Valentine Mantel - Really!

Really!  I did what I said I would and used part of my collection of tin and aluminum kitchenware on the den mantel. Read more here!

To top that off - it's a Valentine's Day mantel! I have never decorated for V-Day.  Maybe threw some hearts around.  

Chucks was leery.  His immediate reaction was, "We are not decorating for Valentine's Day now, are we?"

 I chose some red books for risers, collected berry branches from the photinas (red tips), clipped some boxwood, and made a loose wreath of creeper vine and tulle.

Then I just stuck the molds, measuring cups, cookie cutters, and graters in and out of little nooks and crannies.

I like the silvery gleam of the tin and aluminum among the red of the photina and the greenery.

The molds fit perfectly in this old tool caddy with the biscuit cutters and measuring cups.

The lantern is one of those advertised on TV special I was given for Christmas.  Puts out a bright LED light - perfect for when the power goes out. 

 I made fun of the lantern when I received it, but I must bite my words now.

A banner of vintage Valentines hung with red satin ribbon and red tulle.











The large mold holds berry branches and a heart cookie cutter.

 In front of the mantel sits a vanity table because this is a fake fireplace - actually the back of the real one.  We just nailed a mantel on this side and put up an iron gate.

More of the aluminum stuff on red hymnal risers.

One of the colanders holds cookie cutters.

 On the other side a grater with berries stands over a small collection of Frozen Charlottes and molds.

 A letter spike holds three small Valentines.  I painted white on the back of some raffle tickets, stamped the heart, outlined it with silver paint, and punched a hole in it.  These were left over from another Valentine project.

 I find Frozen Charlottes to be romantic which may concern some of you.  You know, the fact that these dolls are broken, mangled and often beheaded - still they are so romantic - whether they be armless, legless, or headless!

Plus they are the perfect size for egg poachers and measuring cups.

Okay, so I did it - a Valentine mantel.  I must say I enjoyed it even though it needs to come down in a few weeks.

If you are wondering why there is no wintry items, it would be because it is 65 degrees right now and all my spring flowers are sticking their heads up and beginning to bloom.  We have had spring here since Christmas.

 
Tomorrow is the slight possibility of some freezing rain for a few minutes.  A forecast that sends people rushing out for bread and milk.  Whether they need them or not!


I will admit wishing to see a Southern snow.  The kind of snow falling silently all night long gleaming in the moonlight.  A blanket lying perfectly white across the lawn in bright sunlight with an azure sky above.  Then, just like that, it is gone.  No muss, no fuss!

Chucks wants to know if now that we have Valentine decorations, he is required to buy a gift.  Silly, silly husband - anything rusty or crusty will do!

See y'all!


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