NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

A very homespun holiday mantel with crafty stocking monogram tags

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I really love having a mantel to decorate for the holidays. There’s just something cozy about a fireplace and garland, stockings and ornaments and twinkle lights.

But I’m still learning what works for this space. I think our holiday mantel this year is better than ever.

 

The “Woodward window” is still displayed, which was created from an original window from our first home. It’s a permanent fixture at our home.

 

I added the two red berry wreaths from the picture rail for a little balance and height. These were hand-me-downs from my in-laws.

The snowman is one of my favorite holiday items – a handmade gift from my great aunt given to us at our winter wedding. It actually says “Woodward” in his belly.

 

Then, I just added lots of texture with great natural-looking garland (hand-me-down from my in-laws), berries, sparkly ornaments (hand-me-downs from my mom), lanterns, and my mom’s crystal candlesticks filled with peppermint striped candles. The candles were a happy surprise when I opened a Christmas bin. I bought them on super sale after the holidays and forgot about them.

 

The Christmas memories book has space to record memories and Christmas cards from every year.

 

Then, there are the stockings. The three big stockings were purchased a few years ago. I was able to get the two little stockings for the pugs that match almost perfectly at Target this year, when one of the past stockings needed to be given to Henry.

Then, I wanted to label the stockings this year. I don’t want Santa to be confused when he’s loading my stocking with goodies and the dogs’ with coal.

But, I wasn’t ready to commit to monogramming. Should it be Ryan and Kim? Or mom and dad? What if I hate the way it looks and want to change it?

So, until I commit, I decided to get crafty and make personalized hang tags. I loved the monogram stockings at Red Envelope and decided to use them as my loose inspiration.

My version of the monogramming are simply large letters cut from Kraft paper. I used this tutorial from Midwestern Girl to have the Silhouette cut dashes inside the letter. This allowed me to use embroidery thread to stitch around the letter for a homespun touch.

 

I added the full name cut from black cardstock, which I attached to the letter. Then, I just added a little red yarn. To attach the monogram to the stocking, I gently stitched the card to the knitted stocking. It won’t be difficult to remove if I change my mind. I like how the new monograms turned out. And if I change my mind next year, it’ll be a snap to change.

 

So that is our homespun holiday mantel. It’s not a bad view at all from my perch on the comfy chair (oooo… and there’s some of my trees. More to come on those.)


Comments

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  8. Your mantel is gorgeous! The stockings look really cute with the new tags, and that tree to the left is perfect. I have my stocking from childhood which says Kelly, but I never thought about making one that says Mom…hum…now I don’t know what to do, lol.

  12. Love that the pugs have stockings! And that they’re stuffed with coal. 😉 Tootie’s too!! Your mantle rocks! It’s warm and festive and has that Kim je ne sais quoi! A beautiful living room view!

  13. I love your mantel! It’s so full and festive! I really love your stockings too! That cable-knit sweater look is so pretty, the tags go great with them!

  14. I LIKE it! Very cute. Love the stockings.. and the tree… and the snowman.. and all of it.

  19. Yeah, I really love these. When you get around to making and embroidering your own stockings, I’ll place an order for the McKevitt family. You’re up for that, right? 🙂

  20. So pretty! I love all the little details! The monogrammed stockings look great, that was such a good idea!

  21. Beautiful! I love how you personalized the stockings and all of the decor is just gorgeous!

  23. Gorgeous, Kim! I love the fullness of the garland against the coziness of the knit stockings and the pretty, shiny baubles!

  25. Craftalicious! You do holiday decor up right. It’s like an LL Bean or Pottery Barn picturesque mantel & I mean that in the most flattering way. When can I cozy my buns up to your fireplace, hot cocoa (shot of Baileys) in hand, pugs in my lap & flannel PJs (optional, you’re welcome) on?

    P.S. You were WAY ahead of the style curve by getting those cable knit stockings years ago, my friend.

  28. I love your mantel! So cozy and welcoming. And I really like the idea of tags on the stockings instead of monograms . . . the little tags look adorable, and I like the lower commitment. I’ve always felt awkward about being referred to as ‘mom’ . . . I’m hoping it’s just a time thing and it’ll get less weird the longer it gets? Also, I’m really jealous of your Woodward window. I wish I had one. But Brown is such a boring last name. REGRETS.

  29. I cannot get over the awesomeness of the the “Woodward window!!” AH-MAZING! And I cannot believe your Aunt HANDMADE that snow man!!! Craftiness must run in the family! Great job, friend!

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