Finding Love in the Everyday
So, you probably have gathered by now that I’m a big fan of Valentine’s Day. Maybe that’s because I’m a big fan of love, who knows? But let’s not talk about me. I’m thinking there are a lot of you out there who don’t bother decorating for Valentine’s Day (even though you’d like to) because you don’t want to spend a lot of money for decorations you’ll only use for a couple of weeks. I agree. That’s why I’m happy to share this little post about my Valentine kitchen mantle. Let me warn you–if you’re a regular around here, you’ve already seen this stuff, just not quite this way. Here it is:Do you recognize anything you’ve seen before? If not, let me help you out…The red frame was the one I used here for my Christmas wreath. And the white sticks? Yep, those are the same ones I spray-painted for Christmas, too. And the little banner? that’s the one I used here for my Christmas chalkboard. Yes, you got me, the apothecary jar is new because it was too good of a deal to pass up the other day. And yes, those are the same Hershey’s Kisses I used for New Year’s here. But, better in the jar than on my thighs. So, the point of it all is that YES, you can use the same accessories for different purposes & still get great seasonal decor without spending a lot of cash. Need a great glassboard for writing messages or memos? Keep your eye open at the thrift stores for a framed picture with the glass. Then, just remove the glass, picture & backing, then paint the frame, put the glass back in & you have a custom piece that’s a great alternative to a chalkboard! Use chalkboard markers like I used on my Blessings Board to write whatever you want. Tell me you don’t need one of these somewhere in your house! And if you don’t have sticks somewhere in your house by now, it’s time you got outside & found some. Hang a few hearts on them, & you have a huge Valentine tree.Banners like these can be used for almost any occasion. I just added the word “love” to mine with scrapbooking letters, & it’s customized for Valentine’s Day. And a few more scrapbook supplies can turn a jar of kisses into a prescription for love.There’s still plenty of time to spread some love around your house just by using your everyday things. I hope this inspires you!And speaking of inspiration, there are only a few days left to come up with your Valentine’s post to enter in my Valentine’s Day Challenge. I’ll give you all the instructions on Tuesday, February 1st, when the link party begins. Don’t forget: the winner will receive a free 16×20 canvas photo from my shop. This could be the perfect gift for your Valentine! Grab a button on my sidebar & share the fun with everyone!Meanwhile, I’m sharing this Valentine vignette with a few of these parties.
Ann@StylishOnceAgain
January 31, 2011 @ 1:48 am
I love the glassboard idea. Think I will be looking for a thrift store picture this week!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
January 31, 2011 @ 1:55 am
You did good, girl! : ) I love that you reused a lot of things. Love the frame idea and your label on the apothecary jar. I put my candy in an apothecary that hands can't fit in! That's my remedy for not eating it.
Blessed Mommy of 2
January 31, 2011 @ 2:09 am
Looks great! :o) Love the glass board and the Rx apothecary!
Chrissie
January 31, 2011 @ 3:31 am
I love the apothecary jar with the kisses! Everything is adorable!!
A Vintage Vine
January 31, 2011 @ 3:48 am
So festive..I love that you reused items from Christmas! Very creative!
NanaDiana
January 31, 2011 @ 4:51 am
Julie– You did a really nice job without spending a ton of money. I like a little Valentine's Day too…and I LOVE your glass board. So…when ARE you going to eat those danged kisses? Hugs- Diana
Ashly@Moon Walk
January 31, 2011 @ 6:30 pm
I'm glad you posted this because I feel the same way. I really wanted to do more for Valentine's day but I didn't want to spend a ton of money. I can't wait to look for things and recreate!
Sharon
February 1, 2011 @ 12:12 pm
Hi Julie! I am very excited to have "re-found" your blog!! It seems like I am just in time for the party…and I'm never early or on time for anything! I'm going to add your button to my sidebar now and look forward to being able to link up this evening! I LOVE that apothecary and need to make one too! I have done some 1Corinthians 13 Word art, but I couldn't handwrite it…I had to use the computer!:-)Looking forward to the party!
Shelia
February 1, 2011 @ 3:06 pm
Hi Julie! Oh, your Valentine display is so wonderful. You are the most creative one! Your kitchen looks amazing! Oh, how wonderful it would be to have a kitchen mantle! It's gorgeous!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Ann @ makethebestofthings
February 2, 2011 @ 12:23 am
Wonderfully clever and well done and cheap. I do believe I have mantel envy over here. I love how your decor looks!
Valerie
February 2, 2011 @ 3:33 pm
I love, love LOVE your mantle! (and your kitchen! wowsiers!) I have filed your ideas at thecraftersfilebox.com. I am going to have to "borrow" a few of yours!:) Thanks for sharing!
Cindy
February 4, 2011 @ 1:55 am
Love these ideas…your kitchen is beautiful!
Erin
February 6, 2011 @ 2:10 am
First, your kitchen looks like it came from a magazine! The subway tile turned at an angle makes for a great detail. Second, it's refreshing to see someone re-using decorations from season to season. I'm new to the decorating/crafting blog world and my frugal side is always a little aghast at how so many bloggers have tons of decorations unique to each season. It's nice to have sweet, simple
decorations that can multi-task!
Erin
(visiting from Coastal Charm)
Candy (Mama Lion)
February 21, 2011 @ 1:56 pm
I am completely inspired. i love ur decor and i am nuts about ur kitchen mantle. did u buy that with the house or make it? I have a white kitchen too and I want to know how to get a mantle in mine!
Kathy
February 25, 2011 @ 12:38 am
WOW. How simple but so profound!! i REALLY do need chalkboard markers!!