Who knows what's going on with that big frame up there. I didn't want the mantle to be too busy since the garland was to be the focal point. I'd like a mirror, but I'm not in the mood to spend money. Did I just say that out loud?
How did I do it, you ask? Let's just pretend you asked. I used three cheap garlands (one was double the length, so I guess four to be technical). I bought one at Michaels for a few bucks, but the others were purchased at consignment shops. Hooray for consignment shops!
I followed Nester's advice, laid them out on the floor, and started tying them together. Next up--the lights. I strung a few strands on there. Luckily, I had them put an outlet into the top of my mantle when we had the house built, so I don't have to worry about cord issues.
I've been raiding Hobby Lobby's floral section for months (since April to be clear), and I ended up with a BUTT-load of pics (I said butt). I used dried, silk, rubber, plastic, ceramic, steel...you name it, and I just made it fuller and fuller and fuller.
I've professed my love for all things natural before, so that was my ultimate goal. I wanted the neutrals of the feathers and the natural essence of the birds nests. Throwing some red berries in there helped it tie in with the rest of the Christmas decor--I think!
So there you have it. The garland. I can't wait for Nester's garland party, so I can continue to steal ideas from other people!Stay tuned! My next post will be the Christmas tree. And the garland up the staircase! So many Christmas posts! Oh, the fun!
96 comments:
That looks absolutely awesome. Can't wait to see your tree and other garland!! I need to start collecting greenery now for next year so I'll have such a huge stash. :-)
It is so pretty! I tried to create one to 'copy' Nester, and now you...but mine just didn't come together like yours did. I'll post it anyway! LOL
Just gorgeous! Truly it is fabulouso! Now...did you make sure that it's secured and won't fall down???? (just checking). Can't wait to see photos of your tree!
It looks so AMAZING!! You don't need to be the Nester, you just need to be You!! Your pretty fabulous, be we already knew that!
:)Rachel
Chris,
Your mantle garland is beautiful...looking forward to seeing even more pictures!
~Coco
Looks absolutely beautiful! And not too many pictures! :) Makes me wish I had a mantel to decorate. Maybe one day...
Thanks for sharing yours!
So beautiful! You have every right to take dozens of pictures and sit and gaze for as long as you like. ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
Oh la la la!
Your garland is stunning!!! Mine isn't even close to that but there is always next year...:)
I can't wait to see whatelse you've done.
Have a wonderful evening,
Tam
Wow, it looks amazing. I love it.
Your garland is beautiful. I have had a little setback, but hope to have mine up tomorrow. You have given me many ideas. Jackie
It's so purdy:) You said butt;)
Chris wow the garland looks wonderful I love it. I haven't tried the big garland yet maybe next year when I have a stash to add to it.
have a great day
julie
That is incredible! It is absolutely gorgeous!
I would love to try to make one myself, but yours has already put anything I might come up with to shame.
Totally totally cute!!
Beautiful!
Oh how I miss my fireplace. sigh. You did a great job. I've seen the nesters and your's is great. I'd take lots of pic. too.
Seasons Greetings
Freaking beautiful.
I want it. It is amazing.
I've been drooling over all these garlands! I've been inspired to start a stash and hopefully I'll have one up next year. Where do you hang your stockings with that garland up?
I love it! It is beautiful!
That look fabulous! You should be proud!!!
Ho,Ho,
Cathleen
It is absolutely darling and you can never have too many photos.
As much as I would love o decorate this house more especially our entry way, Ican't use any nails and the tape just doesn't hold up. Someday we have our own place.
LOVE it!! I just got my garland posted. I had so much fun finding things to stick in.
Stunnnnnnnnnning! cherry
GORG!!!!!!!!
That.Is.Gorgeous!! I love the artichokes in it too. And great thinking of the outlet in the mantle...my LuLu has pulled the light cord 2 times now and the whole thing has come crashing down. I said something worse than "butt" when that happened! Once again, great job Chris, you have outdone yourself!
Absolutely Gorgeous!
WOW - that is so amazing! Great job!!
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Blessings!
Absolutely STUNNING! I'd say Nester has a little competition on the garland front. You did a fantabulous job. Love it!
Beautiful!!!
It's just fabulous!! Too have done shopping for home appliances through Absolute Home for Christmas.
whoa, this is beautiful. No other words to describe it!!
that looks great! love all the natural elements. i think yours rates up there with the nester herself... way to go!
~nicole
Love it! I used similar items in my garland. Can't wait to see your other Christmas decorations!
Oh glory! Glory! It's fabulous! And I love how you worked in that soup ladle and sling-back pump! Stunning! ;-)
I have a glitter post coming up tomorrow and it's all your fault. My house looks like teeny-tiny glitter fairies had a party in here. It's everywhere. The floor. My face. The kids. Big fun!
Girl, you are one creative super mama! I love your thick, beautiful garland. Gorgeous!
That is beautiful! Very Nester-y! I love the artichokes in it.
This is simply fabulous! Love it!
I am speachless it is so beautiful!!!
WOW!!! Awesome!!! So fab and so designer-like. Way to go!!! Christmas blessings to you and your family!
Okay I was really irritated with a mispelled word in my comment, but here's what I said:
Yeah, that garland screams: Professional Designer Resides Here!
Love it!!
BEEE U tiful! I think our garlands are related! It is wonderful!
I love it! You did a great job!
BEAUTIFUL! I love it!! Seeing yours makes me think I need to add to mine! :) I don't have hardly anything on it!
You did an awesome job. that is completely gorgeous!
You did an awesome job. that is completely gorgeous!
Wowee! That's an awesome garland...it does rival the Nester's! Fabulous!
hmm, I came here earlier and must not have left a comment. hate me. I was talking to my sister on the phone and she told me how great yours looked and she is right!
Wonderful!
I think that garland is just beautiful!!!
Chris, it looks great!!!! So full and beautiful. I wanted mine to be pretty and full like yours, but I think I might have to keep working on collecting more greenery and try for something bigger and better next year.
BTW, on the frame, is there a way you could make it stand up (vertically) about and inch or two away from the wall? I think it would be really cool to do that and then use ribbon and have Christmas ornaments (pretty balls) hanging down, kind of staggered. Just an idea!
Chris, it's beautiful! I love all of the natural elements.
I love your garland, it is just so fresh, full, and beautiful! :-) And, I saw artichokes...LOVE this idea!!!
Someone should do a Mr. Linky for all the bloggers who have been inspired by the Nester and are posting about their garlands. She should get a commission for all the knock-offs out there! :)
This big ol' fat garland trend is making me giddy!!! Oh I can't wait till i get a REAL fireplace!!!
Love your garland!! Mine still needs some help!
That is sooo pretty!
That is ONE AWESOME GARLAND! I Love It and all the goodies that are within! Next year I'm definitely going to have to pick up my "garland game"....maybe I'll catch some stuff on the after Christmas sales! TEHEHE....
I say Butt Load too! Some people correct me and say.."Don't you mean Boat Load"...and I say NOPE...I like BUTT LOAD BETTER...It has more Pizazz!
BEAUTIFUL!!! I am amazed at all you do! I have not been to a consignment shop in forever! Probably cause there are none right around me. But I am going to find one now! Thanks!!
WOW ... I mean WOW! I have been a fixture at Hobby Lobby lately as well. Unfortunately I haven't been as creative as you. When Martha finds this post she's going to steal this you know ... yeah it's that good.
So this is definitely one of the best I've seen, I'd say you may have surpassed the nester herself. I found your blog thru the "I can make that party" and have been following since...your garland is gorgeous and I love your ideas!
This is actually really helpful to me. I wanted to copy the Nester but was a little intimidated. Plus we have a weird mantle. But the up-close photos are really good...thanks for sharing and getting me through my fear! :)
Carrie
Absolutely gorgeous and elegant. I wish I had that much talent and FORESIGHT (since April?). Maybe I need to take a floral class because I wouldn't even know where to begin but I do know that if you bought that in a store just like that, you'd pay upwards of $100 or more! You must have saved a boodle!
Gorgeous. Glad the butt load of picks came in handy. LOL
So, so pretty!
Hi Neighbor,
I am from Michigan, too.
Your garland is gawjus!
G.E.O.R.G.E.O.U.S!
Absolutely beautiful, looks like a professional did! I'm envious!
Lamp Tramp
Oh my, your garland is amazing! You should be proud of yourself! Could you pop on by Connecticut and make one for my sad mantel?
Jo
Wow..that is truly amazing! That is all I can say right now..WOW!
-sandy toes
Perfect! It is so pretty! I will be back to see your tree. Merry Christmas.
Prize winning garland, for sure! Just amazing!
XO,
Sheila
Chris, that is one fabulous-looking mantel! What a great job. It's totally magazine worthy.
Perfect! Love the candle sticks on the mantle too.
Wow yours is the best so far! Just amazing and so full and lush looking. Thanks for sharing
Absolutely beautiful!!! I looove all the natural items you put in there!
Shannon
Okay, you hit a Home Run with this...no wait...Out of the Ball Park! This is so impressive, I'm speechless. And believe me, that rarely happens. Way to go!!!
You did an awesome job!! I'm going to pick up some garland after Christmas and collect lots of goodies for it. Thanks for the inspiration!!
You did an amazing job, it looks great!
I turned out beautifully! I love how it's so full, colorful, and interesting. My garland is just greenery with some lights. Your's is so much more interesting!
This is glorious! I feel like I need a trumpet to sing your praises. Divine!
absolutely love the feathers in it, it all looks terrific, wanna come ot my house and make it over????
i LOVE it! especially the artichokes and feathers!!!
WOW! WOW! WOW! Your garland is AMAZING! It's so luscious and full! I LOVE it! WOW! I can totally understand why you can't stop looking at it! STUNNING!
LOVE IT!!!! Thanks for your comment. I love your blog!
this look FAB! I'm starting to accumulate a BUTT load of red and white ornaments because every time I go to the store, I buy more. No time to put up the tree yet. Better get it up soon or I'm going to have an even bigger BUTT load of red and white ornaments :)
WOW! Amazing garland, LOVE IT!
Oh...Be still my heart. HOW gorgeous is that?! You have done good girl...real good!
Three words: FAN TASS TICK
You got 93 comments! Holy Cow! Your garland looks amazing. I think it pretty much looks like the Nester with all those feathers and junk everywhere. I'm sure one of your other commenters has suggested adding a wreath to the middle of that empty frame? I actually didn't notice it was empty till you mentioned it. I thought it WAS a mirror up there! Everything looks great!
Wow. Wow. WOW!!!!
It is amazing!
WOW!! Did you use steel cables to keep it up on the mantel??? hehehe! It is BEAUTIFUL!!
Your garland is just beautiful!
WOW!!! Your garland is FANTASTIC!!! I love everything. The "red" tree, the outdoor decor, the garland, the cute signs with the paper and tins words. OH! Those candles with the scrapbook paper made me sit up straight in my chair! LOVE. IT! Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas!!!
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