Okay, it’s no secret. I’m the queen of the cluttered mantel. I’ve TRIED less is more. I really have. And it’s almost Lent, so less is more made sense in my head. Just not on my mantel. AND? I’m pretty passionate about Lent and especially how we often need to add things to our lives (prayer, generosity, kindness, study, etc) just as much as we need to subtract them.
So. For my early Spring, Lenten mantel, I give you the following very full mantel. Here’s what I love about it.
1. The crucifix—It will be the perfect Lenten reminder of His scandalous love toward us. And I know how some Christians will say that they don’t like the crucifix, because He’s not there anymore, He’s risen! Yes, he is, but first we must journey through Lent, through his pain and suffering and hell. Then Easter will be all the more sweet.
2. Hold Your Horses sign by Stephanie Creekmur. It’s the perfect Lenten reminder. Wait. It’s not Easter yet. Walk slow through Lent and then we’ll run with fury together to the empty tomb.
3. Lemons and Aloe. Things alive add so much life and movement to your mantel and welcome Spring, without screaming Spring.
4. The gold planter was from Anthropologie and gives the perfect amount of shine!
5. The little white birdie planter is so cute. A Christmas gift from West Elm.
6. The antlers give hints of a crown of thorns.
7. The feather print is from Anna Marie Horner’s print collection. Framed at Hobby Lobby from a recycled antique store frame.
8. The bust was Hobby Lobby a year or two ago, spray painted and bejeweled with my pearls. I’m always having to hunt down my jewelry and hats, because they’re always scattered around my house being used as decoration.
9. The original poetry from my friend, Kim, after our fire. It says—
Sun splashes, dapples dark
mountain lingo lightens my world
God reflects in laughter
Sun splashes, dapples dark
red lips, pink cheeks brighter
her face
God shines in a smile
Sun splashes, dapples dark
warm hands spark creativity
God radiates his love
Sun splashes
It is one of my most priced possessions. I tear up every time I read it. I’m not sure Kim knew how much her art would touch me, change me, mold me.
So, yes, a cluttered, storied mantel that hints of sacrifice and promises redemption. The best spaces tell a story.
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If you’ve never been taught much about Lent, I’m doing a Lenten study that will begin on Ash Wednesday. Not sure if it’ll be through email, a facebook group, or just on the blog. But, be watching so we can journey together.
Also, meet me on Instagram today and show me your freshened up mantels, perhaps using some of my mantel advice from earlier this week! Use the hashtag #loveyourmantel. See you on IG or Facebook, if you don’t have an IG account!
I’m Catholic, so I’m really looking forward to Lent, I have big plans for myself =)
Curious about the cow head… where did you find it? I’m looking for something similar for my son’s room…
Love the mantel, and the Lenten touches. Spring is far away here (just got a few more inches of snow last night), but Lent isn’t–so very appropriate!
I LOVE your intentionality with everything on your mantel! I had never considered being that intentional with my household decorations. You end up with these little reminders of the Gospel that you can’t avoid as it’s at a vocal point of the room. So cool. Thank you for sharing!
Looking forward to your Lenten study!!
I love your mantel… how it tells a story! I don’t have a mantel yet- actually I’m building one right now for our bedroom. I’m working on a bedroom makeover for our 7th anniversary on March 3rd- the big reveal is next Friday! So excited! I’m already styling it in my head with your tips from earlier this week!
PS- so glad to see your smiling face at the top of the blog again! Love it! 🙂
I’m new to your site, and you are teaching me so much! Thank you for being God’s vehicle for deepening my quest for knowledge of Him.
The Lenten study: my vote is through the blog or email, please! I do not do Facebook. Thank you and God bless ya real big!
I love every word, and every precious piece of style, faith and memories. I completely changed my mantel’s story this week but now I”m thinking mine wants to spread the gospel of yours. 🙂
You pull it off so well! I’m motivated to get on mine, now. It’s a mess…
I love what you’ve done and the meaning with which you imbued the items; the theme running through them. My mantle is shallow, both literally and existentially. 🙂
I am absolutely in love with this mantle. It really inspires me to try something different with ours. I love how everything has a meaning behind it.
Now that I can see the photo on my computer screen, I see that the garland is book paper. Dude, I really love that! I love the story you are weaving here.
I admire the template of this blog, and of course the writing as well.
madison deck
Edie, this is so true and so poignant as always,. Been a lurking follower for a while, very interested in a Lenten Journey. Thank you!
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A++ for your comments on the Crucifix. (‘Cause you needed someone giving your mantel a grade, right?) I love the ‘Christ Risen’ cross – the conquering of death, His power over *our* grave. But we must also have the ‘Christ Crucified’ cross – the *fact* of what He endured for us. We need both, and yes, we need the Crucifix before we get to ‘Christ is Risen – Alleluia!’
Tangentially, the Crucifix is what I need when I begin to think, “Why me?” Why not me?? I will never suffer what He did.
Love your ideas. I’m doing my Lenton “cleaning out/purging/organizing” of the house this week. And I can’t wait to get out my Easter decor next week. It creates such an “anticipation” for the season. Eager to hear what you will be doing for a Lenton study.