Monday, December 16, 2013

Deer Me - A Layered Christmas


Christmas, Mantel, decorations
Everyone who knows me will tell you Distressed Donna loves her layers.  If there is a place to put three layers, then there is a place for five or more layers.

The same principle applies to decorating for Christmas.

I will demonstrate my somewhat crazy method here with the den mantel.

Now I have cut WA-A-A-A-Y back on decorating this year.  Plus I have used a different plan to my madness.

I saw this rusty reindeer in a local shop and could not leave the store without him.  Just add branches for antlers and tie on a scarf or two and he is done.






Start with the bare essentials:  A real mantel on a brick wall (the back of the fireplace).



















Test:  Does everyone see the angel blowing a trumpet like I do or do you see a cow kicking out her back leg like Chucks?

Answer:  Angel!








 




Next layer: a cherry fireplace screen.


















Next layer: an ornate wrought iron gate.





















Next layer: a painted and distressed vanity.




















Next layer: a bench with a red box containing a truck with trees.












 Sorry, I have lost count of the layers and will move on to lots of layers!

Notice I added two mirrors, a couple of toolboxes, and piled all the Santas vying for a space.

And a wreath .

SHHH!  Not all of the Santas will make the cut.








 Ahhh, layered delightfulness!

The reindeer edged out the sheep for the place of honor, but do not worry I found another place for them.  

Some of the Santas have moved elsewhere in the den.

(Two went back to the attic - heads bowed with shame and disappointment.)















The Santas on the vanity stand atop a mirror - yes, I put mirrors on my flat surfaces.











Noah's Ark Santa tries to entice the reindeer to come a bit closer.










Tiny Santas party together in the tool caddies with a few trees.

I have a few more decorations to arranged.  I promise to show you all.

Now back to completing my Christmas cards and get them in the mail.

See y'all!


Part One of Horror Monster VS The Slash Room?  Read about it here!

Part Two of Horror Monster VS The Slash Room?   Read about it here! 

Part Three of Horror Monster vs The Slash Room?  Read about it here! 




See all the bottle brush trees at these posts:


Let The Bleaching Begin

Dying the Trees

Bottle Brush Trees on Corks

Bottle Brush Tree Joy

Bottle Brush Trees on Molds 

Bottle Brush Trees On Blocks 











Follow Me on Pinterest


Common Ground: Be Inspired #169 
Junkin Joe at The Cottage Market 
Party Junk #218 Salvaged Junk Stars at Funky Junk Interiors 
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage 
Sunday Show Off Linky Party at Twigg Studios 

Shabbilicious Friday

  
Knick Of Time Tuesday #117/>
  A Stroll Thru LifeWe Call It JunkinThe DIY DreamerIvy and Elephants

16 comments:

  1. Hey Miss Donna; I LOVE Everything which you have done!!!! The layers look perfect to me!!! All of the Santa's look so old, and Handsome. I am drooling, as I collect Santa's myself!!!
    What you have done looks like a picture of Heaven to me. The Reindeer is crusty and Lovely.
    On the brick wall, I do see the Angel blowing a trumpet, further down the really white area, I see a greek lady with her flowing robes holding a bowl, and the smaller blob by the grey patch, looks like an angel in half a profile with the wing, and his hand is by his face. I can not wait to see what else you do to decorate for Christmas!!!! It is all too Beautiful!!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sunny! We do love to play what images can we find in the brick! I hope Santa is good to you.

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  2. More is More! I love the layers and am coveting that gate.

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  3. Nothing wrong with a few (or more) layers, huh? I'm feeling bad for those discharged Santas, hee hee. Happy to see you're having fun at the fireplace here - what a transformation!

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  4. Lovin' the layers! You have the decorator's touch! That reindeer is too cool, especially in his snazzy scarves!

    Blessings, Vicky

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  5. Your mantle layers look awesome. I love that gate!! I have a small Santa collection, but they didn't make it out this year. Too many cats, too little patience. That reindeer is perfect.

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  6. Loving that ornate gate ... layering looks good ...
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

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  7. Very fun seeing how your layers came together with each one adding something special.

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  8. We have the same reindeer!! And I see bottle brush and little blocks...kindred spirits, Donna! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

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  9. I love your mantel and I think each picture with an added layer has its charm.

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  10. You have to have layers! They add spice to everyday decor. Enjoyed watching you put together your display!
    Blessings from Still Woods Farmhouse

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  11. I like your layers! I have been looking for an inexpensive mantel like that for a long time. Yours looks delightful all decked out for the holidays. I love that rusty deer too! Oh..totally see an angel!

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  12. I love how you created this, amazing how you started with a brick wall and made such a pretty display. Your creativity amazes me over and over. Featuring this on my Link Party Features Pinterest board! Thanks so much for sharing this at my History & Home party. Wishing you blessings ~ Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

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  13. Wow, love all the layers girl! I layer, but I can't say I layer like you....maybe I need to. Love everything santas, angels on brick, trucks etc. Never would of thought you could get that much there, but it sure looks great!

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  14. Here's wishing you and yours a New Year that is filled with Love...Compassion...Health...Joy....Faith...Friends...Family...Charity...Humanity...Insight...Happiness...Insight...Peace and Inner Peace! Also we wish you all that is good in the world because YOU are special! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I enjoy reading all of your comments and will always answer with email. I will try to track you down if you show up as a "no reply" commenter to let you know. Friends are like that!