For the Love of Mercury Glass… Decorating a Summer Mantle

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are well and staying cool. We are under a heat wave advisory here in NC. When the temperatures soar into the 100’s and the humidity makes the air so thick it is hard to breathe it is time to hide inside in the air conditioning. Needless to say not much has been going on in the garage, project wise, lately. I have a chair in there that has been calling my name, asking for a much needed makeover but it will have to wait. I am focusing on a few design projects that will keep me indoors.

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting on the sofa, looking at my mantle and decided it was time for a change….again.

My mercury glass collection seems to continuously grow despite my attempts to curb my spending. I was in T.J. Maxx a couple of months ago searching for something when I came across these beauties.

I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw them. It was love at first sight! They would be perfect in my living room. The document fabric on the shades would compliment the fabric I just picked out for my chair reno. (Remember the chair in my garage I mentioned before?) I took a gander at the price tag. $35 each. I needed two. Hmmm. When I walked into the store I had no intention of spending $70 on two lamps that I really did not need. I stared circling the store thinking about it. Having a little argument with myself. I knew if I did not bring these babies home it would HAUNT me and I was sure I would find myself making the 30 minute treck back up to T.J. Maxx to get them.

So, I bought them. They look perfect flanked on each side of my sofa! I had no buyer’s remorse whatsoever. I love them. Now maybe I can get that chair done soon! (Psst. Did you notice the pretty pink document roses in the vase beside the lamp? I bought those on clearance at Kirkland’s, another favorite haunt.)

Around Easter I came across this adorable aqua blue birdie in Marshall’s.

I just had to have it. I swear I really am trying to cut down on my mercury glass spending!

Anyhoo, back to the mantle. I was tired of the arrangement and needed a change. I wanted to keep the bird theme. Some things would stay, some would be replaced.

I found these cute miniature bird cages at my local craft store.

The colors just were not right for the room so I gave them a quick coat of pink spray paint.

I bought these birds last year at Dollar Tree with the intention of giving the a little facelift. I found them to be a little plain, boring and lackluster.

Wanting to add a little more pink to the room, I sprayed them the same pretty pink and sprinkled them with glitter.

Then the fun part began. With a little layering, editing and creativity this is what I came up with…..

I kept most of my mercury glass pieces, added a few new ones. My bird friends look right at home on the mantle and the pink birdcage and silk hydrangea soften the shine and texture of the mercury glass.

I balanced the other side as well.

I felt it needed a little something above the firebox. The fireplace surround seemed alittle bare. I created this shabby chic style banner out of vintage sheet music, glittered chipboard letters and embelishments.

I think it turned out charming.

I dressed up the hearth with some birdcages, potted silk flowers, candleholders and a chunky ceramic bird.

And, there you have it folks! My summer mantle/mantel. Its sweet, soft color palette gives off an energy that just makes you want to relax.

Do you have a mantle? How do you decorate it for the summer?

Thanks so much for visiting today! I hope you enjoyed your visit!

~Lisa

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