Thursday, December 1, 2011

Holiday Mantel

Our upstairs fireplace features true 1960's architectural style, being a corner unit made of perma-brick and asymmetrical shelving.  When we moved into our home five years ago, the front room showcased this fireplace with the original grey stone (unpainted) and blue carpeting. 

We have since updated this look with white paint and a self-installed floor.  While I would love to re-do the entire facade of the fireplace, it is not within the budget.  What we have created, I believe, is still a miracle when all is said and done.

I realize some of the pictures may be soft focus here.  I was shooting without a flash to capture the glow and twinkle of the lights.  I really need to update my camera!




The fireplace went from being an eye-sore to visually stimulating.




The mirror is an antique from my grandmother's attic.  Its visual weight helps me to balance the uneven shelving by dispersing light back out and also maximizes the lowest shelf.




The bentwood rocker, a roadside prairie dove.




Jesus as a young child- a framed antique print from my mother.  It is rare to find an image like this.  Most will feature Christ as an infant, Christ suffering, or Christ glorified.  It is not easy to come by one in young adolescence.  I leave this image up year round.  Mercury glass adds sparkle to this vignette.



The upper shelf features another framed antique print, this one a gift from my brother.  The subject is a veiled Victorian woman clutching two doves to her breast.  While I do not think the image is of our Blessed Mother, it still reminds me of her.  The rabbit sculpture is from HomeGoods, but has a folksy primitive presence.  We also have rabbits, so it's fun to have one up.


Waiting for Santa and staying on the 'nice' list,

Andrea

Linking up to the Christmas Block Party for Mantel Decor at:







9 comments:

A Vintage Vine said...

The mantel looks wonderful, love the vintage prints!

Cheree @ The Morning Latte said...

Beautiful! I, too, love the prints. I had to do a little looking around because I was wondering if the woman holding the two doves is a specific saint. I didn't see anything on that but I did learn this about after a woman gives birth: "...When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering. If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean." (Leviticus 12:2-6, 8)
I wonder if she IS the Blessed Mother presenting Jesus? "When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed ... to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: 'a pair of doves or two young pigeons.'" (Luke 2:22, 24)
I'd love to know! If I had more time, I'd keep looking! :o)

Unknown said...

your mantle looks terrific! Very festive!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Love what you have done with your mantel...wonderful vintage prints and the mirror was a great idea for that area.

Blessings,
Linda

Ironstone and Pine said...

You did a lovely job, it's beautiful!

Melissa said...

Very pretty Andrea!! It looks so festive!!!

Red Rose Alley said...

The holiday mantel looks so pretty with the lights. Your mother's antique print of Jesus is a treasure. Your house looks so cozy, and the space here looks like a peaceful place to read or reflect.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Unknown said...

You have done a lovely job with your mantel, it is charming!

Pam Kessler said...

That really is a miracle. Your mantel is amazing. I think the mirror makes all the difference.

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