JOYful Christmas Mantel

Pinterest is just the most amazing place to find holiday decorating inspiration. After seeing all the beautiful Joy and Noel signs using wreaths and snowflakes for the O's, Leigh and I decided that we needed something new for our mantel along those same lines.

The cardstock letters and burlap wreath came from Hobby Lobby. I was originally looking for an evergreen wreath, but Leigh found this one and it was perfect! We painted the letters dark brown and then used a metallic top coat. You'd never believe that the J started out as a U would you? By the time we got to Hobby Lobby Friday evening, all the J's were gone!! X-acto knife to the rescue and the U became a J!

So hard to get good pictures of our mantel because the sun shines on the fireplace but above the mantel is all shadows. 

Sigh.....maybe someday I will figure it out, but for now these picts will have to do.

I really love how it turned out. Such a change from our usual bright and blingy wreath that we've had for the past several years. These colors are more subdued and natural and go much better with our decor.

Hope you are finding time to squeeze in some holiday crafting during this crazy, stressful, yet joyful month.

May Peace and Joy be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!