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Sunday, July 6, 2014

BEACH DREAMIN’ MANTEL

Beach Mantel

I was ready to lighten up the look on the mantel, and I’m also dreaming of being at the beach.  So, the beach came to me – on our mantel.

Beach Themed Mantel 2

A sand castle provides just the beachy feel I needed.

Beach Themed Mantel 3

Behind the sand castle, there is a ship, sailing on the ocean.

Beach Themed Mantel 4

My blue Ball jars hold blooms from our white Crepe Myrtle.  They’ll have to be replaced with faux flowers, because cut Crepe Myrtle does not last long.  I wasn’t even sure it would make it through my photo shoot.

Beach Themed Mantel 5

The flowers are backed by shell-shaped plates (Home Studio, Shoreline Collection), purchased at a Kohl’s sale a few years ago.

Beach Themed Mantel 6

A vase of seashells anchors each end of the mantel, and a silver star fish has washed up onto the base of each of the lamps.

Beach Themed Mantel 6a

I ordered the shell-shaped, wooden napkin rings on line.  I never remember to read the measurements when I order.  I’ve never used these for napkins, because they seem too big and bulky, but they work okay on my beachy mantel.

Beach Themed Mantel 7

The sand castle is a votive holder, so I lit the candle inside for these last two pictures.

Beach Themed Mantel 8

I want to share another metamorphosis that I am watching closely.

Crepe Myrtle

This is our bright pink Crepe Myrtle.  You can see that the branches aren’t very sturdy.

Mocking Bird Nest

But, look at this wonderful, sturdy nest that a Mockingbird has built in the branches.  (You may be asking how I know it’s a Mockingbird.  I know, because I got a good look at the Mama, as she flew toward me to swat my rear several times while I stood on a ladder, taking pictures!  It’s been awhile since I’ve had a mother swat my rear.)

Mocking Bird Nest 1

I’m probably not going to get back up on the ladder again, because Mama’s swats almost startled me into falling from the ladder.  But I am going to watch closely to see when her babies leave the nest, because I’d like to try to save this well-built nest.

I love having you stop by for a visit.  laurie

I’m partying with Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch, Blue Monday at Smiling Sally, and Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life.

10 comments:

Ginger said...

I love the beach/coastal décor. I have some seashells and coral and a few little things in my room. I left all my beach décor behind when I moved away from my ex and I'm starting over decorating. I love your beautiful crepe myrtle. Watch out for the birds!! lol

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Very creative mantel! That sand castle really does add the right touch. That's neat that you got a photo of the nest- I guess you made her real mad! We watched some robins right from the living room window in a shrub. There's a nice nest there for me to capture! I like how twiggy this one at your home is- a definite keeper!

SmilingSally said...

Morning Laurie,

I love those turquoise blue ball jars. They do enhance the summer/beach theme on your mantle.

Mama birds don't care how big we've grown; they're going to keep us in line! Thanks for sharing.

Have a Happy Blue Monday!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Laurie, hope you enjoyed a great 4th of July weekend.
Love your beach mantel. The sandcastle is a real treasure and it lights up too making it extra special.
Love those shell plates. I found a couple at world market recently.
Love your crape myrtle and the nest is precious.
Hugs

Anonymous said...

Every time I visit I think that I really need my Dear to build a mantle on our fireplace. It just seems like wasted space without one or blank space that I could fill up! Love your beach mantel!

thepaintedapron.com said...

Love your sandcastle Laurie! and what a great idea for summer decor! I need to bring a little beach to my mantle!
Jenna

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

What a pretty mantel, Laurie! What I would give to be at the beach right now! Sounds like mama bird was in protective mode...lol! Hopefully, you can get to keep the nest. I can see you doing a lot of vignettes with that!

Unknown said...

I love your beachy mantel! We have a nest outside too, and you can't get too close without the mother bird squawking! :)

xinex said...

I love your beachy accessories, Laurie. I always like to see how your mantel evolves from one week to the next....Christine

Sarah said...

Laurie, you are a quick change artist! Your new beach theme mantel makes me wish for a little beach time for myself.