Summer Mantle

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Well, Summer is here and my mantle was in need of a make-over that was worthy of hot, summer days.  I decided on a beach theme using lots of shells, sand, and other natural elements. 

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Here's what my fireplace looked like before I started:

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Everything I used to decorate were things that I already had.  Most of the shells I used I have had since I was a child.  Most of them came from family trips to Florida.  I'm so glad I have all of these beautiful shells - who knew I would be using them years later to decorate!

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Here's what the mantle looks like now:

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I purchased the apothecary jars from TJ Maxx and Marshall's a few years ago.  I'm glad I have them - I keep them up on my mantle most of the year.  I just switch out the fillers for the different seasons.

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Two of the jars are filled at the bottom with sand and shells on top.

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The third jar is filled with dried sea bark I purchased from Pottery Barn a few years ago.  I think it is actually dried cactus.  I recently saw it for sale at Michael's.

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I bought both of the star fish on the island of Capri in Italy.  Every time I look at them it reminds me of our great vacation!

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I printed out the sea horse and shell print for free from Vintage Printables.  I first found out about Vintage Printables from Rene of Cottage and Vine and now I can't stop printing out things!

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I have two frames hanging near my fireplace.  I switched out the photos I had in the frames for more shell prints.

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Not bad for free prints!

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I added beach grass to a vase filled with sand to set in front of the fireplace.

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To complete the Summer look, I added a hurricane filled with sand and shells to my coffee table.

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Thanks for reading!  I hope you are inspired to bring a little bit of Summer inside your home.

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I'm linking up to these great parties:  Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ Silly Little Sparrow, Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life, Show and Tell Day  @ Blue Cricket Design, Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple, Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage, Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous, Mantle Vignette @ The Stories of A to Z.