Spring Mantel

 I just redid my mantel for Spring.  I have also been playing around with decorating the breakfast area.

To start, lets talk about my fireplace/mantel.  This was my inspiration.  Even before I had a fireplace I always loved the look of filling the fireplace with books when it was not in use.

I went to Mckays (a used book store) and literally took every book they had in the "free bin".  Whatever books the store does not think they can sell they place in bins right outside the store for people to take at no cost.  

At one point a gentleman said, "Wow you must read a lot" and I said "no, I am putting these in my fireplace..."  He immediately raised his eyebrows in alarm as he thought I was going to burn the books haha...

I had to layer the books because my fireplace is so deep.

Then I ripped off the covers to expose the spine of the books.

I was pretty pleased with the final product.  I think it would look better if I did not have stacked stone.  The combination of the stone and the books is pretty busy but I still like it.

I finally found an old Scrabble game at a thrift store and was so excited to use it.

Things in the rest of the room and looking pretty primitive... Never thought I would like primitives(my mom adores them) funny how children are like their parents in so many ways.

I finally hung this old ladder.

I am debating whether or not I need something under it...I leaning towards no.

The "whopper jaw" which is a hand me down from my mom has found a place in the corner.  I have topped it with my small crock collection and a picture of my great grandmother and her home place looks over it.  Miss her, she was such a special lady.  So glad I got spend so much time with her as a child, wonderful memories!

On top of the table my mom got out of the garbage is a trough that Rich built me out of pallets.  I think I am going to fill it with magnolia pods.

It has changed quite a bit!  That tile give me chills...

*Any suggestions are welcome!  I am liking it but I do not want it to feel too old fashioned...I think if I added a rug and curtains and maybe add a small metal side table of some sort it will soften the look a bit.

Sorry these pictures are not very clear they are all from my Iphone...