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I know I said a couple of weeks ago that I wasn’t in the Christmas Spirit, but now I finally am! Last weekend, after our bellies were stuffed with Turkey, we started transforming the house from the Fall / Thanksgiving decor over to Christmas. I’m not sure why I was so reluctant at first and unprepared for the changing season, but o well, it’s past me and I’m excited for some Holiday Cheer!
The center and focal point of our home is the fireplace (yes, the one on the burnt orange wall), and again it has been decked for the Holidays! I was quite anxious to get started on the mantel because I knew exactly what I wanted to use and how I envisioned it to look. I was thrilled with the result of my Fall centerpiece creation and wanted to use the log as the focal point for this year’s Christmas mantel.
Here is a simple run-down of how I created the log.
- Find a log of any length that you desire (My log is about 4′ long)
- Using a 1.5″ drill bit, drill holes into the log every 5-6″
- Insert tea lights or battery-operated candles into the holes.
- It’s ready to decorate for any season!
Back to the mantel…
Once I placed the log on the mantel, I simply started layering. I used faux greenery for the base, then added some natural cut greenery from trees in my backyard throughout.
Then, I took faux berries (purchased at the craft store) and incorporated them throughout the greenery. Because they are bendable, they are easy to work with. After that came the final touches… Ornaments, pinecones, and some other branches and twigs from the outdoors.
It was complete in no time! This Holiday log decor on the fireplace mantel makes for a beautiful focal point.
Once it was complete, I had to add stockings, of course! As a family of 4, we’ve never had matching stocks and they’ve always been on my to-do list to make. I whipped out my sewing machine and a few hours later, added beautiful new stockings to the decor! I’ll share a tutorial on that later in the week.
We really enjoy how the stockings are hung by the chimney with care…
These stockings look kind of plain, but I jazzed them up yesterday…stay tuned and I’ll share more this week!
Part 2 of this post
I had to share this with you too…
Before deciding to decorate the mantel using the log, I was actually planning to display it on the dining room table similar to the fall centerpiece. Since we use our dining table everyday, it was BEAUTIFUL, but not practical because the natural greenery sheds alot (forewarning). On the fireplace it works because it’s not moved everyday.
Using the same technique as decorating the mantel, I layered greenery, branches, berries, and pinecones, then finished the centerpiece with decorative ornaments. If you want to see more on this creation, I shared this project on my TV debut on Fox 23.
Complete with the handmade stenciled drop cloth placemats I made a few weeks ago, the table is set for Christmas!
The Holiday decorating continues…I’ve got many more projects and ideas to come during this countdown to Christmas! If you’re looking for ideas on some do-it-yourself creations, head over to the Holiday section of Daily Do It Yourself.
I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, Savvy Southern Style, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, Creation Corner, The Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Under the Table & Dreaming
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Jenna I love the rustic look with the wood. The berries and greenery add th finishing touch. Great job!!
Andrea recently posted..I’m a Copy Cat
Thank you so much Andrea!! xo Jenna
Jenna, I love the mantel and one of days I’m going to create a centerpiece using a log! Love it!
Debbie
Debbie recently posted..Christmas Mantel 2011
Thanks Debbie!! xo Jenna
Love it! I imagine that when that is all aglow it makes for great ambiance! I’m so excited because today I expect to get a little handmade paper creche that I ordered from Etsy. That along with a couple crafts I made with my kids this weekend will be our Christmas mantel. (I hope to get a post up about that sweet little creche and the artist soon!)
Maybe you have a suggestion for me: I have an (ugly) brick fireplace with a simple white wooden mantel above it. The brick extends all the way up the wall. I have visions of painting the brick, but worry about just creating more ugliness! Any thoughts on painting brick?
Thanks. :)
- Heidi
Heidi Muller recently posted..52 Fridays: #5 – California
That’s great Heidi – I can’t wait to see your mantel! Brick is typical for a fireplace and I think painting it is definitely a possibility. Earlier this year, I wrote a series on fireplaces, and one post specifically about your same issue. Take a look at this post and there are links at the bottom to other related posts in the series. I hope this helps and/or gives you a direction: http://www.sasinteriors.net/2011/03/fireplace-series-4-give-your-fireplace-a-makeover/
Beautiful Christmas table – this is not another waxed tabloidal and artificial shade festive design – it is home feeling warm
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love the log candleholder. I’m all about fallen logs this year in Christmas decor. You stockings are so cute!
Brook @ BeingBrook recently posted..Christmas Tree {ruffled garland tutorial}
Thanks Brooke!! A tutorial on the stocking is coming later in the week. Take a guess what I used?? Something similar to a material you use, lol…
That log centerpiece is awesome! I’ll have to show this to my sister, she will want one for her mantel! I especially love the branch sticking off the side. :) Beautiful decorations… Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much Sarah – it’s a really easy project to create and is such a pop in a space!
hey Jenna! Love that log & it has a dual purpose….even better! :) Looks great!
Thanks so much Jessica!
The logs look gorgeous! I don’t know which way I love it more!
-Shelley
Thanks so much Shelley! xo Jenna
the log with the candles is fab.u.lous! love it!
the cape on the corner recently posted..winter in white
What a great idea!! I’m going to try this with a birch branch.
Definitely give it a try – it’s so easy. Let me know how you make out. Send me a picture or post it on my facebook wall please! Jenna
Your home is just beautiful! Love the mantel. The log candle holder is so neat!
Merry Christmas!
Lisa @ LisasCreativeDesigns recently posted..Crafting A Christmas Wreath From Old Book Pages
Thank you so much Lisa – you are so kind! Thanks for visiting SAS Interiors and Merry Christmas to you too! xo Jenna
Love it…………simple, rustic, beautiful.
Wow. Beautiful living room. I love how elegant it looks and the mantle is nicely done. I would love if you posted this on http://eyehearttoday.blogspot.com/2011/12/last-weeks-linky-party-was-success-and.html
Thanks so much Cinthya!
Wow this looks amazing! I love the log filled with candles. I really like the natural look. I also really love those placemats! Nice job!
Sarah recently posted..Large Box Shelves Build
Wow this is absolutely gorgeous! So natural and organic looking, beautiful!
That’s so neat!! Thanks for sharing!
Maysem recently posted..Primitive Shabby Chic Kitty
Thank you so much Maysem!
This is super-love it. Happy holidays
Thank you Simone!
It looks gorgeous! I love the use of the log and embellishing it with greenery and berries. So lovely.
Ruth
Ruth recently posted..Garland Before & After
This looks so beautiful. Such a great use of materials. It so natural and elegant. Nice job!
Thank you so much Jen! xo Jenna
I really like that log, I may have my dad help me make one.
Scribbling Sarah recently posted..Christmas Envelope
This is so pretty!! Hope you can link it up at my turquoise lovin’ party going on right now. (And red during the holidays!) http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2011/12/turquoise-lovin-17.html
Sara recently posted..Turquoise Lovin’ #17
LOVE IT! I am pinning and sharing on my FB page!
The 36th AVENUE recently posted..Best DIY Christmas Ideas
Thanks so much Desiree! xo Jenna