Newly Inspired Mantel Decorating!

I haven't changed anything about my mantel since January when I was inspired by 

another blogger's mantel.

While browsing through my new Architectural Digest and Southern Living magazines I saw a couple of mantels that inspired me to try a couple of new things.

~Note you can always click any picture to see it enlarged

First I was inspired to try the layering pictures...I've seen it done a lot, but never envisioned it for me...but something finally sparked....

The above is from Southern Living magazine 

 This is from Architectural Digest









I saw the candelabras on the mantel and I looked over at my two candelabras on the dining table and thought...hmmm.....why not? 
(Note more layering too)

Here's my newly decorated mantel!

 I was going to show you the 8 different ways I tried but decided you didn't need that much information!

 I even moved my big bowl that I posted about last January to the mantel.  I like how the light catches the design and adds texture.

I had mixed feelings about liking it after I purchased it, (I got it on Ebay and hated to pay to return it) but now I'm finally feeling good about it! 

 I wanted some kind of animal feature and decided to give my little dog statues 
(Nell Hill's) a try.  There is a pair of these but only one works in this setting. These are cute little affordable versions resembling the well known Staffordshire dogs.

 The only thing new is the square picture  

(Hobby Lobby) and a printed picture of a door handle that I slipped into the frame I got from Pier 1 

a while back.

Note: I used clear rubber like stick on pieces to keep the pictures from sliding.

  My Tuscan vases that were on the mantel are on the floor and my favorite candle holder is on the hearth now. 

I'm not sure if they are staying there.  I have a couple of metal stands I may try,  but for now that's how it looks!

It's a very dull gray day because we're getting rain.  Not much brightness to help take pictures so things are a bit dark.  
I hate to use the flash, because it ruins the affects.

With the Tuscan coloring I have in my room it's easy to bring in the feeling of fall.  I haven't begun to think about fall decorating, but it won't be too long for that!

 So what do you think?  

I hope you liked it!

Liz 

I'm joining Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life
for
Tabletop Tuesday