2012 Christmas Mantel Reveal!!!

Guys!!!

It's a mere three weeks away from Christmas and it has me a little bit freaked out!!!

Add that to the fact that we have had 70 degree weather the past few days and it's kind of, crazy hard to believe!

Are you sad that I haven't been around much? 

Don't worry...I plan on changing that very soon :) 

There's been a MILLION things going on in my crazy little life...

the main thing being that 

I finally finished my graduate level classes!!

Yayyyyyyy

But I still have six months of clinicals to finish before graduation hits. 

Still incredibly exciting though :)

I've got a bunch more news that I can't wait to share but it'll have to wait just a tad bit longer....

I know, I know, I'm a tease. But it's worth it. Pinky promise.

For now, I thought I'd pop in and share some Christmas fabulousness.

You know I can't have a new season without a fun new mantel.

I shared a sneak on my Facebook page the other day and I"m here to deliver!!

If you weren't around here last Christmas you can check out last year's mantel here. 

And crazy bonus- my mantel from last year was recently featured on Better Homes and Garden's Mantel Decor Ideas this year :) 

Eeekk. That was a huge moment for me!!

You can see that little bit of awesomeness here!!

Are you ready for some 2012 Christmas eye candy??

I can't wait to show you!!!!

Check it out: 

You know my blue walls make me super happy when Christmas rolls around.

Blue & red were just made for each other! 

I added a little burlap, jingle bells, DIY trees & a distressed handmade sign to create a fun & festive display! 

I'm in love with the over-sized 'JOY' sign. 

I used a couple pieces of scrap wood, paint & then free-handed the letters. 

I can give a full tutorial if you really want :)

They were super easy- you wouldn't believe it! 

And of course, a little jute & jingle bells added the perfect touch! 

One thing I knew I wanted this year was a fun array of Christmas trees.

But those styrofoam forms get insanely expensive!

There was no way I could dish out the money for them so I found an amazing tutorial from The Creativity Exchange that showed the 'how-to' for super easy poster board trees!

I literally made them for .50 a tree and then embellished them with ribbon & fabric. 

LOVE them. 

My red quilted stockings are back up and they make me just as happy this year as they have the past three! 

And, yes, we have stockings for the cat & the dog. 

They are loved :)

My favorite part is how gorgeous the burlap garland is when the lights glow through it! 

It's soft & romantic.
Love the sweet touch it gives. 

To make your own burlap & bells garland, check out my tutorial from last year here. 

So fun and easy! 

I mean, isn't the glowing burlap gorgeous?
Or am I just a burlap fanatic???

I think I'm okay with that :) 

One last look at the whole thing: 

What do you think?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!!! 

If you have any Christmas eye candy to share, 

I'd love for you to share it on my Facebook page! 

Head here to join in the fun!!

Like me on Facebook. Follow me on Pinterest. Subscribe to my feed. 


Linking to: 
Friday Link Party @ Craftionary. Catch a Glimpse @ A Glimpse Inside. Under 100$ @ Beyond the Picket Fence. Everything but the Kitchen Sink @ A Little Knick Knack. Linky Party @ Craftberry Bush. Link Up with me, Liz Marie @ Liz Marie Blog. Feature Friday @ Blissful and Domestic.Saturday Seven @ Positively Splendid. Sundae Scoop Party @ I Heart Naptime. Craftomaniac Monday @ Craftomaniac. Tutorials and Tips @ Home Stories A to Z .  Christmas Craft Link Party @ Shanty 2 Chic. Show Me Extraordinary @ The 36th Avenue. Live. Laugh. Linky. @ Live. Laugh Rowe.  Under 100$ @ Beyond the Picket Fence. Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts. Wednesday Whatsits @ White Lights on Wednesday. Your Whims Wednesday @ My Girlish Whims. Weekend Wrap-up Party @ Tatertots and Jell .Show Me What Ya Got @ Not Just a Housewife. Christmas Vignettes @ A Thoughtful Place.