me all week….
The Gathering. The Mental Planning. The Trials. Oh no…and the Errors. The Formation of a Design.
He is handmade made in Maine, of 100% grapevine.
Mr. Grits just shook his head the day he was delivered and I took him out of the box. It was love at first sight for me.
Here is the BEFORE of my Fall Mantle:
Wilbur could not wait for me to decorate the mantle for Winter. I think he is quite happy now.
The AFTER:
When I think of a Winter’s walk, my mind sees barren branches, textured brown leaves, neutral, earthen colors and then all of a sudden – bursts of color from bright green lichen and moss.
That is the feeling I tried to create on our mantle.
Vintage, silver pieces mimic the glitter of
frost and snow…
Warm candlelight on a cold Winter’s night…
A vintage, silver pitcher holds curly
twigs and feathers.
A favorite leather chest….
Old books, an antique and tarnished silver tray
and teapot, and twigs.
I didn’t spend a single dime on this project.
I just gathered together items which represented Winter to me.
A family heirloom, this silver compote dish is filled with a glowing white candle, and surrounded by bits of bright green moss.
Glass candlesticks and more white candles balance each end, adding even more warmth and glow.
I hope you have enjoyed seeing this simple transformation of my mantle. Happy Winter, my friends.
Karen says
That is a lovely winter mantle and I love Wilbur!
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
Wilbur is soo cool!..I love him! The collection of your silver pieces look so spectacular in combination with the texture of the grapevine, etc. You executed it all so beautifully as always.
View CommentFuller Flair says
This is my first visit here and I feel like I found HOME! Gorgeous! I love your work and your dedication and passion shine through!
View CommentBarb @ GritsandGlamour says
Thanks for stopping by and also for your kind words. 🙂
View CommentAmes says
I used to go out in a field and cut my own grapevines while they were green. I made all my wreathes. This however requires some talented skills. It’s very earthy, woodsy and I love it! Especially with the bits of bitter sweet tucked in it.
View CommentBarb @ GritsandGlamour says
Yes, wreaths I can handle. This is another thing altogether. I cannot imagine the hours spent in this and the amount of grapevine needed.
View CommentConfessions of a Plate Addict says
Your mantel is lovely, Barb! I love Wilber…the only kind of deer head I think would like on my fireplace! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie
View Commentℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
BEAUTIFUL Barb! I love all the natural elements you used. The moss and twigs look great and love the silver pieces too!
View Commentlisa Moran, Bilancia Designs says
I just found your blog and “Wilbur” stopped me dead in my tracks! What a GREAT piece!!
View CommentYou have lovely style…your silver pieces, the moss, and pheasant feathers…beautifully styled.
So happy I “stumbled” upon your blog!
Have a wonderful week!
Barb @ GritsandGlamour says
Welcome lisa – glad you found Grits and Glamour. 🙂
View CommentSusan (My Place to Yours) says
Great combination of shapes and Winter textures!
View Commentxinex says
Very pretty, Barb! I love the rustic look and I love the pewter pieces….Christine
View CommentRamblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says
Very pretty! …and I am loving me some Wilbur!!! 🙂
View CommentMaryAnne says
Barb, I always love your decor, but your use of natural elements really speaks to my heart. Wilbur is fabulous! He looks like he just stepped out of the Maine woods, where I do my gathering for decorating.
View CommentKarah @ thespacebetweenblog says
I LOVE Wilbur! I am from Maine too, so we might just be related!!
Have you had a chance to check out our little Challenge? It’s not too late to join. My project update post just went up. http://thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/word-of-the-year-and-i-might-be-screwed-just-once-a-gallery-wall-experiment-update/
I am your newest follower!
View Commentrenee @ Singing With Birds says
Have a wonderful winter with your fabulous creation!
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Yea, this time the post stayed up and let me read it, and it even is letting me comment. Love the mantel and your Wilbur is totally unreal. Hugs, Marty
View CommentSuzy says
Oooh – I love Wilbur! Where did you find him? I bet if that was a “real” deer your hubbie wouldn’t have shaken his head! ;o) Your winter mantle is just perfect!
View CommentA Few Pennies says
Fabulous fireplace and mantle; I so love the white brick!
View CommentJan@southernjunkin' says
I think Wilbur feels right at home! Great winter mantle!
View CommentLizabeth @ Infuse With Liz says
Your mantle is so interesting! I love the old leather chest and the silver pieces! The feathers and moss add just enough natural elements to make your vision real!
View CommentPat's Pink Apron says
Wilbur looks great in his place over the mantel. The mantel looks warm and cozy. Pat
View CommentKathysue says
Hi Barb, love Wilbur and your winter look, so reminds me of Tyler’s mantel in Mill Valley. Oh what a fun time we had and a wonderful meal with friends. Miss you,
View CommentKathysue
Gloria Fox @ Potentially Beautiful says
Thank you for linking up to my Winter Mantle party! I love Wilbur too! Your mantle is beautiful!
View CommentChristy says
I wish I had the guts to have a Wilbur – he is just awesome! The mantle looks just perfect for winter.
View CommentJust Stuff From a Boomer says
I love all of it. Wherever did you find that grapevine deer head? That is remarkable.
View Commentmrshinesclass says
The mantel is gorgeous!
View CommentSherry says
Barb,
View CommentThis is gorgeous! Just the right mix of rustic accessories. Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
Stephanie K.Esteves says
Wow, superb blog layout! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for? you made blogging glance easy. The total glance of your web site is fantastic, as {smartly as} the content material!
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