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Merry Mantel Decorating 2015 – Day One

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Hello!

We had SUCH a great time with our Sweet P in Haiti this past week, y’all! I can’t wait to tell you all about it next week when I’ve got all my photos edited. Definitely five of the most Wonder-FULL days of my entire life! 😀

…and speaking of five, this week, I’m excited to share five decorating vlogs with you!

You know how much I love to decorate mantels, right? Well, I thought I’d do a little “Merry Mantel” decorating series for folks who are looking for simple steps to deck out their fireplace without breaking the bank. Every idea may not be for everyone, but I hope there’s a little take-away for you here or there throughout the week! Click the play button on the video below to watch video #1 of the series…

Here’s a still shot of the finished foundation:

4 Merry Mantels | The Lettered Cottage | YouTube Series | Fireplace Decorating | Christmas

Like I mentioned in the video, I’ll be posting videos #2, #3, #4 and #5 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week, so come on back if you’d like to see how these four looks turn out:

  • Coastal Christmas
  • Saying Sign
  • Architectural Salvage
  • Contemporary Christmas

Happy decorating!

PS- Quick Cyber Monday heads up: Kevin’s Shoot Fly Shoot e-classes are ALL 50% off today! If you’re a visual learner, and you want to *really* learn how to take photos with your DSLR camera in manual mode, their Photography 101 and 102 classes are incredible. Super easy to understand, and you can watch the classes at your own pace because once you sign up, you have access forever. If you want to learn how to edit photos with Lightroom and/or Photoshop, they have classes for that too, and their new Lightroom Presets are awesome, so if you’re in the market for a quick way to enhance your pics, be sure to check that one out while it’s on sale for $20!

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Comments

  2. Mary Spring

    Loved your video. I tried to sign up for one of your husband’s classes and can’t seem to get PayPal to process it. I’m wondering if there’s a problem with the website? Thanks so much. Mary Spring

    • Layla

      Hi Mary!
      I’m not sure why Paypal gave you troubles, but you should definitely drop Kevin a line at [email protected] and he’ll probably be able to help you get to the bottom of it! XO

  3. Christi

    I love your Vlogs. You have a great personality! Would you mind sharing your source for your Garland? Merry Christmas!

  4. Maryjane

    Layla I can’t view your vlogs (issues from my end). Please can you at least include a photo of your end result? 🙁 I don’t want to stop checking TLC. 🙁 I miss TLC when I can’t check it.

    Maryjane

  5. Jeanna

    It’s beautiful! I’m sitting here drooling over your lovely living room. Have you ever done a video home tour of your home? If you haven’t, I hope you consider it 🙂

    • Layla

      Thank you, Jeanna!
      I haven’t done a video home tour yet…not sure how I feel about it, to be honest. Makes me feel a little uneasy to put that online, I think. ?
      We’ll see…maybe one day. XO

  6. Jana

    Lovely look Layla! I especially love the added stuffing to the center of the garland. That has always been my favorite look too! Here is my question for you…Where do you store all your beautiful decor in the off-season? Like my house, I know you don’t have oodles and oodles of extra space. And lately I have been feeling like I am bordering on too much clutter. What is your solution for storage?

  7. Kris

    I think the best “decoration” is the wandering kitty cat. 😉 Your fireplace is charming–is that a Craftberry Bush pillow I spy?

  8. Sharon Doss

    I love the mantel! I’m sure I will love the other designs too!
    Glad you had a blast with sweet p.

  9. Jenn A

    I love watching your videos. It makes me feel like I’m visiting a friend and talking about Christmas decorating. You are so fun! And I love your mantel foundation!

  10. Jenny B.

    Love this video! Can’t wait for the rest! 🙂 Also, I had to laugh when I first started watching. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a photo of your living room with a person in it, and I had completely misjudged the scale! I’ve always thought your mantel was about like mine (armpit height?) and that those square windows were probably just above eye level. Boy, was I off! While watching the video, I kept alternating between thinking your living room was huge and imagining that you were really elf-sized. Haha! 🙂

    • Leslie

      Haha. I didn’t realize your ceilings were so tall either. Lucky you. So spacious and airy. Ours are only 8 feet high.

  11. Hollyn

    Love this look…and even more so after your detailed tutorial! Looking forward to the others!

    P.S. Bought a gift certificate for Christmas after seeing your post about the 1/2 off classes at ShootFlyShoot.com

  12. Tanya Ray

    Love your videos! Very inspiring. Looking forward to seeing the rest of Christmas decorating.
    Do you have a post about the wood on your upper fireplace? I am considering placing lap siding on mine.
    Your animals crack me up, especially your kitty cat. Keep on vloging, your awesome.

  13. Lauren

    Beautiful and majestic, while being homey and cozy… love it! Cannot wait to see the rest!

  17. Sandy

    Love this vlog! You are so darn cute and perky! Wow! Your ceiling is tall and so is your mantel. You look so small in front of it. It’s a beautiful room and I love the mantel. Can’t wait to see the other looks you create for Christmas.

  18. Erin Clouse

    Good stuff Layla! I’m totally on the same page with you and your 3/4 sleeve theory. I tried to hang a garland above our kitchen window last year and it looked skimpy with a short garland. A longer one definitely gave it the lush look I needed. This year, I plan on wiring old silverware that I bought at a flea market to it. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!

  20. Hannah

    this is great layla! im decorating my living room for a little pjs and pancakes brunch this saturday so i love your helpful tips!!! tomorrow out to find some jiggly garland! our mantel was inspired by the planking yall did for your friend! ill have to send you a pic! thanks again!

  22. Sara H.

    Hi Layla,
    You might have mentioned it and I missed it-is the garland real or faux? I always hesitate getting a real one because I feel like it will probably dry out and not last until Christmas-especially with the heat on-yet I dont really see faux ones that I like either. If it’s faux can you tell me where you bought yours? It looks beautiful!

  24. Sara

    Layla I love your videos so much! It really is so nice to hear your voice, your personality and your humor! Love it! Keep up the awesome work!

  25. Jackie

    Love all your vlogging! My favorite mantel is the architectural I just love the old church window! Can you share where you purchased Kevin’s stocking? Btw still praying your adoption proceeds with lightning speed!!