Thanksgiving sign

I can't stand it...I was going to post this next week but I'm dying to show it off! I know, I know, now I will have to come up with a new post for next week. That's ok. I'm having fun with this and so enjoy it. You make it so much more so! So thanks for reading and leaving comments. I am thankful for you! Anyway, here's my farm mantel post:

My mantel needed help. Everything I placed there got lost against the brick. Painting it isn't an option - that was voted down very emphatically! However, I painted the trim around the fireplace to match the surrounding walls and ah, that looks better - blends instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.

 Also, it doesn't quite line up with the fireplace. Or the fireplace isn't centered on the wall. Who designed this anyway?! I can't tell you how many quirky things we've found in this house. I think it's  called character! ha.

To help it look better, I decided it needed a wooden sign. I picked a favorite scripture - this one is on being thankful - and got busy! I like the idea of remembering to be thankful and what better time to do so than the Fall when there's a whole season dedicated to it?

To make it I used 5 old fence pickets - I cut them to the correct length, wired them together, sanded, then painted them white. Next, I printed out my phrase in the font I wanted, then took it and had it enlarged to fit the size of the sign. Then I traced the letters onto the wood, painted them black, and added the leaves in shades of whites, tans, browns, and silver. Lightly distressed it and added wood supports on the back. Are you ready for it?
Yes?



Ok then, take a peek!

I found some urns at Home Depot to place on the mantle (which of course make me rearrange everything). I went outside and gathered some weeds  dried seedheads to place in the urns, and then put a couple of the burlap pumpkins next to them.  Mr. Crow got to stay along with the wooden block with the letter "B". oh yes, and that votive holder...hm.

the finished mantle and fireplace

The white shows up nicely against the brick too. The bottom stayed mostly the same, except I added the stool and the white lantern and moved one of the burlap pumpkins down.

I think it looks way better. One of these days, maybe we can replace the mantle with one that actually lines up with the fireplace and all. But at least this makes it look better and for that I am thankful! :o)

Thanks for visiting!
Cecilia
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