Christmas Mantle --Silent Night and Tablescape

The stockings are hung, the cookies are made, the cocoa has been tasted, and the eggnog (with a bit of Southern Bourbon) is awaiting.  The presents...well, Santa is working tomorrow.  Thanks Mom!   New traditions started with little one--gingerbread house, reindeer food, teaching of the meaning of advent and calender.  Introducing her to the annual cookie baking with Grandma.  Its a year of starts for our little family.

I showed a touch of my Holiday Home already but didn't show the main item in my living room.  A peek at my mantle which has been waiting patiently while I finished making my first handmade sign.  Check. Done--just in time for Christmas.  

As you can tell my mantle and fireplace are large, overly large--it definitely a challenge for my tiny living room.  Not including its a west facing room.

I love seeing all the signs and subway art but my artsyness told me I had to try it first.  My Dad was the one who told me Lowe's had plywood pieces in the lumber area already cut to certain sizes. Easy and inexpensive. I did sand the entire piece first.  The paint is Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old white, then I did a white wash with several layers of clear wax. I actually used the dark wax and aged the piece that way giving it a lot of old world up close. The letters I hand painted with some Golden acrylic paints--Paynes Gray and Black with the word Bright accented with  Aquamarine blue.  One the paint cures, I will add another clear wax to seal it all.
On a side note--patience is needed if you are handpainting the letters.  I admit there were some under the breath commentary going on the craft room amidst the Christmas music!

The natural woodland theme continues in my tablescape.

 

The canvas tag was hand stamped along with the Initial tag.  The crochet flower favor was handmade by my Mom. 

 

 My centerpiece is a bit of natural, sparkle, and romance.

 The deer plates and charger are from Pottery Barn.  I found the faux mercury glass ornaments and pinecones at a local dealer. 

 

 My sweet upcycled bird (was a horrible brown red before) --Annie Sloan chalk paint, clear wax and distressing.  I used one of my Dad's old flannel shirts for his little scarf. 

 

My sweet old gal, Cookie, supervising ---

That's all folks..Mrs Billet's White Cake is being made for Christmas Day, then I'm done till New Years Day dinner.  Merry Christmas --and may we enjoy the reason for the Season.

May the families and community find peace in Connecticut. 

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