Fall/Thanksgiving Mantel

Over the last couple of weeks I've been showing you parts of my new Fall/Thanksgiving mantel, would you like to see how it all came together?   This is the first time I've had a mantel shelf to decorate for Fall, so it was a fun challenge to see what I could up with. 

I saw a tutorial for a box mantel shelf that looked fairly easy to make, so I gave it a try and made one.  I'll tell you more about the shelf in a future post, but just have to tell you that it's a large shelf, I only spent around $10 for supplies (I used several items that I already had.), and it really wasn't hard to make. 

When I saw this wreath at JoAnn's I knew right away it was the wreath for me.  I love the color, the pine cones, the berries, the twigs...all of it.  I used a coupon, so I paid around $20 for it.  I don't think I could have made one for that price.

This is the framed shelf and lantern that I've had there all year.  I love the pop of red, so it won't be going anywhere anytime soon.  The window is made from paint sticks (tutorial here), the frame (.36) and shelf (.75) were both from thrift stores.

The candlestick was purchased for $1.50 at a thrift store then painted dark brown, the berries were .99 each, and the candle was on clearance for .89.  The berries are taped in place with clear tape--worked great. :)

The charger was on clearance last year for $1.50.  I added the definition of thankful to it in vinyl.  You can read more about the charger here. 

I've had the 2x4 pumpkins for a few years, but added a slice from a log to group them together.  Click here for the tutorial for the pumpkins and my experience with cutting the log.

The crate is also made of paint sticks.  I added a $3 bag of gourds, two .99 sprigs of berries, and a few fall leaves.  The pine cones are from my yard.  Click here to read more about the Fall crate and here for a tutorial on how to make a paint stick crate.

I found the tutorial that inspired me to build my shelf at Faded Country.  I made a few changes in size and build design, this one measures 4 ft long and 7 1/2" wide.  I'll have more on the shelf coming soon, including how I hung it.   Edited to add:  Click here for my post about the mantel shelf and how to hang it.

Another look...

...and another...

...last one.

The bright Fall colors really add so much to my living room, so although this is my first time decorating a Fall mantel, I can tell you that it won't be my last.

Today's Fabulous Find...New Mantel Shelf

Linking to:  The DIY Showoff Fall Festival
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These parties are full of fabulous ideas!  Definitely worth taking a look.