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    Home

    The Notebook Inspired Valentine's Mantel

    by Jessica 52 Comments


    I've had this on my mind since before Christmas...what will I do with my mantel once I take my Christmas Mantel down?  Do you remember that this beautiful chalkboard used to be a big ugly brown mirror?  I wanted to keep my chalkboard up for a while, but it's very large, and takes up the depth of my mantel.  As I was putting all of my holiday decor down, I started bringing my books back out to place on various tables and shelves.  I was placing a stack of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books on my coffee table when it hit me...The Notebook.  It's one of my favorite books, and a love story like no other.  I plopped down on my couch and started scouring through the book to find my favorite part...Noah's final letter to Allie.  There I sat, mid-day balling my eyes out, and I knew this was going to be it...the inspiration for my Valentine's Mantel!

     

    It's taken me a couple of weeks to put it together.  I added a little bit at a time while re-reading The Notebook.  I've added some things, then taken them away.  It had to be just so...for me.  See, Valentine's Day is pretty special for me.  Matt and I got married almost 16 years ago, the day after.  Huh?  We waited until the day after so we could have a two day celebration...plus, we don't have to fight the Valentine's crowd to go out and have a nice dinner.
    Okay...so back to the mantel.  I have these wooden spools that I love, and they stayed there after Christmas.  I had bought a floral arrangement from Trader Joe's right after the holiday, and kept these little rosettes to dry when the flowers started to wilt.  I simply sprinkled them across the mantel where there we empty spots.

     

    Since Noah's love letters to Allie were my favorite part of the book, I wanted to have at least one stack of jute tied love letters.  I mean, what is more romantic than old wrinkled love letters?
    Since Matt and I have never really been apart for love letter writing to occur, I had to improvise.  I bought a box of envelopes and soaked them in water a bit, then let them dry on my patio table.  They dried nice and wrinkly, so I tied them up with some jute twine and tucked in two rosettes.
    See those antique binoculars?  Those belonged to my Aunt Irene and Uncle Dennie.  I had to include them, because in my lifetime, I never knew two people who loved each other as much as they did...
    I felt like the mantel needed a little garland, so I strung some white poofs onto some twine, then took these sweet little clothes pins and clipped hearts cut from some gorgeous scrapbook paper I picked up this weekend...I think it was the perfect touch.  I don't know why, I just adore it!
    I took a couple of my sap buckets and tucked some topiaries from Trader Joe's inside.  I just needed some kind of live greenery after Christmas, and these did the trick.  I rounded out the ends with some Chalkboard Painted Wine Bottles that I made months ago, and proceeded to write out my favorite lines from Noah's love letter to Allie.  I almost erased it, and started over, then I though...nope...it's not suppose to be perfect.
    I love sitting in my favorite spot on my couch, gazing up at all of the little things that represent love to me...it makes me feel all mushy and sappy, and my living room finally has some character again.  Don't you feel like everything just looks so blank after Christmas?
    Do you decorate for Valentine's Day?

     This post was featured at iVillage!

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    Comments

    1. Sweet Melanie says

      January 14, 2013 at 4:09 pm

      Oh I just love it all! Every little thing you've done has so much meaning...that's what I love most...the meaning! And it's beautiful to boot...what a lovely job you've done!

      Reply
    2. Ann from On Sutton Place says

      January 14, 2013 at 4:13 pm

      I love this! Your garland is darling and the topiaries are the perfect touch. Sure wish I had a Trader Joe's closer.

      Reply
    3. Lori @VintageCharmRestored says

      January 14, 2013 at 4:16 pm

      It's absolutely Lovely!! I love the story behind it all! ~Lori

      Reply
    4. Gee Singh Newbanks says

      January 14, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      OOhhh, tearing up here as I read that. One of my faves as well. But then, as I posted on your FB thread last evening.. I luv anything from Nicholas Sparks!
      Luvly sentiment and mantel :-)
      Cheers, Gee

      Reply
    5. Emily Olson says

      January 14, 2013 at 4:40 pm

      So pretty! I had a friend who hated taking her tree down every year, so she began leaving it up all year....she just changed decorations! She had a Valentines tree, Shamrock tree, and decorated it for birthdays even!
      http://13plumconfessions.blogspot.com/2013/01/rubber-ducky-youre-one.html

      Reply
    6. [email protected] Line House says

      January 14, 2013 at 5:01 pm

      I love neutral decor like this at Valentine's day! It's just perfect!

      Reply
    7. JoJoand Eloise says

      January 14, 2013 at 5:18 pm

      Oh, I am inspired for sure :) This is LOVELY. I LOVE the faux love letters :) CUTE!!
      XO
      Angelina

      Reply
    8. Debbiedoo's says

      January 14, 2013 at 5:32 pm

      It is so beautiful and romantic Jessica. You are so clever girl. Loved the cotton!

      Reply
    9. Jacque @ theDIYvillage says

      January 14, 2013 at 6:04 pm

      How romantic, it turned out beautifully!

      Reply
    10. Jacque @ theDIYvillage says

      January 14, 2013 at 6:04 pm

      How Romantic! This turned out beautiful!

      Reply
    11. Becca says

      January 14, 2013 at 10:51 pm

      It's beautiful, Jessica!! So very romantic ... such a tribute to "The Notebook," as well! Love the chalkboard! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    12. Erin Spain says

      January 14, 2013 at 10:56 pm

      Love it! Great idea. Very sentimental and sweet!

      -Erin @ DIY On the Cheap

      Reply
    13. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

      January 15, 2013 at 1:00 am

      This is beautiful!! Wow!!! You are so talented. I love it. - Claire

      Reply
    14. reFresh reStyle says

      January 15, 2013 at 1:21 am

      I love it! I loved the Notebook too...actually everything that he's written! So romantic.
      Debbie

      Reply
    15. Eclectically Vintage says

      January 15, 2013 at 1:28 am

      Oh yes - that one was a real tear jerker! Love your interpretation - and happy almost anniversary!
      Kelly

      Reply
    16. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

      January 15, 2013 at 1:33 am

      Love.Love.Love! I DO decorate for Valentine's day and I love your mantel! You always come up with the neatest ideas! XOXO! Rebecca

      Reply
    17. Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      January 15, 2013 at 2:31 am

      Jessica, I absolutely love your mantel! It's so beautiful and romantic.

      Reply
    18. Shannon Fox says

      January 15, 2013 at 2:55 am

      I like how it's really subtle. It does not scream HALLMARK. (like mine tend too) LOL.

      That book is a tear jerker for sure. I read A Walk To Remember. On a plane.
      Yep. Sob crying. Not cool.

      Reply
    19. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

      January 15, 2013 at 3:13 am

      I love it, so pretty!!
      XO
      Kristin

      Reply
    20. Christine says

      January 15, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      This is absolutely STUNNING Jessica!! I'm in AWWWW!!!

      I miss you!! We have to catch up soon! Have a great day!! xoxo

      Reply
    21. Hayley @Texas Girl in Philly says

      January 15, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      This mantel is just gorgeous! I love all the meaningful details that you added.

      Reply
    22. Vanessa says

      January 16, 2013 at 12:40 am

      I just love your mantle and all those great detail are beautiful!

      Hugs,

      Vanessa

      Reply
    23. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

      January 16, 2013 at 1:20 am

      So beautiful! I love your chalkboard and it's a great backdrop for your mantel. Stopping by from Wow Us Wednesday.

      Reply
    24. Pamela says

      January 16, 2013 at 1:53 am

      Jessica too precious! I love this idea.

      Reply
    25. Suzy Handgraaf says

      January 16, 2013 at 2:13 am

      I love mushy and sappy. :) Love your idea of pulling sentences from a fave book for your chalkboard! The whole mantle looks great. I'll be featuring it on the Worthing Court Facebook page tomorrow.

      Reply
    26. Ellora Drinnen says

      January 16, 2013 at 2:19 am

      LOVE IT!! One of my favorite movies and such a great idea on the "love letters." Love that you added that to tie it all in. So pretty and definitely perfect for Valentine's!

      Reply
    27. Heather SettingforFour says

      January 16, 2013 at 3:01 am

      Love your mantle Jessica! The notebook is one of my favorite books as well! Love all the special touches you added!

      Reply
    28. [email protected] says

      January 16, 2013 at 3:03 am

      The tiny little rose buds are so sweet!

      Reply
    29. [email protected] Charm says

      January 16, 2013 at 4:48 am

      Oh my goodness...this is one cute mantel...luv that chalkboard.

      Blessings,
      Linda

      Reply
    30. Ann Krucek says

      January 16, 2013 at 4:51 am

      It all looks perfect!! I love all the details, very beautiful!

      Reply
    31. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

      January 16, 2013 at 4:53 am

      This is so cute! I love The Notebook, too! Thanks for sharing! XO, Aimee

      Reply
    32. Art and Sand says

      January 16, 2013 at 7:12 am

      I love your mantel and the back story. I cried my eyes out the first time I watched the movie. I own a copy, but I haven't watched it in a long time.

      Reply
    33. Kim says

      January 16, 2013 at 5:35 pm

      What a sweet mantle!! You did a great job and I love the whole room!
      xoxo,
      Kim

      Reply
    34. Shanee @ LivingLifeSouthernStyle says

      January 17, 2013 at 3:01 am

      Love the mantel and the inspiration! Great job, thanks for sharing. Visiting from Savvy Southern Style.

      Reply
    35. Lisa B. says

      January 17, 2013 at 4:50 am

      This is just the sweetest Valentine display I've ever seen!!!

      Reply
    36. Laura @ Our Prairie Home says

      January 17, 2013 at 6:24 pm

      Oh my gosh, Jessica!!!! #1 The Notebook is my favorite book of ALL TIME. IMO, it is the best romance novel EVER. #2 That mantle is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Love, love, love, love, love... Okay, I could go on and on and on with that, but I'm sure you get it. FANTABULOUS!

      Reply
    37. the cape on the corner says

      January 17, 2013 at 7:48 pm

      what a sweet story and sweet mantle!

      Reply
    38. [email protected] A Life says

      January 17, 2013 at 11:22 pm

      Sweet, sentimental and lovely :)

      Jeanette @ Creating A Life

      Reply
    39. Candice says

      January 19, 2013 at 1:19 am

      Very pretty! I love all of the layers. The Notebook is the best!! Here from TT&J

      Reply
    40. Kathleen says

      January 20, 2013 at 2:11 pm

      Hi! I am visiting from Think Pink Sunday. I LOVE this idea! I actually haven't taken down my Christmas decorations over my mantel because I have nothing to put there. I am going to try, and I mean try :) to replicate this. I love the chalkboard - I actually have one in my sewing room that I could 'borrow' for a while and I am going to spray some bottles too. Thanks so much for linking this up!
      Blessings,
      Kathleen @AlwaysSewLove

      Reply
    41. Barbara says

      February 04, 2013 at 6:33 am

      Jessica, this is GORGEOUS! Oh my word!! I want to copycat! Loooove the Notebook too :)

      Reply

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    I’m Jessica, a mom on a mission to show other women that you can live well without breaking the bank. I like to share the thrifty, creative ways that I make changes in my home in the hopes that it will spark the creativity in someone else! I love to share DIY projects, crafts, simple recipes and cleaning tips too! Read More…

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