• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

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

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

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

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Praying for your Kids Series…Part 2
Next Post: Romantic Homes Magazine Feature…. At The Picket Fence »

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie from www.atthepicketfence.com

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
It was the most glorious day to celebrate my best It was the most glorious day to celebrate my best friend! Oregon came through with perfect weather for my wonderful husband’s birthday and we made the most of it by taking the convertible to our favorite winery and soaking up the sunshine, yummy food and wine. Then we had a lovely time celebrating with family at our home. Robb is truly the most amazing husband and father and all around incredible man. He loves and leads us well so it’s such a joy to get to honor him on his special day. 🎂

“The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good.” Matthew 12:35
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! Today I’m s It’s time for another #tiptuesday! Today I’m sharing with you two critical things to determine if you want to create order in your home which leads to a much more peaceful experience for everyone. As a recovering perfectionist, this has been one of my greatest lessons and I hope it encourages you today! 🍃
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence