Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Mantel Garland


It seemed like a good idea last year.  To toss out the old garland that had seen better days. What I didn't realize how much work crafting a new garland or two would be. I might want to rethink those impromptu decisions next time. The above image is from one of my favorites...Elizabeth of Creative Breathing. 


I found this vintage tablecloth at some point this past year. It reminds me of barkcloth fabric. Off I went ripping it into 5 inch strips along the width of the fabric.


A running stitch to gather it along the midpoint of the fabric and load it all on a heavy string. It took quite a bit of fabric but the muddy colors look great hung on the stone side of the fireplace in the kitchen.


On the other side of the fireplace is our living room. More formal and the room we spend the most time in. After hanging as many vintage ornaments as I could on my tinsel tree I was overwhelmed by the amount of Shiny Brites I had left. Off I went to Pinterest to figure out what to do with them.


After three tries on string, I ended up with a mono-filament fishing line in the end. Now before I go any further...you must hot glue every single top on these ornaments. I will spare you the gory details of shattered beauty now filling my trash bin. Varying sizes of ornaments worked great.


3M clips hold the garland in place. It was way to heavy to have a single swag. It is worth every single restring and hot glue stick.


A Georgia Peachez wreath hangs above the mantle. I do believe I might have a small hoard of vintage ornaments. Several bins later I realize I can leave an ornament behind now. Unless it is and indent...or a di-o-rama or a stenciled Shiny Brite...

37 comments:

Sarah said...

yea, those caps are problematic at best. sometimes when I am wiring them to the tree they come off and an ornament goes crashing through all the ornies on the tree! love that garland way too much either way.

Lynn said...

Both garlands are beautiful and just what your rooms needed!

I just saw a hint on Sonya's blog -Dime Store Thrift - if she breaks an ornament she crushes the pieces to add to leftover glitter - what a great idea - making real glass glitter!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love vintage ornies and the wreath you have is just beautiful. I like your idea for a garland, too! I need to get busy!

GardenOfDaisies said...

WOW! Renee, your ShinyBrite swag and wreath are really wonderful!! You are one very determined woman, to keep going after three failed attempts.

donna said...

Renee I am at awww. I love your both of your garlands. But I do have to tell you the ornaments are my favorite. What a beautiful collection.
Hugs
donna

Blessed Serendipity said...

Renee your ornament garland and wreath are so gorgeous and your mantle looks so pretty. I love the fabric garland you made too. You are one talented lady.

xo
Danielle

Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm speechless. So much sparkle and glam. Love both versions of your gorgeous garland. I always enjoy seeing glimpses of your special home.

ImagiMeri said...

Oh how pretty! Did you ever make it to the book store???

Love ya'
Meri

Jane said...

Oh, my, how amazing! Your wreath & both garlands are gorgeous! What a spectacular decorator you are!
Merry Christmas!

vintage grey said...

So Gorgeous, Renee!! I love it and your wreath is so beautiful! Such vintage Christmas goodness at your sweet home! xo Heather

Into Vintage said...

Or a UFO. Or a Shiny Brite with stripes...love them all! :-)

You are so ambitious and tenacious and what beautiful results you have! I would have turned back at the idea of gluing the tops on. And the fabric garland is darling -- wish I would have thought of that! (Bonus: I find ripping fabric to be very cathartic!)

Sewn With Grace said...

Ok, seriously! You have a fireplace in your kitchen? AND hand crafted that loveliness? I kid you not, I want shiny brites on my casket…I would string them and wear them around my neck if people wouldn't laugh. My tree is still in the box on the porch. I know you want to come decorate my place!

busymartha said...

How pretty, I have got to get cracking and get my decorations out!

Melissa said...

Your ornament is jaw dropping! Must go mop up my drool now...

laurie -magpie ethel said...

lOVE the ornament garland. I hang a a bunch of Shiny Brites from a white garland from the ceiling...I was proud of myself for only breaking one this year. Such a horrible feeling as they fall....

Looking festive...

Perfectly Printed said...

Your garlands are stunning!! Love them both!!

chris

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

And I thought that making one of those wreaths was difficult! I can't imagine the work you put into that ornament garland! It's stunning! A total stament piece!
Not to mention the fabric garland...Oh if only I had a mantel! Someday!
Great Job Girl!
Erica :)

SLR said...

oh my! work is right!! they all turned out so lovely as everything you do does...simply vintage charming :)

Nan said...

Oh I am jealous of your GP wreath. I have been watching her for ages. Come to find out she won't ship to AK. Oh well I will make my own someday if I ever get any shiny brites in abundance. I love your garland and how you put that together I bet it was touch and go at times. Lovely look to it all even the Christmas books (vintage) in the basket.

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Wow, beautiful!! I sure love seeing the vintage ornaments and love the way you used them!!

vivian said...

love both garlands! Im thinking it might have taken a good chunk of time to make the shineybrite garland! and the tablecloth garland is a great idea! I meed a little garland for work.. something like that would be perfect... hmmmm.. have to check the stash!
you have a beautiful fireplace!
happy day to you dear Renee!
xoxo

LBP said...

Wow! Your garlands are absolutely beautiful! Whatever time it took, it was worth it!

I love the vintage Christmas books in the basket by the fireplace. Great idea.

Blessings

Linda

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Very creative garland ideas, Renee! I love the ornament one. I can't even imagine the time it took to string that together. : ) The wreath is the perfect partner for it, too.

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

So pretty Renee!! I love both of your garlands!! Such wonderful vintage goodness at your home! :) It's so nice to have all those extras!! :) xo Holly

Unknown said...

Coming for a visit from Elizabeth's blog, you are both doing garlands! Love it, so much charm here, it's intoxicating!

craftyles said...

Renee, I can't decide which one is my favorite.They are both so vintage and so charming. Good hints on the shiny Brites-I'm collecting to be able to do a wreath. So good to know.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! That's the first ornament swag I've seen and I love it!
You've been on my heart Renee and that means you're on the Lord's heart, too. He loves you dear one! ♥

Shirley Hatfield said...

OMGoodness! I love that Shiny Brite garland...takes me back to Disneyland and It's a Small World at Christmas! I would never be able to find enough to make something so beautiful!

Corey said...

Love that ornament swag! I've got so many beautiful ornaments that aren't even out this year. But that's a project that may need to wait until next year- too much already on my plate right now!

Unknown said...

Renee, Truly there has not been a stash of Shiny Brites as wonderful as these seen anywhere. I found myself giggling picturing you determined to have this wreath. Wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
PS You will have two boxes on your doorstep from our ornament swap as I left YOUR ornament out of YOUR box! I couldn't believe when I saw I had one left.
Thank you again so much for sharing your wonderful talent with me! Elizabeth

Unknown said...

Wow i love the ball garland and wreath those must have taken you ages but they look fantastic, dee x

Kathy said...

The ball garland is just amazing and I love those upholstery webbing bows at the ends, too. Well done!!!

Chenille Cottage said...

Oh...My goodness! Renee...Your garlnds are both amazing...and, as always, exceptionally creative and beautiful! How do you do it? By far your garlands are the prettiest I've seen this Christmas! (And I've seen some pretty ones.)

I received the most adorable ornament in the mail. You'll never guess who it was from...YOU!! I love it and oh, the sparkly glitter and beaded accents. I loved your thoughtful wrapping, too. Baker's twine is just the crowning touch. Thank you so very much, my sweet friend!

Blessings and the warmest of Christmas wishes to you and your precious family,
Carolynn xoxo

Tammy's in Love said...

crushed glass ornaments become lovely glass glitter...the only good thing about accidentally trashing vintage Shiny Brites. The garland is inspirational!
B-U-T-FUL!

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Renee, your garland is perfect! I love the colours and how well it matches the cute wreath above!

Nothing beats vintage stuff to decorate with!

Sending love and happy holiday wishes!!

becky
xo

WendyBee said...

Oh my goodness! Your garlands are wonnnnderful! You are a genius of crafting and an inspirational to us all. I have a mantel. I wonder if I could make a garland.

RetroSandie said...

The garland is just beautiful and with the wreath your mantel is breathtaking!!!!