mantel reveal...


We've (and by "we" I mean "I") have had an internal conflict with our fireplace and mantel area since the day we moved in.  We had always said that our living room area would always be television-free, toy-free, and clutter-free.  We have tall ceilings in this room that soar to over 18 feet, so whatever we put above the mantel had to be simple and stately.  We tried everything...mirrors, candles, art, an old church window...but nothing seemed to work.

On a trip to my parents' beach house last year, J and I picked out some great beach logs from the sand and brought them home for a little project.  However, by themselves, they weren't enough "umph."  So...this is what we came up with:


Do we likey?  Well...we are in love.  Here is a "before" pic (the before pic is from when we looked at the house before we put in an offer...):


And here is the "after":


Here is the cost breakdown:
  • Beach logs (free courtesy of the Oregon Coast)
  • Hardware to hang them: $4.99 at Home Depot
  • Twine from Home Depot, $5.49
  • Terrariums: $3.95 each + shipping from CB2
  • Air plants: $2.50-$6.00 at a local store
Total: $63.00!

Here are some more pics to tickle your fancy...






Hope you enjoy!
Lindsay "Ladybird" & Jeremiah "Fellow"!