December 2, 2008

Mantle Project

I wanted to jazz up my mantle this year. So I've been a busy little elf. I took the Nester's advice and created a garland (more to come). But I really needed something with height to go ON the mantle.

I started with a 24" x 30" painters canvas, on sale at Michaels. I chose a fun green acrylic paint(Folk Art brand 'forest moss') and began making large brush strokes:
Then I used my artistic finesse (snicker) and very expensive tools...

It was a quick project. I am sure I could have made it much more exact by tracing a font from the computer; but I, well um, didn't.

I really wanted something that would honor the true meaning of Christmas:
3 bottles of acrylic paint
1 sharpie
painters canvas

New mantle for Christmas: priceless

23 comments:

Karen said...

Very pretty.
I can't wait to see your Nester inspired garland.

Domestic Goddess..Diva sometimes said...

Very nice! Love the colors you chose. It really makes a statement!

Lacy said...

I love it!!! It looks great and perfect would be boring! I love the tidbits I can see of your garland!!!!!

trish said...

oh.my.goodness. That is just perfect! What a precious way to honor our King of Kings and Lord of Lords! :o) Thank you for sharing your creation! I may very well copy you!! Have a nice day.
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

Shell in your Pocket said...

Oh my goodness..I just love this!!!!!! Love it!!!! So pretty!!!!
-sandy toes

Empty Nest Full Life said...

What a fantastic project! Jackie

Unknown said...

Gretchen, I love this! I may have to copy this idea if you don't mind! :)
Erin

Learning as we Live said...

It is beautiful! I wish I had any amount of creativity!

Georgia Girl said...

Simply beautiful!

Georgia Girl said...

Gosh I meant to ask do you have an etsy shop?...I would love to buy something like this.

The Berry's Patch said...

Girl, your an artist! That looks fantastic!

Chris said...

I LOVE it! There's no way I could do that. What color green did you use? It's the perfect shade.

Nichole said...

Very pretty, and what a great idea!

Sarah said...

You are so creative. I love that your project is something that displays the truth of Christmas and your heart to honor Him during this time of year.

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

I am doing my Nester garland now...well, not this exact minute, but minutes ago and yes, height is an issue. I don't have anything large enough to fit over all of my stuff. :) I had to keep it on the mantle a little bit because it kept falling and I already but a few nails in it. I love it, but yes, I need your AMAZING creation!!

cherry said...

I love this, I love this, I lvoe this! Soooo true..and a great way to honor him! We like to make a birthday cake for Jesus right before. You are sooo inspiring...great job! Cherry

Laurie said...

What a great idea! Very creative. The words are powerful also and always a good reminder of what Christmas is all about!

Suz said...

What a great idea! You make it sound simple to do. I may have to give it a try.
Great to hear about your Thanksgiving. What wonderful memories.

Decor To Adore said...

This is absolutely beautiful!

Jenny said...

That looks great! I don't like my handwriting, so I could never try it.

I can't wait to see your garland.

Teresa said...

What a wonderful way to and beauty to your home at the same time remembering the real reason for the season- Christ
Merry Christmas

Anonymous said...

Love this project, even I can attempt this!!! Can't wait to try it! Oh, and I am just a tad bit jealous that you are in the mountains - coming from Idaho I do miss the winter - but we try to get up near Marion and Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock every quarter or so.

Julie Bagamary said...

Cool project!