Flowers Aren’t Optional (Spring Mantel 2014)

Flowers, for me, are not optional.  When I do my weekly shopping at Trader Joe’s I always  pick up a bunch of pretty flowers.  I usually grab pretty daffodils or delicate roses.  I know some people think flowers are frivolous, but to me, well, I think they are as important as bread or milk.

It may be gray or cold or windy out.  Spring hasn’t really come to our part of New England yet.

So looking at these flowers makes me so happy and lifts my spirits.

This is our spring mantel.  I’ve used my “sea glass” bottles on here and also painted up a window frame I found on freecycle with Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in Luckett’s Green.

Here’s the before:

The green is so pretty and spring-like.  I used bonding agent to paint it and then I distressed a little with a sanding block and put a little white wax on it.

The sweet bird’s nest was from Decor Steals a few years ago and the moss basket I found at Michaels.  The rest of the stuff I had around the house.

Soft colors of pale green, blue and dusty pink play against the dark wood and white walls.

You can’t see them but I’ve been working on one of the french style chairs I fell in love with in the caning class that just started.  When I get further along I’ll share the progress.  I’ll warn you, it may be a while before you see them…

I’m thinking of painting these bricks gray  What do you think? Luke doesn’t think it is a good idea.  The color clash of the wood, bricks and tiles are bothering me a bit.

How are you decorating for spring?!?  Can’t wait to hear!

If you get a chance, I’m chatting with Lauren over at Back to the Old House today as part of her “On The Couch Series”.  Pour yourself a cuppa and join us over on the couch for a chat.

So much fun!  Hope you can stop by.