers! Cool!
Anonymous said…
Too cute and creative! Love the new pulls!
Lorie said…
Those look so great!!
Anonymous said…
Love your painting, love your mantle, especially how you placed the quote above the picture! My only suggestion would be to maybe paint the tan vase black so it matches the frame and candle holder, but leave the red vase red for a pop of color.

Also love the ribbon pulls!
RootsAndWingsCo said…
I like the mantel redo. I especially like the quote you used that tied in so well with that picture! I love moving things around and trying them out! I'm thinking maybe your mantel does feel like it still needs "something". Not sure what though. Do you have anything you love, that could be added? I love when there is a bit of the homeowner to be seen in the decorating (though not like a pulled off fingernail or something like that!).
Rebecca
RootsAndWingsCo.blogspot.com
Small House said…
Love it all! I actually used ribbon for a drawer pull too. Very cute. Love your blog. I've never been by. FUN-FUN!
Have a great day.
Sandra
Jenny-Jenny said…
love love love the mantle and the saying. Way to go!!
I love love love those little ribbon drawer pulls. That is precious and I don't know that I've ever seen anything like it before. Bravo.

The mantel. I am a big fan of the sort of triangle shape of arranging. IMHO - I do think you need something uner the beautiful picture, though. I know you don't want anything "competing" with it, but you don't want anything detracting from it either.

What about leaning a couple of smaller frames against the wall underneath it? It could even just be cool fabric or scrapbook paper that is framed, but it will remove the "dead space" and highlight your picture.

Did you see the post that 320*Sycamore did, framing those old keys? It's gorgeous. (I always associated those old skeleton keys with the idea of a soul... keys to heaven, etc.) Anyway, you can add things that help to spotlight your beautiful pic.
You'll figure it out.
:)
RaCeNMoMmY said…
Love the mantel, i think it looks good but if you're looking for another piece to add, I think a small glass or ceramic temple would be nice. I dont think it would compete with your pic but go with it! I also think maybe add a few dried flowers to the vases & maybe paint the tan one black.

Also love the ribbons on the drawers.
Carlee H said…
I just wanted to say thank you for the drawer pull idea!! My hubby and I are getting ready for our first child and we're decorating her room in a moons and stars theme. We got this dresser set from his stepmother, which is in great condition but has those metal 70s-looking drawer pulls. I had been getting frustrated because I couldn't find anything that would really work...

So NOW I've got a whole NEW idea that will be a lot easier to manage, especially at 8 months pregnant. THANK YOU!!
Anonymous said…
It is very interesting for me to read the article. Thank you for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to them. I would like to read more soon.

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