Summer Mantel

I've been working in my Industrial Elegant Cottage style Living room, and

I think I've pretty much posted on every piece of furniture and accessory in it!

One noticeable omission was a mantel scape. It was coming together,

but still not quite there. Until today...

of course, it may still change. My house has a tendency to do that.

Except for one little bird, a birthday present from June, and 

greenery on half price at Hobby Lobby used for making topiaries,

it is all from thrift stores, garage sales, or it was found for free.

A bird cage on a gilded metal candlestick, a Restoration Hardware vase, vintage books and my favorite iron bird from June are on the left side. Would you paint the gilded candle holder?

I have thought it might look better sprayed white instead of gold. 

Here is my second attempt at a topiary!

A footed iron planter holds it. I carved an irregular 

oval of floral foam. I impaled it with a stick from 

my back yard, and cut apart a bush to add the greenery.

Behind the topiary is a garage sale gilded frame painted white,

and two thrift store gilded candlesticks are in front of the frame.

Next, a very shabby gilded frame I found in the garage of a former house. 

I'm still debating painting it. I like shabby, but it's REALLY shabby.

Let me know your thoughts about this one, too. Pant or no?

 Just past the frames are more vintage books from thrift stores,

and a recently thrifted bird cage from Goodwill.

On the far right side of the mantel is my first attempt

at making a natural looking topiary. It will be revised for sure!

But I do like the softness and green it brings to the mantel.

Do you realize how difficult it is to take photos of a mirrored mantel? 

I had to take angle photos so I wouldn't be there holding the camera! 

I would like to add something industrial, but I'm not sure what. 

If I find something, you can be sure it will change before fall!

Don't forget to weigh in on the candle stick and the frame...

I value your opinions and your good taste!

Before fall, I hope to finish framing the mirror. If that happens,

you can be sure I'll post it!

Word for the Day:

Psalm 50:11
I know all the birds of the hills, 

and all that moves in the field is mine.

Linking With
Sunday
http://my1929charmerblog.com/	Sunday’s Best
http://www.homemakeronadime.com/	Creative Bloggers Party Hop
http://www.niftythriftythings.com/	Nifty Thrifty Sunday
http://stylishonceagain.blogspot.com/	Restyled Sundays
http://www.sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com/	Sister Sunday
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/	Just something I whipped up
http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/	Creative Me Link Up
Monday
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com	Metamorphosis Monday
http://makingtheworldcuter.com/	Making the World Cuter Monday
http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/	Motivate Me Monday
http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/	Show Off Your Cottage Monday
http://howtonestforless.com/	Just a party with my peeps!
Tuesday
http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/	Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/	Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/	Cowgirl Up!
http://www.elizabethandco.blogspot.com/	Be Inspired
http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/	Twice Owned Tuesday
Wednesday
http://www.fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/	White Wednesday
http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/	Primp Your Stuff Wed
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/	Wow Us Wednesday
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/	Penny Pinching Party
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/	What’s it Wednesday
http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/	Would You Buy It Wednesday
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/	Show Me What Ya Got
Thursday
http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/	Under $100 Link Party
http://savedbysuzy.blogspot.com/	Suzy's House Party
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/	Transformation Thursday
http://www.the36thavenue.com/	Share Awesomeness Thursday
http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/	Thrifty Thursday
http://katherinescorner.com/	Thursday Favorite Things
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/	Time Travel Thursday
http://frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/	Treasure Hunt Thursday
http://www.savvycityfarmer.com/	thrift’n on a thursday
http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com	Home and Garden Thursday
http://akadesign.ca	Doin’ It Yourself
http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/	Share Your Cup Thursday
http://livelaughrowe.blogspot.com	Live Laugh Linky
Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://www.remodelaholic.com/	Fridays on Remodelaholic
http://redoux.blogspot.com/	Friday Redoux Link Party
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/	Frugalicious Friday
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/	Inspiration Friday
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/	Flaunt it Friday
http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com	Vintage Inspiration Friday
http://sassysites.blogspot.com/	Free For All Friday
http://www.lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com	Spread the Love
http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com	Rustic Restorations Weekend
http://www.delicateconstruction.com/	Delicately Constructed Friday
Saturday
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/	Saturday Nite Special
http://too-much-time.com	Get Schooled Saturday
http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/	Show and Tell Saturday