New Mantle Decor

As much as I love the Nativity I set

on the mantle for the

CHRISTmas Season,

we are well into the new year

and it is time for something new.

But since - what I really want is

a cluster of family portrait gallery wraps

I don't want to invest much.

I'd rather be frugal now and spend

money on beautiful portraits later.

So, here is what I came up with!

 Most everything I already had.

 This chalkboard is something we use 

when doing event photography.

It's a plain chalkboard with the trim

painted white and an embellishment 

glued to the top.

I used my Silhouette to cut

the wording out of adhesive cardstock.

It's removable - so I can use the 

chalkboard as a chalkboard later

if I choose.

 This frame is one I bought at a yardsale

and painted white.

Then - I took a picture of a picture

in my wedding album and converted it

to black and white and printed it.

 And because an all white mantel does not

match my neutral and brown colors

in our living room, I added two burlap

squares. I used the Silhouette to

cut lettering and wording as well as trim.

I may remove the trim. I'm still undecided, 

but I like the lettering and wording.

 And this family tree frame is something my 

husband once received as a gift from a friend

in his office. I added pictures of the grand children

and it turned out pretty cute!

So cardstock, burlap, paper and ink

probably cost me a grand total of

about ten bucks!

And I like it! I think it will do just

fine until I find myself in the mood

to change it again!