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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

my latest chalkboard art for my Fall mantel

 

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Well it’s finally arrived…my favorite season of all.

Are you as happy about Fall as I am?

Every since I saw this quote by Albert Camus I wanted to put it on my Fall mantel.. I love the sentiment, it’s so filled with hope and the idea of new beginnings and it expresses my own feelings about the month of October in particular.

So before I went out of town I looked around my house for a gold frame I could use for my chalkboard art and I found this perfect one with my bunny oil painting.

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Here’s a photo from last year

If you’re putting together your own mantel be sure to shop your house. Use things you already have. I didn’t buy anything for this Fall mantel except for my roses and the $5.00 wood scrap that I painted with chalkboard paint. If you’re new to chalkboard projects this is what I did.

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I popped out the painting and took the measurements of the inside of the frame. That’s the size of the scrap wood I would be painting with chalkboard paint. Then I went to the nearest Lowes, found this thin piece of wood and had them cut it for me. I gave it a few good coats of chalkboard paint and it was ready for the Camus quote.

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This was my first version.

I did in a hurry before I left town. But once I got back and really looked at it I decided to paint over it and take more time.

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I did this version while we were watching the Breaking Bad finale. Again, if you’re interested in how I write with the chalkboard pen you can check out my other projects. But I’m not the best person to learn from because I’m too lazy to use any kind of template. I do it all freehand.

This is what I use: a tape measure, a level to mark straight lines, painter’s tape and a copy of the quote next to me and that’s it. By the way, did you see that last show? Wow, it was powerful.

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Anyway, back to my chalkboard art.

I have to say that I like this version SO much better.

What do you think?

 

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Here’s my Fall mantel for the living room.

In shades of cream, pink and orange. Oh, and I gotta have that pop of black!

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How easy is this? These are the items I used for my mantel.

  • real apples
  • a couple of distressed frames
  • a pumpkin plopped into a urn with moss
  • little white pumpkins
  • and books
  • leaves tied on a piece of twine

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Even though I really wanted to keep my little oil painting on the mantel, … it threw off the balanced look I wanted. But I’ll find a place on my other mantel for it because I’m in love with these colors.

 

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I’ll be sharing more Fall decorating in the days to come as I get my house ready for …

a little Fall tour….

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Have you bought your first pumpkin yet?

xo

Leslie

I’m linking up this post here:

 

 

 

21 comments:

Nancy said...

Your mantle is wonderful. And so is October. My favorite month also. It's still hot here so I'm waiting on pumpkins for a couple more weeks so they'll last. Do you see "mom" every time you look at your mantle front? If you didn't before, you will now. ;)

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Your mantle is great. Yes I love October, my anniversary, my son.s birthday and we are heading to Europe this month. Love the dog painting too!

Unknown said...

First of all it's gorgeous - second of all I can't believe you free handed that - it would be a disaster if I ever attempted that lol
Your mantel looks beautiful!!!
xox

Megan @ Restoring the Roost said...

Love your fall mantel- its so elegant and I just love the addition of the chalkboard art!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your mantel looks beautiful, Leslie! I love the new lettering...and that dog painting is wonderful...

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Your mantel looks beautiful my friend...I love the pretty vignette on your coffee table too!
Lots of pumpkins here, this is my favorite time of year!

Leslie said...

Beautiful Leslie :) and I love the chalk board! Your vignettes are so pretty and I like the little pumpkins scattered about. I will be doing a lithe more decorating this weekend. I'm looking forward to being home :)

xxL

Lori said...

I adore that quote and am planning on putting it on my chalkboard over the weekend! I want to also comment on your last post ~ I find that I am reading more and more of my blogs through the Bloglovin app and don't leave comments ~ but then I try my best to log on via the laptop and visit my favourites even just to say hi because I love comments too! I also read your link ~ love your links by the way ~ they always make me think!
I bought some little white pumpkins on Sunday ~ I am going to do a little fall decor this year I think. Have a great week Leslie. xo

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Leslie, I hope you are doing well I love the chalkboard. Your Fall mantle is beautiful. It's still really hot here in Florida so it is hard for me to start decorating for Fall yet.
Hugs,
Sherry

Art and Sand said...

Yesterday, I was looking for a quote for my fall mantel and came across the quote you used. I liked it, but settled on another quote that fit me and how I am living right now.

Can't wait to see your home tour.

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

You've created a beautiful fall mantel with everyday objects we've all got in our homes, Leslie! It takes an artistic flair to put it all together in such a quietly elegant fashion. Your room is gorgeous!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

soooo beautiful... everyone has been saying how the like "Breaking Bad" including one of my best friends and my college junior son... but we are so far behind. I just might try to catch up.

chillcat said...

What lovely tones. And those words! So apt. We are tidying up here - for a wedding party on Saturday night! I wish you lived around the corner xxcat

Debe said...

I wonder what chalk pen you use? I have several & hate them all. Lovely mantel. Hot still in Texas but I have three lovely pumpkins by my front door. They will stay till Christmas...love Fall also. We are supposed to get into the 80's this weekend. Can't wait!

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

so beautiful and cozy. I like Fall too, and my all time favorite colors are browns and oranges

Unknown said...

Beautiful!! Also, I love Anne of Green Gables so that makes me happy!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Your mantel is sophisticated and charming Leslie! And the lettering on your chalkboard is perfection!

Debra@CommonGround said...

oh Leslie, it's just so wonderful! I totally am in awe of you talented gals that can do the lettering!

Unknown said...

Leslie dear-Your home is so lovely and that mantle is the perfect inspiration for fall. I love your gorgeous little vignettes-such an eye. Since we are both in NorCal I bet you are enjoying the morning chill in the air these days like I am. Happy Weekend!
xx, Heather

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Great fall mantel. I love the chalkboard.

Gypsy Heart said...

Beautiful! I can't believe you free handed the quote ~ awesome. I would be all over the board!

xo
Pat

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