Saturday, November 27, 2010

Let the decorating begin~and a link to a great tutorial!

with handmade paper garlands and music sheets! It always starts at the mantle in the kitchen. This years' theme is music sheets and paper garlands.
I'm loving the look!



Sometime this past summer I stumbled upon a stack of vintage church hymnals~I picked them up for a song! The woman at the counter told me that her husband ~ a pastor at a local church~ found them in the churches old piano. These two actually have dates in them of 1893-just imagine how many church services they've seen...the weddings, baptism's, funerals and holiday gatherings!

She was curious as to what I planned for them- at the time I didn't know, but I loved the typography and the old paper~just lovely! I think she thought that strange, but I wondered myself why her husband would be willing to part with such beauty that held so much church history-that to me was even stranger!

anyways, here are a couple of them in my mantle display~



As much as it hurt, I pulled out four of the pages from the Christmas section and wrapped them around my 'Sacred Heart' candles, then tied them with hemp.


The pages were just a little long and had to be trimmed...but naturally I couldn't toss those sacred scraps...they are now a little chain placed in my studio.




My favorite part of the mantle is the paper garland I made...edged with silver german glass glitter for a little sparkle!

This weekend we'll be working on the tree...I know I want more paper garlands ~ I'll have more photos to share next week!

Little update on these candles....

Diane, of Lavender Dreams has posted a wonderful tutorial on making these candles...she did a great job with her first tutorial and her candles came out fabulous! Check it out here.

A big thank you to Diane!!

If you haven't already scroll down and get your name in the proverbial hat for my sign giveaway...two winners this time & it's open to everyone!


28 comments:

shabby mama said...

So very lovely...love the sheet music and the simple elements...

Donna (Timeless Settings) said...

This is stunning! I love it!

Donna

injaynesworld said...

You are so talented and inspiring. Now I can't wait to start decorating.

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Hi Paula~
Very pretty. What a find, lucky girl.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Paula, this is just stunning! I love it and I love how you saved the scraps and made a little paper chain with them. I really love this!

Holly @ BeachCoveJewelry said...

That garland is so cute! and what a great find, can't believe they parted with those!

kara@elements-interiors.net said...

Hi Paula! im your newest follower! Im CRAAAAAAAZY about your blog! The mantle...SWOOONING! I cant wait to go to your Etsy! I would BEYOND ADORE you to visit my 14 days of xmas trees ...and i have a giveaway!

*ENTER CUSTOM FLORAL Give-Away Here *

xoxokara

Debbie said...

LOVE, love, love your mantle Paula!! that garland is perfect, as are the music sheets wrapped around the candles!
VERY pretty!
Debbie@lakehouse

michelle said...

Just beautiful and very elegant! I love what you did with the music sheets!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

So pretty Paula! I made a paper chain for my booth space but it was so fragile and my spot is right near the heater. Can't believe I did not think to use it at home ~ thanks for the idea!!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Paula, Your mantle is gorgeous! I am in love with the paper garland and the music sheet covered candleholders. Beautiful!
Hugs,
Sherry

aimee said...

gosh, i would not have given those beautiful hymnals away either! i love your mantle. i wish i had a mantle. it would be so fun to decorate it.
blessings,
aimee

CosmoGirl Carla said...

How lucky you were to score those hymnals! I love the simple beauty of your mantel's vignette. The old timey paper chain made from the music pages . . . ingenious. I love it! Thanks for sharing.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your candles are gorgeous! I have some of them...now I need to try to decorate them with the sheet music! What a difference that makes! ♥

Karen Sabrsula said...

Beautiful setting!! Thanks for sharing!

Dionne said...

This is all so lovely. You've put everything together so well, so warm and inviting!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I just wanted you to know that I am copying music, cutting it....putting it on candles and having a fun crafting day! You can't make just one! heehee! Thanks for the wonderful idea! Hugs! ♥

Unknown said...

I love the banners and how you glittered the edges. I'm like you in that it pains me to take apart a good old music book. Happy decorating!

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

GORGEOUS mantel, banner, and oh, those sweet hymnal candles! Swoon......Sigh......

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I did a tutorial on the candles that I made this morning! WHEW! That was FUN! Thank you so much! I mentioned you of course and gave a link to your post! I owe you a HUG! ♥

Lisa said...

So pretty, I know it hurts to rip out the pages, but you've given me confidence to do so. But I have only one book, so I'd better choose wisely what I do with it. Just gorgeous, Paula.

xxx's Lisa

Twyla and Lindsey said...

It is so awesome to meet you! Discovered you through Diane, Lavender Dreamer. Your blog is beautiful and I can't wait to have a look around. Have a wonderful day! Twyla

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Paula! This is gorgeous! I LOVE LOVE your mantle! LOVE IT! The sheets of Christmas music and that garland....with GLITTER!!! OH LORD I LOVE IT!

My mantle is the traditional red, lime green, etc. but I have been so drawn to the more natural look this year...I think it is SO stunning! Next year, that is what I am going to do!

Great job!

Lou Cinda

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

That is so stunning! Well done!

Judy

Griselda said...

I followed Lavender Dreamer here...wow...wonderful blog, great tutorial too.

Jenny said...

Oh, you are clever. That paper chain is too wonderful. Absolutely gorgeous decorations. Wow.

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

I want your scroll!!!!!! Gorgeous!!! Seriously jumping up and down over here!

Judy@cutest-little-things

Pamela said...

Paula you have out done yourself! Everything looks so beautiful! Thanx for sharing your how to! Merry Christmas and get some rest girl!