Cozy Fall Mantel

Happy Thursday friends! It’s a big day around here. My third baby turns 16 and takes his test to get his license this morning. Praying he passes!! He’s a pretty good driver, so I really have no doubt. I have mixed feelings about all of this. I’m happy to be doing less toting around of him AND his brother (they have very similar schedules), but I’m terrified when I think about him being out their on his own among all the other crazy drivers.  😯 But, anywho!! That’s what it’s all about mamas. They grow up and do new things and we learn to pray harder and harder with every passing year.

Wow, I didn’t mean to chat for that long, but there ya go! Today I’m sharing a few more shots of our fall mantel, and some more details. I’ve really started to settle into what I like design wise as of late. It’s somewhat eclectic, but not. Ha! Some might say modern farmhouse, others might say cozy minimalist. Maybe a combo of those. I’m definitely in a less is more phase, and I do like some history thrown in, but I also like a little bit of modern thrown in as well. Whatever you want to call it, it makes sense to me and I like it, and that’s all that matters!! So, for what it is, here is my version of a cozy fall mantel.

Cozy Fall Mantel

I have seen these old windows for years while out junking, and they never really appealed to me. (mostly because the things I had seen them used for didn’t strike my fancy) But, lately I’ve seen them used simply for their architecture, and texture. And I LOVE that. So, hubby and I went on a hunt a few weeks back and I found exactly what I wanted for only $20!! (Local friends – if you haven’t ever checked out The Rink Gallery, you need to, they have some of the best stuff!)

The copper cow bell was another junking find. I’m not sure what drew me to it, but I knew I needed to have it. The pumpkins and pine cones have been collected over the years.

The cute little wire basket was a Homegoods find, and the books belonged to hubby’s grandparents.

The glass jar came from TJ Maxx I believe and has lived on my mantel all summer with the eucalyptus leaves. But, when I spotted these orange pom pom lovelies at Hobby Lobby this fall they just jumped right into my basket!!  Perfect addition for fall I think.

The mantel set without the chalkboard for a day or two to be honest. (this is part of my process most of the time – I have an overall idea of what I want it to look like, but the elements come to me as I go) I found the frame in my garage and propped that up there empty, and I liked it, but it wasn’t quite right.

When the idea of the chalkboard came to mind, I set out to DIY one. And that was the ticket.

I then scouted pinterest for fall chalkboard art, and (since my skills are pretty lacking in this department) I settled with something simple.

This really might be my favorite fall mantel of all time. I hope you like it as well, and are inspired to get your mantel decorated for fall. Now if the weather would just cooperate! (although I can’t complain too much – I saw that Canada got snow a few days ago – not ok)

Be sure to head back to my last post and check out the rest of the fall homes on the blog tour. So much inspiration, in all different styles.