I'm sure everyone has "that" place in their house (or a few) that they just don't know what to do with. You can arrange and rearrange and never quite get it right. My family room fire place mantle is one of those places.
I have had an antique medicine cabinet there, two different mirrors, a painting, topiaries, hurricanes, plates, you name it. Nothing really sings. Part of the problem is that I want to take a sledge hammer to that fireplace, but that's not going to happen for a while. Until then, I need to adopt the principal that if you can't change it, decorate it. Here it is...blah. I love the auction mirror ($1.00), the concrete chicken ($15.00), and the yard sale ironstone platter ($2.50), but I'm just not sure they all really work here.
So, I was staring at my mantle (as I frequently do) before we left on our trip. I wanted to do something. Something fast & free. The advice from my friend, Donna, over at Funky Junk Interiors popped into my head -- Layers, layers, layers. I had a twig wreath that I purchased for $2.00 at a yard sale in the basement. I grabbed it and just set it up between the mirror and the ironstone platter. What a difference! Something so small made a big impact. 
It still doesn't "sing" to me, but it's headed in the right direction. Good advice, Donna. Thanks.While I was in Raleigh, I couldn't help myself and I dropped into Goodwill. I found a pair of silver tumblers for $2.39/piece and this globe for $3.99. I'm not sure, yet what I'm going to do with it, but I've always wanted a globe. (Not sure why...) 
And here's a progress report on the bread box I am painting for Lilia of Two Brown Eyed Beauties. She sent me the quote she wants painted on it and I'm waiting to hear from her on the color scheme. I'll then paint the quote, embellishments, and add a final glaze. 
I was out of town for the holiday, but I have a lot of projects that are almost done. I should have some new things to share with you this week. Stay tuned!
And here's a progress report on the bread box I am painting for Lilia of Two Brown Eyed Beauties. She sent me the quote she wants painted on it and I'm waiting to hear from her on the color scheme. I'll then paint the quote, embellishments, and add a final glaze. 
I was out of town for the holiday, but I have a lot of projects that are almost done. I should have some new things to share with you this week. Stay tuned!