Days are flying by and Christmas is almost here ... 
My mantel is done ... Oh JOY !!!
I wanted it simple ...
My mantel is done ... Oh JOY !!!
I wanted it simple ...
... a little shabby ... 
with a little bit of architectural interest ...
and still express the 'reason for the season' ...
... and here is what I came up with.
They are sitting atop two vintage posts, lighting the way for the Christ child.
The short shabby chippy column is one I bought from Shannon at Rusty and Redone last year when I won $20.00 gift certificate at her Etsy Shop in a give-away.
The middle one was a lamp base and the character in it is so unusual, I just did not have the heart to paint it. The tall one is a piece of porch column and I added a base to it. Original chippy white paint on the two of them. I painted the lanterns barn red to make them look old.
The wreath is decorated with red Cardinals and sitting atop the tallest column, is Mama Cardinal and her babies are nestled in the pip berry garland below.
Numbers 2 and 5 were cut from a piece of very weathered sign board last year.
The glow of tiny lights underneath the garland of pip berries keeps it soft and simple.
The chalkboard printable was a free offer from Kellie at Nest of Posies.com.
Be sure to take a look at her free printables ... they are fantastic.
I had it enlarged the 11" x 14" and cut down a vintage frame from one I had. 
My little angel has worked so hard and is so tuckered out ... she needs a power nap.
Hope you enjoyed our 2012 Christmas mantel with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus and can feel the Comfort and Joy of this special day.
Audrey Z.
Timeless Treasures
Linking to: My Repurposed Life
I Gotta Create
Semi Homemade Mom
Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday.
Knick of Time Tuesday
Homemaker on a Dime
Debbiedoo's Newbie with a Twist Party
Inspiration Friday at the Picket Fence
Funky Junk Interiors SNS
