Thursday, December 9, 2010

Christmas Mantel Garland

A few weeks ago, Susan,  at Between Naps on the Porch, posted this gorgeous, gigantic mantel garland. Look at all of the different plants and textures.




It inspired me to make one with items from our yard. I got busy pruning everything I could find that wasn't an evergreen. The garage was already full of evergreen branches that my hubs had cut for wreath making.

So, here is my interpretation and a much smaller version; although it is 8-1/2' long . . .





This garland has Japanese boxwood, douglas fir, noble fir, holly, western red cedar, incense cedar, weeping Alaskan cedar, red wood, scarlet oak leaves {which, fortunately, don't lose their leaves until spring}, camelia leaves, wild rosehips, dead twigs from our lilac bushes, and some round flat leaves from a plant I don't know the name of. I love all of the different textures and colors, and I would never have thought to add fall leaves to a Christmas garland.

Thank you, Susan, for always showing such great inspirations on your blog! You can see Susan's complete mantel inspiration post here. 

For years I have had our vintage style snowmen on our mantel and have changed it up sometimes with a Pottery Barn garland, but this year I combined the snowmen with the evergreen garland. It adds some fabric texture and height, and the colors blend well together.





I just taught a wreath class last week and plan to post a wreath tutorial, which is the same technique for making a garland. Let me know if you would like to know how to make your own evergreen garland.

What's on your mantel this Christmas?

Don't you just love Christmas?? Thanks for all of your inspirations! I look forward to visiting your homes for Christmas through blogland.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season with your families.

~ Julie

AND

WE HAVE A WINNER TO ANNOUNCE . . .

Random Number Generator picked #1

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

SUBURBAN PREP


YOU WON THE $35 CSN GIFT CERTIFICATE!
HAVE FUN SHOPPING!

at

17 comments:

  1. Suburban prepDecember 9, 2010 at 1:59 PM

    Thank you so much.
    What a great help this will be with holiday shopping.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gracie's CottageDecember 9, 2010 at 3:47 PM

    That is a delicious garland - looks wonderful!

    Jan

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  3. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)December 9, 2010 at 6:02 PM

    Bravo!
    That turned out just wonderfully! Very great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ErinDecember 9, 2010 at 6:50 PM

    Love the natural elements of your mantle, very inviting!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)December 9, 2010 at 7:53 PM

    Julie...this is beautiful!!! I love all the colors and textures! You did a wonderful job recreating the Southern Living look. I love your darling vintage style snowman...they look great with the all the natural garland. Let me know when you post your wreath tutorial...would love to see that!
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  6. Heaven's WalkDecember 9, 2010 at 9:11 PM

    Absolutely beautiful, Julie! You did a great job! And YES! I adore Christmas time!!! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  7. DebbieDecember 10, 2010 at 2:36 AM

    FANTASTIC! I'm heading outside to jazz up mine a little now thanks to this inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  8. TerrellDecember 10, 2010 at 6:33 AM

    It's absolutely beautiful!! I wouldn't want to take it down..ha! So glad I found your fun blog...I can't wait to see more of your fun finds!
    Happy holiday hugs,
    ~Terrell @ Frou Frou Decor~

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousDecember 10, 2010 at 7:04 AM

    Your mantel looks beautiful, Julie, and what a wonderful collection of snowmen!
    Happy Holidays!
    ~ Jo :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Erin | Bygone LivingDecember 10, 2010 at 9:15 AM

    So beautiful! Yours is exceptionally gorgeous :) ♥

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  11. Susan Nowell @ My Place to YoursDecember 10, 2010 at 1:46 PM

    Nice job, Julie! I see we both like snowmen, too. :-) I posted some of mine the other day... Hope you're doing well and keeping your sanity during this busy but delightful time of year!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesDecember 10, 2010 at 2:31 PM

    You did a beautiful job on this, Julie! It looks wonderful on your mantel with the snowmen! Congrats to the winner!

    ReplyDelete
  13. SandyDecember 10, 2010 at 4:09 PM

    Beautiful and festive mantle decor, thank you for sharing your holiday decor. Happy holidays!

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  14. Debra@CommonGroundDecember 10, 2010 at 4:51 PM

    Really beautiful, your mantle is so great with all the snowmen! Thanks for linking up with VIF!

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  15. AlexandraDecember 11, 2010 at 10:13 AM

    Julie your Blog is fantastisch! I love your wonderful decoration and pictures.
    Have a nice day
    Greetings Alexandra

    ReplyDelete
  16. Courtney ~ French Country CottageDecember 11, 2010 at 8:18 PM

    Hi Julie~ This is beautiful! I love your charming little snowmen and can't wait for the wreath tutorial! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownDecember 14, 2010 at 5:22 AM

    wow those mantels are gorgeous!!!
    I dont have a fire place,,but now i want one..

    Merry Christmas...Blessings to you and your family

    ReplyDelete