Jenny sent me this photo last week when I called for readers to submit their design dilemmas. She is at a loss of how to decorate her fireplace mantel, especially since it sits in the corner of the room.
Jenny also said that she is a teacher and loves vintage school stuff. Of course I am all about decorating with things that you love and fit your personality, so I immediately started thinking of mantle decor using old school stuff!
Here are some items that came to mind: chalkboards, globes, pencils, crayons, apples, old typewriters, and old books! Here’s a photoshopped image to show you how I would arrange all these items on the mantle.
In the center of the mantle, I would place a chalkboard, leaning it up against the wall (no hanging involved). You could write seasonal messages or encouraging quotes on it or you could hang a sunburst mirror (made with pencils) over the top of it. You guys know how much I love books so I couldn’t help but use them in the design. Hanging a few “looped” notebooks from the ceiling would be fun- like I did in a previous window display.
And a couple of folded books sitting on top of the mantle would add texture and interest!
Items could be taken away or added depending on a person’s own style, but I think this general layout looks pretty great.
Jenny we would all love to see photos when/if you decide to do up your mantle “old school style!!” If you have a design dilemma- send it this way! kara.paslay@gmail.com
Kara, I LOVE IT! Love the chalkboard idea. Love the typewriter, the books, the globe… Do you have some to sell?? Ha ha. I’ve been wanting to check out a flea market, but I never really knew what to look for. I’m making my shopping list now. I will definitely send pictures when I get it decorated. Oh, and I promise to water that plant, too. 🙂
Jenny, I am SO glad you like it! And I can’t wait to see you put it all together! 🙂 You can find most of this stuff fairly easily at a flea market. If you have trouble finding stuff, let me know. I was at a flea market today and saw almost everything you would need!
I just recently found your blog and am LOVING IT. IT IS SO GREAT. Can I just tell you? 🙂 I just wanted to say thank you for all your sharing and hard work. It is appreciated by so many people I am sure!
xo Jessica Rae
{lovely ugly design}
http://lovelyuglydesign.blogspot.com/