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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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March 12, 2012

Spring Mantel Copycat

 

Let’s face it. 
If you are going to try and copy a Martha Stewart creation, you’d better have a stiff upper lip, a good sense of humor, and no confidence whatsoever that you will somehow be able to perfectly recreate one of her masterpieces. That being said…I’m just enough a glutton for punishment that I decided to go for it!
I was bound and determined to find something to copycat for this fantastic extravaganza going on this week:
Debbiedoos
And when I found this photo, I was thrilled to realize I could “kill two birds with one stone” by doing a Copycat Mantel and linking up to two of the parties.
Hee Hee…get it…birds…eggs…nests…that one was just too easy!
Martha Stewart


 

While I knew I had a white cake stand which would work for one of the nests, I had to improvise for the other. So, I dug through my candle holders and found these brass ones. I gave one of them a couple of coats of white spray paint so that I could use it as the base. Don’t you just love how I didn’t even take the time to scrape of the leftover wax before I sprayed it? I’m super detail oriented like that!

Then I just put one of the salad plates from my china on top!
I decided to use this shredded paper for the “nests” since it was cheap (or should I say “cheep”!) and at the store I was in at the time.

I simply piled on the shredded paper and nestled down in some pastel colored eggs 
that I already had on hand. 
I loved the flowers Martha used, especially that they were so tall.

But, alas, these shorter daffodils were all I could find.

I have some kind of sneaking suspicion that Martha planted the bulbs for those longer stemmed flowers WAY ahead of time just knowing she would use them for this mantel! 
Wouldn’t that just be like her?
For vases I simply used 2 of our drinking glasses.

And now for the dreaded side-by-side comparison.
Don’t judge.

 
                      Martha Stewart                                                         Vanessa’s Copycat (duh)


 
 
       
 
 
 
 
       

Martha also used more flowers and they actually seemed to stand up straight as opposed to mine which just wanted to flip and flop all over the place.
Actually, I kinda wonder if she just gave hers a “look” and they straightened up right quick!


 

I’m not sure that I will ever attempt another “Martha” copycat (since it seemed to bring up all sorts of insecurities I didn’t even realize I had!), but I sure am loving my sweet little 
Family Room Spring Mantel!

 

And, while we are on the subject, I’m just gonna toss another mantel your way!
This one is in our Living Room.

This mantel is really loooong, making it a bit of a challenge to decorate at times. I know I could just fill it to the brim with stuff but I really like to see some open spaces in between the items.

I was so excited to find these silver mint julep cups at Goodwill and if you look very closely you can see that they are monogrammed. It kind of makes me sad that someone just gave them away. 
I felt like going all “Murder She Wrote” and solving the Mystery of the Monograms!

 

These urns also joined the family and I was pleasantly surprised to see how well this shade of blue worked in my home. Their $9.99 price tag didn’t hurt either!

Some flowery branches were added.

 

And if this doesn’t say “Spring”, I don’t know what does!
My botanical paintings were just made for this season, don’t you think?

 Now, if only the rain would stop long enough so I could get out and plant some real flowers!
Thanks so much for joining me and my mantels today at the Fence,

 
1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

You’ll find us partying here this week:
Debbiedoos

You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
Ruby Jean: Sew Crafty Tuesday
DIY By Design: Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
Chatty Chics: Wild Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
2805: Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
Redoux: Friday Link Up

This post is sponsored by:
The Old Block House

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48 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays, Spring

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janel@hatingmartha says

    March 12, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    Brighter, fresher, funner (is that a word?). Yours beats Martha’s. and that’s saying something. Although, I am sometimes bias. But I swear I am not! Yours really is great!

    Reply
  2. Courtenay@Creek Line House says

    March 12, 2012 at 1:39 PM

    Oooooo! I love it! I think it turned out beautifully! And don’t worry, I’m not attempting anything nearly as fancy as you did, but I’m still having insecurities about my Spring mantel too.

    Reply
  3. Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl says

    March 12, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    I like your even more, as it pops with color! Great job!

    Reply
  4. ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀ says

    March 12, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    Don’t tell Martha, but I like your much better. LOL It has more visual intrest and the scale is much better:)

    Reply
  5. The Amusing Redhead says

    March 12, 2012 at 2:01 PM

    I agree, I like yours better Vanessa.

    Reply
  6. Alderberry Hill says

    March 12, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    I have to say I like yours better…it’s more bright. I like how your mirror has an awesome chunky frame and the eyelet detail in you cake stand is so much nicer too…way to go! You more than nailed it.

    Reply
  7. Ginger says

    March 12, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    Honestly, I like yours more. Don’t care for her mirror and her eggs look like lemons in the picture. Well done my lady!

    Reply
  8. reFresh reStyle says

    March 12, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    Your mantel is beautiful! I agree, Martha has nothing on you! Love it!
    Debbie

    Reply
  9. NanaDiana says

    March 12, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    OMGOSH! That looks wonderful- I love it, Vanessa. Personally, I think yours is better than the original- xo Diana

    Reply
  10. Coastal Cottage Dreams says

    March 12, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    This is beautiful! I think yours look better!!!

    Reply
  11. Deserae says

    March 12, 2012 at 3:35 PM

    Looks gorgeous….love your flowers!
    ~Des

    Reply
  12. Kristi L. says

    March 12, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    Well, there seems to be a consensus here. I like yours better than Martha’s as well. Yours looks more springy. I prefer the colorful look of yours over the subdued look of Martha’s. Both are beautiful, but you surely have nothing to feel insecure about!!

    Reply
  13. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    March 12, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    Beautiful, Vanessa! I love how you improvised with the brass stands. Wax shmax! Who cares when there is a copycat project that needs to be done right now! : ) I have to tell you, I am in love with those floral prints over your other mantel and that clock! Any time you’re looking to get rid of them . . .

    Reply
  14. Gina says

    March 12, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    I think both of your mantels look beautiful! As far as the copycat goes, I prefer yours over Marthas! Her mantel is a little too “uppity”, your mantel is more relaxed and realistic. So there, take that Martha! lol

    Reply
  15. Heather says

    March 12, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    I love what you’ve done! Both mantels look fantastic!

    Reply
  16. Creative Raisins says

    March 12, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    So pretty, a spring mantel will make me smile everytime I see one.

    Reply
  17. pigsathome says

    March 12, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    I seem to be the latecomer but I honestly like yours best! It appeals more to my style and looks cleaner. I must have that cake plate!!! Keep on going, girl. I’d rather see your decorating than Martha’s any day.

    Reply
  18. ourlifeinaclick.blogspot.com says

    March 12, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    Very nice copycat! I think I like yours even better than Martha’s (gasp!). I love collecting silver with monograms..I feel like i’m giving them a new home (and like you, I think about who they belonged to)

    Reply
  19. Pat@Back Porch Musings says

    March 12, 2012 at 5:58 PM

    Beautiful copy…gorgeous mantels.

    Reply
  20. Debbiedoo's says

    March 12, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    Fantastic! You did way better than Martha..Martha who btw? Love it. Thanks so much for sharing with the party. Enjoy!

    Reply
  21. Judy says

    March 12, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    You are very clever to get a two for one. I love both of your mantles. I think you did a great job on your copycat project. I like yours way more than Martha’s. Gorgeous flowers. I’d rather hang out with you any day over Martha!!!

    Reply
  22. Betty Sneeringer says

    March 12, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    I like yours better than Marthas, except maybe for the mirror. I do like her oval but you did a great job with what you had.

    Betty

    Reply
  23. Gypsy Heart says

    March 12, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    I think your mantel…really both, are beautiful! Who cares about Martha? She has a staff of 1,000 I’m sure and some of her “looks” could kill. 🙂 You did a wonderful job!

    Pat

    Reply
  24. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    March 12, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    I love both of your mantels! Martha’s mantel is a little too staid for me and I like yours better!

    Reply
  25. bj says

    March 12, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    OMYGOSH…you did an amazing copy cat of Martha’s mantel. You are sooo brave and I have NO doubt that she DID cock her head, raise an eyebrow and those flowers wouldn’t DARE flip flop around!!
    Great job!!

    Reply
  26. Eclectically Vintage says

    March 12, 2012 at 9:43 PM

    Vanessa
    What a fabulous job! I would never attempt to copy the great Martha – wouldn’t want to upset her (she might land back in jail)!

    I do believe you’re right – I think one withering look from Martha and those daffodils had no choice but to stand at attention!

    Kelly

    Reply
  27. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    March 12, 2012 at 11:01 PM

    I think you did Martha proud. Love your version.

    Reply
  28. Chatty Chics says

    March 12, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Um, hello! Gorgeous! I like yours better than hers! So stick it Martha! 🙂 Great job!
    Melody

    Reply
  29. Kelly says

    March 13, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    Yours looks just as good as Martha’s if you ask me! I can’t believe how close they are. You did a great job. I like the other mantel you did too. They look very nice for the warmer months ahead. Wish it would stop raining here too!

    Reply
  30. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    March 13, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    Vanessa both your mantels look great and I like your version much better then Martha’s! Your flowers are so bright and pretty compared to her’s!

    Reply
  31. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 13, 2012 at 2:07 AM

    Wow! Both of your mantels look fabulous. I have not gotten around to decorating mine for spring.

    Reply
  32. jessica@hillcountryhomebody.blogspot.com says

    March 13, 2012 at 4:38 AM

    Yep yours is better! I love that you left the wax on the candle stick! That’s my kind of crafting too;) Who has time for the details;)?

    Reply
  33. Pamela says

    March 13, 2012 at 4:48 AM

    Too cute!! It turned out great ladies!

    Reply
  34. classic • casual • home says

    March 13, 2012 at 10:04 AM

    Nice job…I like yours better. Starting to feel like Spring!

    Reply
  35. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 13, 2012 at 11:43 AM

    Actually…I like yours better than Martha’s…Beautiful copy cat!

    Reply
  36. Linda Young says

    March 13, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    Your mantle is lovely, and just as good or better than Martha’s! Love that quicky spray-paint job!
    The living room mantle looks really pretty! The prints, the urns , the tarnished silver cups– it looks fab!

    Reply
  37. Meg says

    March 13, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Martha, she doesn’t always do a good thing and you proved it here! Great job! I’m also loving the botantical prints in the Living Room!

    https://1funkywoman.blogspot.com

    Megan

    Reply
  38. Tammy@Beatrice Banks says

    March 13, 2012 at 2:25 PM

    Beautiful! I love the pops of yellow with the flowers, better than Martha’s in fact. Great job!
    Enjoyed your last post on praying for our kids. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  39. Cynthia says

    March 13, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    Great post I love the pops of color and dishes with eggs. Very nice.

    Reply
  40. CAS says

    March 13, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    I think both mantels look beautiful, Vanessa! I adore so much of what Martha does, but just remember all of the resources she has at her fingertips. I think you did a great copycat. One thing you might try with your daffs is to undo the tie at the bottom so the stems flair a bit. I’ve done that before to make long stems stand straighter. They are lovely no matter what!
    CAS

    Thanks for visiting my blog & leaving sweet comments!

    Reply
  41. Cristina Garay says

    March 13, 2012 at 5:37 PM

    Your version is really nice! I like the pop of color with the flowers!

    Reply
  42. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    March 13, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Let’s see. Martha mantel copy cat, FABULOUS. Dead on ringer! You rocked it. The second mantel is just lovely too. Those blue urns ARE fantastic and $10? Total steal ;)The botanical paintings are gorgeous and it all just flows beautifully. Happy Spring.

    PS-We have had hail, rain, hurricane strength winds and now, snow… Come on Spring!

    Reply
  43. Claire says

    March 14, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    I definitely prefer your mantel to Martha’s! Hers is lovely, but too stiff. Yours is fun and has much more character. Plus, your description of how you recreated made me giggle a few times. I doubt Martha uses puns! I don’t think anyone could go wrong decorating with daffodils. They’re just such a beautiful, happy flower. I can’t wait for mine to bloom!

    So glad I clicked over!

    Claire @ alittlesomethinginthemeantime.blogspot.com

    Reply
  44. Cynthia says

    March 15, 2012 at 1:53 PM

    Love the urns in this piece.

    Reply
  45. Sue says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    You are too hard on yourself. I think your version of the mantle is sooo pretty, and I prefer it! Bright, cheery and perfect for spring!

    Reply
  46. M.j. says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    I shared the giveaway on my fb page…ciao4now64@yahoo.com

    Reply
  47. Honey at 2805 says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:45 AM

    Martha’s probably jealous because your mirror is so much better than hers! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  48. Debbie {Visual Eye Candy} says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    I love it! It look absolutely gorgeous great job!

    Reply

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