Patriotic Mantel

Good morning everyone. 

I have finally been able to start putting some summer touches in our decor but with all the activities going on here it's been hard to get much done.  Today I want to share our summer mantel. I decided to do a Patriotic mantel to celebrate all our summer holidays - Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July and even Labor Day.  That way I won't have to worry about changing it again for awhile. And with the goings on around here that's great news.

I decided to use a vintage patriotic theme this summer.  It fits in with our family room and can be used for all the holidays not just one. I started by placing my burlap wreath that I made a couple years back on the rustic vintage backdrop we made last year.  The wreath is such a versatile vintage piece that I love using it in many different areas of the house.   

I really kept the mantel simple this summer. I started with an empty distressed white frame and placed a patriotic tin star in front of it.  To the right of that is a stack of old vintage books lying and a stack standing - no covers and tied with twine.  On top of the books I placed three small flags in wooden thread spools that I wrapped with twine, blue and white stripe yarn, and red and white baker's twine. I purchased the flags at Dollar Tree.

On the right side is an old distressed white frame that I placed a scrapbook paper flag in.  I made this from three different scrapbook papers I had that I glued on some chipboard and then distressed it with distressing ink. I then taped it in the frame.  Next to that is a chalkboard I made from an old picture we had.  I left it blank here for now but can write whatever I decide on for each holiday.  I am thinking F-R-E-E-D-O-M will be the word I add at this time. 

So there you have it.  A very simple and quick vintage mantel to get us through all the busyness of the summer season. And... not a lot of work because I already had everything I used. I am loving the vintage patriotic feel of it.  Now to get a few more things done before summer is over - because it is going fast!  

What have you done?  Do you do a summer mantel or do you do a patriotic one that can span the summer months?  Would love to hear about what you do in the comments below.

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Until next time - enjoy creating something you love.

I will be joining the link parties listed on the Where I Party page.  Please go by and visit - you will find some great inspiration and lots of creativeness at each one.