Valentine’s Crafts & Mantle Decorating via Video Vlog

eryone should try something new every now and then, right? Even bloggers. So today I am closing my eyes, jumping in and trying something new. Inspired by Peacoats and Plaid, I have created my first vlog. What’s a vlog you might ask? Well, it’s a blog post done via video. They are on the rise and I’m guessing with technology they will continue to do so and I don’t want to be one of those “Well, back in my day….” types who refused to change so I knew at some point I was going to have to bite the proverbial bullet. When I saw BreAnna had done it, I thought why not. I had been mulling it over anyway as I think especially with a craft and recipe blog, it’s nice to see “in person” rather than just photos how it’s done and what the final product looks like. I’m still learning and so I decided to start small and give a video tour of my Valentine’s mantle and let you see live the trees, the blocks, and the frame Valentine’s crafts I’ve shared here. It’s the focal point of our living room and honestly my favorite place in the whole house to decorate.

Please be aware this is my first attempt and in um, some ways it shows (will work on those ums I promise!) and it was shot with an iphone. As I learn more about editing and filming the quality will improve and I hope to bring you live craft and recipe tutorials from time to time (ie more vlogs). Without further adieu here ya go….

My Top 5 Mantle Decorating Tips

1. Plan your mantle. Pick one or 2 large pieces that for the mantle and fill in around those and try to make it relatively symmetrical on each side. It doesn’t have to be matchy matchy in each piece on left side needs to match each piece on right but there should be a flow. If you plan it out it avoids your mantle being a hodge podge of styles and sizes of pieces.
2. Pick one or 2 styles and stick with it. I combined a rustic and a Victorian look with burlap and roses and the metal pieces, but do what works for your tastes. You can combine two looks for a nice contrast or go for one style throughout, but combining several styles creates a confusing, well hodge podge.
3.  Use what you already have. Solid red decorations from Christmas? Those work great! Candles or candy dishes from the pantry? Grab them! Flowers from the garden? Put them in a vase!
4. Try the unexpected or take a gamble. I kept seeing little bird cages in the stores and honestly, I thought who in the world would use a bird cage? But you know what, I saw them in magazines and Pinterest they looked really good so I snagged one! Add an unexpected color or element. Clumsy Crafter and Decor Chick both broke up all the lovey dovey red and pink with turquoise and it was an awesome contrast. I have gone with black and will add more black when my garland is done. I also used the burlap in the frame and the distressed metal of the lantern and bird cage to tone down the feminine Victorian items.
5. Decorating your mantle does not have to break your heart or your bank. Make things when you can. I made the trees, the blocks, and the frame. You can also use coupons. The purchased items I bought over several trips to Hobby Lobby using my 40% off 1 item coupons. Watch for sales, use what you have, shop garage sales and thrift stores. Pretty doesn’t have to be pricey.

Thanks for checking out my mantle, Valentine’s crafts, and vlog. Hope the decorating tips help. What are you putting on your mantle right now?