Sunday, March 6, 2011

Spring Mantel -- Decorating with (Faux) Spring Twigs

 This simple spring project is seriously one of my favorites.  It's a fun, low-cost, long lasting, big impact kind of project.  



And it's simple -- but, I said that already.

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Since I've been knocking myself out working in the yard this weekend, finding just the right twigs was a snap. (I swear that just came out...)


I liked these the best.



Tiny silk flowers (just $3) left over from another
project worked perfectly.



I'm guessing my glue gun came with a warning against sticking anything up it's barrel but...


Pressing the stem into the joints of the twigs (and holding it there a few seconds) seemed to look the best. 

  
The stem may get soft and melt-y but it will stiffen back up as it cools.




Hot gluing them in place was simple enough.  I kept them sparse for a natural look. 


Adding water to the clear vase adds to the illusion don't you think? 






 I tried them on my desk as well...




So there you have it -- pretty spring twigs that look so real you can almost smell 'em!

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117 comments:

  1. Hey Lindy...I love this post. I have a ton of sticks in my yard right now and I'm going to go get a few! I love your mantel too. Very classic. Well done! ~Ann

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  2. Looks like spring has sprung at your house...love it.

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  3. What a clever idea. It looks great and it's something that can be left there through the summer too if you wanted. I just did something similar in my living room that I'll be posting soon.Oh and your mantel looks beautiful I love it!! Martina

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  4. I've also seen this done with tissue paper...probably on Martha. I love your version.

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  5. Until I scrolled through your blog I thought the flowers were real. Great illusion and looks so much like spring.
    - Joy

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  6. Love the idea. I brought in some flowering branches the other day to force them to bloom early but until then I'm thinking I'll have to whip up a couple of these. Thanks for the great idea!

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  7. Ahh, cuute, cute, cute, cute, cute. :))

    When I first saw the picture I thought, "oh that's pretty but I don't have twigs that look like that". What??!! Hello, I can do that one. Thanks, great idea.

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  8. I love your great idea....but I am really in love with your wall color....what is it?

    Amanda B. from TEXAS
    amandarchance@yahoo.com

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  9. What a great idea, especially here in Michigan. Snow on the ground and Spring? Well who knows.
    Hugs, Amy

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  10. Until I read farther I thought that they were real...excellent idea. Very cleaver. You are so smart!

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  11. Lindy, you are just too clever!! I just might have to try this-they are beautiful!! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Could have fooled me! So much like the real thing ~ LOVE IT! Certainly brings the freshness of Spring indoors.

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  13. Lindy-Now what would be REALLY funny is if the twigs grow blooms of their own...being that they are in water and inside. GREAT JOB!! Hugs-Diana

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  14. love It! Great well to make it last!

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  15. Great idea Lindy! I love it. It totally looks perfect in every space you put it in.

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  16. Great project. With the wind blowing and raining here all day today, I am sure I will have many twigs to replicate this project tomorrow. ~~Sherry~~

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  17. That is so great looking, I shall have to look over my stash tomorrow and see if I have anything that would work, or maybe I could run to Michaels one day.
    Hugs, Cindy

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  18. Love these! I clipped some twigs from one of our many elm trees a couple weeks ago. They had already developed leaf buds so I didn't add anything, just stuck them in a crusty old graniteware coffee pot and they look great. But now I want some like yours!

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  19. Hi Lindy! They look so real, it's incredible! Great job, girl! Having water in the vase is a trade secret, you know. lol! I do that when I'm use silk flowers, too! Fools'em every time! lol! Happy MM!

    xoxo laurie

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  20. So lovely! Just right for my front parlour!
    Rose

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  21. I have some twigs left from a Christmas decoration that I thought about using in a similar way. Thanks for the tips about how to do this. I love the way yours turned out.

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  22. how awesomely and amazingly simple!

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  23. I have some twigs like this somewhere with the flowers already on there! Now to just remember where I put them! Thanks for the reminder! Want to come look for them?

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  24. Wow, what a creative idea. I love how it looks...You've inspired me!

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  25. GREAT IDEA AND IT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL

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  26. Lindy, these look beautiful! Such a great idea ... although, I would have managed to have burned myself several times over with the glue gun being "that" close. lol Your mantel looks fabulous, as do your other vignettes! Have a great day, Becca

    www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com

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  27. What a great metamorphosis! Well done.

    I am having a hilarious Linky party with prizes this Wednesday. Details are on my blog today.
    I hope you'll join in on the fun.

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  28. What a great idea! A limb fell off one of our river birch trees in an ice storm a month ago and I should bring in some of those branches to work with!

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  29. I love this idea! I found your blog at the DIY Showoff. You have such great ideas and I'm your newest follower! I'd love it if you'd follow me back: http://stillwaterstory.blogspot.com/

    Again, you did a fantastic job!! I'm going to be out collecting sticks in my backyard later today :-)

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  30. Adds a spring touch to the mantel!

    I am hosting a giveaway from hair candy for girls.$15 store credit that lets you select flower clips, ziper clips, pettiskirts, bottle cap necklaces and more from the store.

    Check it out
    http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/03/15-store-credit-giveaway-from-hair.html

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  31. These really look real. I love it. What a nice idea for spring. I've been a follower for a while. I would love if you would stop by and check out my blog and follow me back. Thanks so much.

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  32. These look great! I also love your wall color. Just came across your blog and I'm a new follower.

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  33. What a pretty and simple idea!

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  34. Beautiful! They look fab. on the mantel!

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  35. They look fabulous! I never would have guessed the flowers were silk!

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  36. What a quick & easy idea! Almost all of us have twigs, old silk flowers, & a glue gun laying around! Very spring!! Love it!

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  37. Very pretty! I think this idea might work when used in multiples for a nice backdrop for a buffet or when dressed up, even for wedding centerpieces! Thanks for sharing! Your mantel looks wonderful!

    DD

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  38. Great idea!!! I love branches....
    Mariaelena

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  39. Lindy, those are so pretty. Love your vignettes.

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  40. This is genius... So glad you linked up!!!!
    ~Whitney

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  41. Purchasing faux spring twigs can be expensive - way to save yourself at least $30! They look beautiful and definitely bring some spring into your home.

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  42. I did this same project last week!! love how your turne dout as well!

    http://tizzilish-kara.blogspot.com/2011/03/pottery-barn-inspired-spring-blossom.html

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  43. Great idea - thanks for sharing cause I'm totally doing this one! JenT

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  44. Cute and easy - phew! Anything with this big of an impact is worth doing. Thanks, girl!

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  45. I love the twigs and looks great in your home! I would be so honored if you would link this up at my part if you get a minute...
    http://eisymorgan.blogspot.com/2011/03/inspired-by-you-wednesday-4-link-party.html
    I am your newest follower!

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  46. I've always loved those twigs at the craft store, but I am too cheap to pay for them. Who knows why a branch with a few pieces of foliage on it can cost almost $10. Yours looks very authentic. Knowing me, I'd probably burn my fingers every time I got my hand near the glue gun like that. Your vignettes would be worth the pain though!

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  47. These turned out great! Seems like some blossoming branches look a little cheap but yours look like the real thing!!

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  48. Definetly think I'm going to have to do this! Cheaper than the craft stores and still looks terrific!
    --Katie
    www.blah2beautiful.blogspot.com
    Creatively Living Outside the Box

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  49. Found you through Good Life Wednesday where I just posted about my own version of faux branches! Yours turned out so sweet!

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  50. This turned out so great and I love the simple projects! Thanks for sharing!

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  51. This is so cute. And cheap! A lot better than buying a big bundle of these at the store!

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  52. Great idea. It looks beautiful and very real!

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  53. Hey Lindy, great idea! I'm thinking this might be how Pottery Barn does all their branches/flower displays in the catalogs. What do ya think?
    Hugs : )
    ~ Deanna

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  54. Oh yes, this looks great. I always have a hard time decorating for spring but I will definitely be trying this. Thanks!

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  55. Oooo, I LOVE it!! LOVE LOVE LOVE...I'm going to go get some sticks and do some right now. Oh, stink, it's dark outside...tomorrow!! I LOVE your decorating. Your mantle is perfect!!

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  56. What a creative idea....it looks great and love how it adds touch of spring that looks so real!

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  57. This is beautiful I actually have some twigs that I have in a vase and this would be perfect to spruce them up for spring thank you for the idea. I saw your post and am visiting from Someday Crafts link party.

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  58. Gorgeous! And love your etsy shop! First time I had been there! :)

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  59. Lindy, What a pretty idea. I have lots of River Birch branches that will be getting the flower treatment! I'm a new follower.

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  60. I love this! What a great idea. I think I am going to try this!

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  61. great idea. Definitely better than buying a bunch of twigs :P

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  62. Lindy, you are so clever! Looks great and just like spring. ~ sarah

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  63. Great idea! They look so real and make a big impact.

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  64. It's amazing how real they look. I cut some from my yard as well and brought them in the house for a week until they bloomed. You can see them here.

    http://dandelionsanddustbunnies.blogspot.com/2011/03/bring-spring-inside.html

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  65. Wow - this is great .. something so simple but so efective .. Love it :) sam x

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  66. Oh, I just love this idea! I think I'll try it this weekend!

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  67. Oh I am so excited! A craft even I can do! :-) It looks so lovely and real and I can't wait to try it too. Thank you so much for linking this up to Inspiration Friday this week Lindy!
    Vanessa

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  68. This is a FANTASTIC project. Great idea! I would be delighted if you would link this to my VIP party today! http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/03/vip-party-6.html

    Cheers!
    Sommer

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  69. Wonderful idea! I think I'll do one up for home and for the antique shop! Thank you for sharing! Happy Show and Tell Friday!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  70. i Lindy!
    Nice to meet you! I just became a follower!

    I was just standing my yard just the other night and was thinking I could so use the thousands of branches in my yard for something!
    Spray painting them white for Easter..........

    You just gave me my inspiration!!
    I'll show you Pottery Barn at $19.95 a branch!!! HA

    Thanks!!
    Jane

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  71. Love this idea! I typically use silver and gold spray paint to cover branches for the holiday season. Now I can't wait to update the branches with a touch of spring.

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  72. So clever. Loved that you added the water to make it more authentic looking.

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  73. I love them!! I hope you'll share them at my linky party going on all weekend!

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  74. Love how that turned out!

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  75. I love this idea - your twigs are delightful and such a great touch of spring! Thanks for sharing at FNF! :)

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  76. Wow, this is beautiful! Great job!

    I am a new follower from Chic on a Shoestring, I would love if you could stop by www.mooseandtater.com

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  77. I just bought some flowers from the dollar store for something like this. Yours looks beautiful!

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  78. so pretty. you have manufactuered spring!

    megan
    craftycpa.blogspot.com

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  79. Wow, these came out wonderfully! I love it!!
    craft-interrupted.blogspot.com

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  80. What a lovely Idea & I already have all the stuff yippie!

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  81. Lovely. I bloged you http://toview.tumblr.com/post/3814531316/flowers-diy

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  82. Nice! I did this in the fall with autumn leaves. You're so right... simple!

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  83. Love! I just finished some that look like faux peach blossoms using tissue paper! I love having branches in the house.

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  84. Thanks for linking Flaunt it Friday, I'm featuring this post, please stop by and grab an "I was featured button if you'd like. :)

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  85. I am so doing this............LOVE IT !!!

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  86. I love the way this turned out. It's so fun to do things with tree branches.

    Warmly, Michelle

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  87. You were featured on Craft Envy! nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com

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  88. Love the spring twig idea. I'm your newest follower. Can't wait to see some more of your blog.

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  89. I love that! And considering I have a whole tree in my living room, it is something I am seriously considering.

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  90. What a great idea! they look really good! Thanks for the inspiration!!

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  91. What a beautiful arrangement and it compliments the other decor on the mantel so well. I hope you inspire many to bring nature inside. We promote just that thing on our website http://www.streamviewfarms.com.

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  92. Cute idea! I did something very similar just spray painted the branches. But I love the flower idea! Great idea.

    shelby
    brandonandshelby.blogspot.com

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  93. I love this! So creative :) I would love for you to stop by and link up to my Ten Buck Tuesday link party!

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  94. Lindy, I do love this project and thanks for linking this week.

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  95. That is so fabulous. You did a great job the balance is perfect.

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  96. I just found your blog and am your newest follower. I love the simplicity of this project. Thanks for the fabulously frugal inspiration!!

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  97. Hi Lindy, These look wonderful and so much more realistic than the fake stems covered with flowers. Your mantel display is beautiful too. Thanks for sharing this project at my party.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  98. So simple & pretty! I'm thinking wedding decorations. The challenge will be to find twigs in LA!

    -caroline
    http://cwfrosting.blogspot.com

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  99. Never would have guessed those are fakes, but man that is gorgeous, great job as always Lindy!

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  100. I am one of your many fans. I love what your doing and was hoping for a little help. I am the mother of a 4 year old , 2 year old and pregnant with twins due in May. My engery level is dropping really fast. So I am begging you to help me out by guess posting for me. It can be a old post or new, it is up to you.

    Sewing, crafts and Kid stuff welcome!!!! I want to feature my followers and blogs I follow during May, June and July. Please check out my blog and let me know if you interested.

    http://www.couturiermommy.com/
    evaharp@msn.com

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  101. I blogged you again! This time with my copy of your idea.
    http://thevuefromhere.blogspot.com/2011/03/hybrid-blossoms.html

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  102. Fantastic project! Thanks for sharing it. I'm a new follower. :)

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  103. Hi Lindy...

    My friend, you are such a talented and creative lady! I love how your spring branches turned out! They really do look real...of course, that was the plan! Hehe! You know, I bought some pretty (faux) spring branches from walmart that BHG put out. This was before I seen that you could make them...sheesh...I was a little late! This really does look like such a quick and easy project! Thanks for sharing it with us! By the way, your bouquet of spring branches looks fabulous on your beautiful mantel and your desk!!!

    Warmest spring wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  104. Awesome project! Dropping by from A2Z's mantel party. I think I may have to try this out for a jar or 2 around the house. ;-)

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  105. You had me at twigs! Everything is adorable. Your branches look so real. Thanks for the inspiration!

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