Rustic French Christmas Mantel

 I hadn't yet shared the mantlescape in my office yet! I went with a very rustic French feel with the decor, as this room is slowly but surly blending Gothic with Shabby Chic and French Decor!

I love these little French crests. They are antique prints I picked up at an estate sale, they are framed pages from an old book--there were over 100 of them to start, by the time I got there there was just a few....but they were $1.00 each, so lots of folks got a really good deal!

I tied burlap ribbon into a bow and used it to hang a Bethany Lowe bottle brush wreath covered in German glass glitter. I love the look of wreaths hung over mirrors or in front of windows--the lighting from all angles magnifies their beauty. The large Noel sign is a clearance find from Wistera a few years ago. This is the first time I've used it, because I got it after Christmas for 90% off, and it got put away. I found it when I was sorting through things to put in my last yardsale!

Here is another one of my French crests. And look--there is more of that "creepy" fabric from Halloween! I love the stuff!

My "garland" is another estate sale find! The branches were part of a large arrangement that I took apart to use on the mantel. It was only $10.00!! I've had it for years, and seem to find a new way to reinvent it.

I love all the flocking and pine cones.