We had a beautiful spring weekend in Charleston and the gorgeous azaleas in bloom inspired me to update my mantel for spring. Azaleas bloom in Charleston in March and April and coming in a wide variety of colors. Our side yard is full of white azaleas that I included in this design. The bushes produce tons and tons of flowers so I was able to clip off quite a few without anyone walking by even being able to tell!
I started my mantel with the greenery. I trimmed these limbs off of our ligustrum bushes. They were looking rather scraggly anyways! I just used my clippers to cut off long limbs. I laid them on top of the mantel until I reached my desired fullness.
I used floral wire to attach some additional branches together (it only takes about 3″ of wire twisted around to connect 2 branches. Tip: try to attach them right under a leaf so the wire has something to catch onto).
I then added candlesticks to each side. The brass candlesticks are available for purchase in my Etsy shop. Finally, I filled the center with white azaleas that I trimmed from our yard. I just kept adding them by the dozen until I was satisfied with the fullness. I left about 6″ of stem on each one to make it easier to stick them into the greenery.
I love the end result, though I sadly do not anticipate that the azaleas will stay fresh for long out of water like this. But it sure makes for a pretty picture!
You can see all of our favorite inexpensive mantel decor ideas here!
Love my mantel?
Here’s how we used molding to extend it to the ceiling
Here are some other mantels I’ve done:
Be sure to check out all of the beautiful spring mantels in the link up!
[inlinkz_linkup id=771088 mode=1]
| | | |
Hello, I’m Morgan, half of the creative force behind CharlestonCrafted.com! With a passion for DIY that dates back to 2012, I’ve transformed three homes and now I’m dedicated to helping others craft their dream spaces. Let’s turn your house into a home together!
Samantha
Thursday 22nd of March 2018
Wow, between the painting and the azaleas, showstopper!!! Your garland looks a-maz-ing!!!!
Amy @ mylifefromhome
Tuesday 20th of March 2018
I absolutely love the fresh greenery! Ahh, I'm jealous you have that so readily available! I'm hoping our weather will start feeling like spring here soon! Beautiful mantel!
Michelle James
Monday 19th of March 2018
Morgan, what a great idea to bring in the greenery. It’s stunning with the azaleas & definitely makes for a pretty picture!
Bre @ Average But Inspired
Monday 19th of March 2018
I'm always so jealous that you have such a vast amount of greenery to use on your mantel!! Mine is ALWAYS faux! :-) Love the azaelas - they're a beautiful touch.
Meg Green With Decor
Monday 19th of March 2018
Oh my gosh, this is gorgeous!! Looks like it should be at a wedding! :)