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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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September 27, 2011

A Tale of Two Mantels…Part Two

Ok….so you are going to have to forgive me while I get all mushy-gushy here for a minute.
Can I just tell you how proud I am of my sister??!!!
Her Kitchen Island Transformation is beyond incredible and the fact that she did the bulk of it all by herself truly amazes me! I think she is such a great example to all of us, that we can bring our vision for our homes to life, not break the bank and learn new skills along the way. You rock Heather!
And your photography skills ain’t too shabby either!
Now, since we are on the topic of bringing a vision to life and not breaking the bank, I would love to share with you how I did that on a much smaller scale when I tackled dressing up my
Living Room Fireplace Mantel for Fall.

As with my Family Room Mantel, a Harvest theme, keeping things simple
 and avoiding the craft stores as much as possible were the goals!
Those craft stores just suck you right in don’t they? I think it’s all those coupons. Feels like I’m just throwing money away when I don’t use them…at least that’s what I tell my hubby!
I love the juxtaposition of the white urns against the dark wood of the mantel.
Still loving my corn husks and their many different functions.
Still haven’t made Tamales with them.
I have had this urn forever but it used to be a red-ish/gold-ish tone.
So I took a can of white spray paint to it and then sanded it up to let some of the base color come through.
The wheat bunches were stuck down inside for added height and then faux flowers and gourds were tucked around the base to add a pop of color. I think it provides just the right amount of drama and creating this could not have been easier!
Most of these gourds I have had for years but this is the first time I have ever used them on my mantel.
Bead and berry filled branches at the ends finish it off.
This is the time of the year when I feel like the color pallette in my home really comes to life.
The buttery yellow walls seem to take on a soft glow.
And the reds, greens and golds all seem to perk up, ready to welcome Autumn in all of its glory.

Thanks for letting me share my mantel with you today at the Fence,
This post is partying here:
The Lettered Cottage

Savvy Seasons: Autumn Arrives Party

Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home Party
2805: Potpourri Friday

32 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays

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Previous Post: « My kitchen island transformation…Part One
Next Post: Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 34! »

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Comments

  1. Becca says

    September 27, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Bravo *clap clap clap* Bravo !! This is beautiful, Vanessa !! It’s truly a fabulous mantel, showcasing Fall in fine fashion. Love the old books … the corn husks (mine are still in the bag … lol) … the painted urn and pumpkins and guords! Great hurricanes, too … I had those same ones, but broke them. Waaa. Well, well done, friend! xoxo

    Reply
  2. Becca says

    September 27, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    And, PS: YES, I’m truly amazed and inspired by Heather’s gorgeous new island! She did an awesome job … you girls rock. Creativity doesn’t run short in your family, that’s fo’ sho’ !! xo

    Reply
  3. Kelly says

    September 27, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Looking good! You’re all ready for fall. Now all you need is a fire in the fireplace.

    Reply
  4. housedressingblog.blogspot.com says

    September 27, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Vanessa, it’s so organic, you truly captured the essence of fall! I’m coveting your ottoman coffee table, and the fact that you have a mantel… this is the first house I’ve lived in that doesn’t have a fireplace. The Hubster promised to put one in after-market, I’m still waiting!

    Reply
  5. NanaDiana says

    September 27, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Vanessa-It is absolutely beautiful! I love it. Very homey and comfortable looking. A mantle to be proud of …and…. I am proud of your sister too…she did a phenomenal job! xo Diana

    Reply
  6. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    September 27, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Your fall mantel looks great. I love the urn with the corn husks and your old books are perfect!

    Reply
  7. Jennifer says

    September 27, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Beautiful mantel! I love the urn with the corn husks!

    Reply
  8. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    September 27, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Loving the white urns! My fav! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  9. Richella says

    September 27, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Your mantel looks lovely, Vanessa! You did a great job! And I love all the ways–other than tamales–you’re using those corn husks! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    September 27, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Gurl you done good on Mantel II! I love the corn husks and the pretty orange pops here and there. Loves it!

    Reply
  11. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    September 28, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    It’s so pretty Vanessa!! And ummm is that a wedding picture I see that I want to see more of ???
    XO

    Reply
  12. The French Hutch says

    September 28, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    Your mantle got great results. Love the white urns and the bright colors. Your mantle is lovely with the dark wood and I love the tile. After seeing yours I think I need to do a little something to mine. I understand your mushy-gushy sister feelings too. Have a great evening……

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    Reply
  13. Alison @ The Polohouse says

    September 28, 2011 at 1:35 AM

    This looks so pretty!
    Love the design of the arrangement!
    xx
    Alison

    Reply
  14. The DIY Show Off says

    September 28, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    It’s a beautiful and inspiring mantel! Perfect for autumn harvest. So warm and inviting!

    Reply
  15. Betsy (BB) says

    September 28, 2011 at 3:09 AM

    This looks great! A great fall mantel and so inspiring! I love those old books!

    Reply
  16. very merry vintage style says

    September 28, 2011 at 3:47 AM

    Very nice. Love the angle of that first photo– Stop by and link up if you have time.
    Mary

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    September 27, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    So pretty…the perfect fall touches!

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    September 28, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Great job, Vanessa! I love the colors for fall too. I’m working on mine. I’ve been working on it. I thought I liked it and then got sucked into blogland and a state of dissatisfaction so I’m dinking again.

    Reply
  19. Judy says

    September 28, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Great job Vanessa. I love your mantle. I have got to tackle mine…hopefully today. It’s raining here so it will be a perfect day to get some fall decorating done. Thanks for inspiring me…as always.

    Reply
  20. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    September 28, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    *wolf whistle* You have set the bar very high this year, Vanessa! Your mantelpiece arrangements are LOVELY!

    The colours all tie in so beautifully. I am feeling thoroughly inspired…

    Sarahxxxxxx

    Reply
  21. Kim says

    September 28, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Vanessa your mantle looks Fall-licious!! I agree about the white urns against the dark mantle – great contrast. You did good girl!
    xoxo,
    Kim

    Reply
  22. CAS says

    September 28, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    The mantel looks beautiful! I think you’ve done a super-fantastic job on both mantels. I really do love your buttery-yellow walls. Everything looks so cozy!
    🙂 CAS

    Reply
  23. Mandy says

    September 28, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Gorgeous! Love the black hurricanes with the pinecones and candle :-).

    Reply
  24. Willow says

    September 28, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    Beautiful mantel. I love this time of the year don’t you.

    Reply
  25. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says

    September 29, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    It’s looking great and oh-so-fall! It makes me even more excited for the cooler weather to get here! Yay for fall!!!

    Reply
  26. andrea says

    September 29, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    It all looks fabulous with the yellow walls! It lends itself to a very cozy atmosphere and sometimes simple is striking. andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  27. FABBY'S LIVING says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    How beautiful your mantel came out Vanessa! I love such pretty elements you used for it, like the black hurricanes, books and pumpkins, very inspirational! Thanks for sharing,
    FABBY

    Reply
  28. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    September 29, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Your mantle is beautiful, Vanessa! I love both of them.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  29. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    September 29, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    Vanessa, I forgot to thank you for linking to the Open House party. I always appreciate your participation. Thanks!
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  30. Ellen says

    October 3, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Just the mantel all dressed up for fall. It all looks so nice together. Very well done.
    Hugs,
    Ellen

    Reply
  31. Savvy Seasons says

    October 6, 2011 at 2:59 AM

    Vanessa~
    Your mantle is truly gorgeous. You have balanced it out to perfection. I love the wheat arrangement and the pops of color around the base, it looks so elegant. I also like the urn with the corn husks, great idea. Fantastic job! Thanks for sharing and linking up! XOXO ~Liz

    Reply
  32. Lella Loves... says

    October 15, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    Hello there 🙂
    Just to say, my heart skipped a beat when I saw the pumpkins.
    I am obsessed with pumpkins and I am so happy to see I am not alone!
    Delightful blog.
    Can’t wait to browse your archive.
    Lella xx

    Reply

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. 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.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
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