A Mantle for every Season

As the year draws to a close, one of my favorite things to do is take a look back at the Decorating Projects that I completed. Especially now, since starting this blog, I have a special place to share all of my passions.

I often have readers mention to me, that they can’t believe I get so much done. I seem to work all the time, well, I do…but I LOVE it. I feel so blessed to be able to share with you all my love for my home, baking, cooking and my family! I also couldn’t do many of the things that I am able to get done if I didn’t have my husband, Doug, to help me and my boys.

Hoosier Homemade is really a family affair! Whether they are stringing garland or being forced to try a new recipe, they all help me share my passion with you!

One of the MANY projects that they have helped with during this year, is decorating the Mantle. When I started pulling this post together, Doug and I were surprised that I had decorated 12 Mantles, one for every season, Holiday and a couple others.

• After the Christmas decorations come down, I decorate for Winter. A few of my Snowmen are moved from the Dining Room to the Mantle.
• Valentine’s Day is such a fun holiday to decorate for. I also shared a tutorial on how to make the Valentine’s Garland.
• It’s all about the green for St. Patrick’s Day.

• Soft Spring colors and bunnies were used on the Easter Mantle.
• With the fresh forsythia, the Spring Mantle brings much needed color into the house.
• The Summer Mantle with the Pinwheel Garland is one of my favorites. I absolutely LOVE Summer…I know, I’m crazy, but the hotter the better as far as I’m concerned.

• Our oldest son, Andrew, graduated from High School and I decorated the Mantle in celebration of his graduation.
• In our town, Fourth of July, is a BIG deal. It also has a special place in my heart, since it’s a time, 20+ years ago, that Doug and I began our relationship.
• Moving into Fall, this Mantle has a fun Garland made with acorns and other natural elements, you can learn how to make one of your own.

• Halloween…my creepy Mantle was so fun to decorate, with the ghouls that I printed, the black and white decorations, and of course spiderwebs, it was one of my favorites.
• An often forgotten Holiday, Thanksgiving is always a very special time for me.
• And last…my Christmas Mantle! Fresh green, woodland Santas and a homemade Garland make up my favorite Mantle of the year!!

I had lots of fun creating the Garlands too.  The Pinwheel Garland is made with scrapbook paper. The Fall Garland with acorns and items I collected outside is a great no cost project. The Valentine Garland uses cookie cutters for the shapes and scrapbook paper and the Christmas Garland has popcorn, cranberries and dried fruit. You can visit each of the posts to learn how to make them.

Do you decorate your Mantle for the Holidays or Seasons? Share your ideas with us!

I’m linking to… Works for Me Wednesday,Strut Your Stuff, Transformation Thursday, Show and Tell Friday, Saturday Night Special, Masterpiece Monday, Made by You Monday