The fireplace is usually where I start when I’m transitioning my decor from one Season to the next.  I have to admit though, that I was so happy with how my Christmas decorations turned out that I almost hated to change it.  BUT, in the end, I’m *just* as happy with how it all turned out using my everyday accents pieces.

Here is how I had the fireplace decorated for Christmas:

The first task was to take all of Christmas decorations down and pack them away, that took 1/2 a day in and of itself…not kidding…:)  This is what I started with  

The first thing that I had replaced was the wreath on the mirror.  Here is a link to show you how I made that wreath, Burlap, Pip Berry, & Rod Iron Wreath

There it is in place…

The next thing I tackled was the mantel…

I started with a pip berry garland that matches the staircase garland and I wrapped a set of 35 white lights around it;  I always purchase my pip berry garland from The Pip Berry Barn.  Then I made two burlap bows that I have on the staircase (here is a link for my Staircase: Lit Pip Berry Garland post). After that I added black wooden candlesticks and topped them with candles with metal stars wrapped around them.

I got the candlesticks and candles from Piper Classics

Next, I added a couple of Dickens houses, a few electric spool candles with silicone light bulbs, a couple more plain wooden candle sticks (that I tied a bit of the ribbon around), and some pieces from my Willow Tree collection.   I stood back and took a look see and was happy with what I’d created.

Then I moved on to the hearth, the first thing that I did was to recreate a basket decor that I’d had sitting next to the hearth at Christmas; here is a picture of how I had it decorated up for Christmas…

And here is how I recreated it using more generic accent pieces:

I found the “Happiness is Homemade” plaque at Hobby Lobby for 40% off, and I already owned the rest of the accents which included an old pip berry garland, metal stars, a little wooden heart, and a country themed towel that I tied to the basket.  I did add a set of lights to the very top.  I found these spiffy sparkl’ies’ at Michaels, they are battery operated and have a timer (although, I will say that my hubby rigged them up with a little transformer and mine are plugged in and never go off).

After that little project was complete, I moved to the hearth.  As I’ve explained in this How To Create Cozy Corners post, I started to build the decor on either side of the fireplace box.  If we want to have a fire these pieces are easily slid out of the way.

First, I took a moment to put together a quick little lantern centerpiece…

And then I just built the rest of the decor…I ended up with this.

Then I moved to the other side, here is what I came up with there…

See that “I Love You a Bushel and a Peck” lit canvas plaque? My cousin Stacey made that for me and gave it to me for Christmas (and yes, I cried like a baby when I opened it…that saying is very special to us because our Grandma used to say it to us all of the time).  If you’d like to see how she made that, here is a link to her Light Up Christmas Canvas blog entry.  Stacey is sweet enough to be a guest blogger for me every now and again. 🙂  I will cherish that piece forever and ever!! ❤

So when all was said and done, here is a look at how everything turned out…

And how it looks in the evening hours…

Yes, I can honestly say that I am just as happy with this look as I was with the Christmas look.  And it was so much fun to create, I truly thrive on this sort of thing. 🙂  This fireplace design set the tone for what the rest of the decor would look like. In my next post, I’ll describe how I put together that cozy little corner to the right of the tv…along with a few other little creations…

Until next time, y’all take good care! ❤

**In crafting there are no mistakes just unique creations**