I’m in a beachy kind of mood lately, longing for sand between my toes, salt water in my hair…. But, I have this thing called a j-o-b and my kid has a cast on her foot (water + a cast don’t mix well) so we are stuck at home for the time being.
Since I can’t physically be at the beach, I decided to bring a little bit of the beach to my house instead! I used some of the things we have collected in past beach trips, along with some crafty magic, to create a fun and nautical mantle in our living room.
Our living room fireplace wall is a lovely shade of navy blue while the rest of my living room is a sandstone beige, and I decorate with accents of red, so that color scheme was my starting point for our mantle.
Let me give you a quick little tour:
The main piece of artwork in the middle was an engagement gift from my husband’s family who lives in Michigan. Mark proposed to me on October 12, 2007 on the banks of Lake Michigan, and I adore this personalized piece and display it proudly over the fireplace.
Directly underneath the artwork is a replica of the Grand Haven, Michigan, lighthouse, and some family photos – the navy floral frame is a photo of my dad and I when I was about six or seven years old.
On the right side of the mantle, I created a beach scene shadowbox (tutorial coming!) and paired this up with a sign that says, “Love you more…” and the mother-daughter figurine. The old beat-up hat on the corner up there was my dad’s Navy cap from the 1970s.
A quick story behind that cap: My mom met my dad through her brother, my Uncle Clarence. Uncle Clarence and dad were friends in the Navy in the 70s and he brought my dad home with him one weekend. The rest, as they say, is history. Mom and dad met, fell in love, had me….and here we are. My sweet dad went to be with our Lord 16 years ago. Well, just a few months ago, my mom visited her brother and he brought out this cap that he just happened to find when he was cleaning out some old storage items and asked that she bring it home to me! I didn’t even know it existed, but it’s so nice to have it in my home. His last name is stamped inside the brim and it makes me smile every time I look at it.
Moving on…
On the left side of the mantle sits an 8×10 canvas with our smiling faces on it! We had a family photo session last summer on our annual trip to Grand Haven, Michigan, and of course I color-coordinated our outfits to match our living room. (Doesn’t everyone do that?! No. Ok then. Don’t judge me.)
Next to the canvas print are two Pottery Barn-inspired Nautical Candle Holders. I got my new Woman’s Day magazine in the mail recently and saw these, and got inspired:
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I love the look of them, but not the price ($24.50 for that tiny one on the left, up to $69 for the tall one). So, I decided to create my own version for a whole lot cheaper!
I gathered my supplies:
- Mason jars in two sizes (I had these on hand, because I’m an addict)
- Two colors of sand ($3.99 each at Hobby Lobby)
- Natural Sisal rope ($3.99 at Hobby Lobby)
- A set of anchor charms ($1.47 at Hobby Lobby)
I used a little bit of white craft string to tie an anchor charm around one of the mason jar lids. Using my trusty glue gun, I added sisal rope around the tops of the mason jars and added a faux handle. I made sure to attach the rope so that the mason jar lids could still be turned.
The final step is to add the sand, a few shells, and candles.
Cute, right? I’m very much in love with my Nautical Mantle and all the fun crafty projects that make it up!
How are you adding a bit of summer to your home?
3 Responses
The mantel is just simply darling! I need to remember this when I get back home from St. Maarten. Well, the beach is calling, but I know I will be checking back here later. Thanks!
I love each pretty, beachy touch on your mantel! The candle holders are just lovely. Have a great day, friend!
I absolutely love your design MUCH better, the flowers are pretty on the inside, but $69 is tooo much!