~ Valentine's Mantel 2013 - The Decorated House

Pink and gray with a touch of red and shiny silver and Mercury glass are the decorating colors for Valentine's Day here this year. The beautiful bougainvillea is blooming right now and it was tempting to bring it in for the mantel like last year.  But it sheds quite a bit and doesn't really last that long. So instead a simple hand made paper flower is in an antique glass bottle until

some other flowers arrive closer to Valentine's Day.

I also decided to use the same frame as I did for Valentine's last year.  I gave instructions then how to do this antique glaze with Annie Sloan chalk paint.  If  you would like to see  how it was done, you can find it HERE.  You might notice a slight difference in the look of the frame this year. I added a metallic gray paint to the strip that goes between to the more ornate areas. I needed a more metallic silver gray and I really like how this paint looks with the chalk paint on the same piece. 

Pretty silver candlesticks are anchoring each end of the mantel and the white paper covered antique books stayed from the last holiday. This time they have "bookmarks" made of pink ribbon and small Mercury glass hearts.

For the heart decoration, I adjusted some art in the shape of a heart on the computer, printed it on paper white paper, and then cut it out the heart shape.  Then using a stick of glue, attached a ruffle I made using a pieces cut from an unbleached coffee filter since it was the perfect vintagey color and texture. Someday one piece of art might stay in this frame for a little while, but right now I love changing it out to go with a new holiday or season. 

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day.

See Y'All Soon~

Donna

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