IT’S THE EGG-XELLENT SPRING MANTELSCAPE PARTY!!!..COME AND JOIN THE FUN WITH BARB FROM GRITS AND GLAMOUR AS YOUR HOSTESS!!!..
As I gathered materials to set the stage for my Spring Mantel, my heart can’t help but skip a beat…
as I decorate the mantel against this backdrop of a beautiful work of glass and lead…
My heart skips a beat because of the story behind this wonderful piece of stained glass…
You may have read this before, but I love repeating the story..
I had just left my job in the healthcare field..had enough…so my dear hubby said..consider early retirement..
Woo Hoo…
While accompanying my hubby who had a client to see in Mt. Dora, Florida, I ran into some antique shops while, “he worked”…
I entered a shop, and there it was…the piece I have been searching for…for years…to hang over my sofa…
I walked slowly toward this grand piece…did not want to make the store owner feel I was anxious…my knees weak from the anticipation….oh, how much is that beauty…? Love at first sight!!
I saw the price tag…OUCH!!..I tried to “bargain” with the store owner…He did not budge much from the price..
I left and met my hubby for lunch…I told him about what I had found..He knew I had been looking for one….
After lunch, we walked over to the shop so that he could see my beautiful treasure of a find….He liked it, it was rather expensive…he agreed, the timing was not the best…
The hour ride home was a little sad…but I snapped out of it…My hubby gave me a gift of retiring at an early age..to do what I have dreamed of for years..So what more can I ask for?..What I left behind was just a “thing”..
The next week, this amazing piece..this beautiful work of art..appeared in my living room…
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Honey”..he said…I cried..and cried..and cried..
He had called the store owner..did some haggling and went back and got it for me….
KariAnne of Thistlewood Farm blogged today about “where you blog”..I blog, seated behind a large curved sofa table in my Great Room, by a window of a beautiful view..but when I commented on where I blogged, I failed to also say, that my view in front of me is my treasured piece of stained glass…
HAPPY…the keyword..
The containers of the topiaries were originally brown, I painted them white for a fresher look…
Added a burlap ribbon banner…Used white puffy paint for the lettering…
Plates by Pottery Barn…
Floral arrangement in a painted tin container..added the birdcage..Have used this previously in a tablescape..
I am joining Barb at Grits and Glamour for the Egg-xellent Spring Party “Mantelscape Party”. She has a great giveaway of a Blog Header…Have you seen hers?..She is so very creative!..Her headers are always so very beautiful…and if you do not happen to win..She can create a custom header and other great items for your blog….So hop over and join the party!!!
Also joining:
A Bowl Full of Lemons Tuesday Link Up Party
At the Picket Fence Inspiration Friday
Coastal Charm Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Common Ground Vintage Inspiration Friday
Debbie at Debbie-doos Newbie Party
French Country Cottage Feathered Nest Friday
From My Front Porch to Yours Treasure Hunt Thursday
The Lettered Cottage Spring Mantel Party
My Romantic Home Show and Tell Friday
No Minimalist Here Open House Party
Your mantel is lovely, the stained glass beautiful! How sweet of dh !
I can’t join in the party, i am just taking down my St. pat’s. Next week I will do Spring!
This is so sweet! What a sweetheart of a hubby!!! It is a good man who will take the time to really listen to his wife’s wants and needs, and a great man who will do what he can to fulfill them. Your honey deserves a pat on the back, a round of “Attaboy!”s, a ticker tape parade, and a guest spot on “Ellen” for this one! 🙂
Shirley,
That piece is perfect. I mean….absolutely perfect. And what a great story behind it and all that it means to you. I can see why you are inspired when you blog 🙂
blessings,
karianne
I love that stained glass Shirley! It’s gorgeous and that’s so sweet of your honey to get it for you! He knew it would make you so happy! 🙂
Shirley, what a gorgeous focal point for your Spring mantel!! It is just spectacular! Your accents are all so pretty! Love the bird plates; and all of the details. So pretty!
I’ve always lusted over that stained glass piece LOL. You have been able to use it in several homes and it always looks gorgeous. Great repurposing of some of your tablescpape pieces onto your spring mantel…very pretty. I’m just taking down my St. Pat’s decorations today and starting my spring/Easter decorating. Thanks for the inspiration.
Great story Shirley, and beautiful window!
Oh Shirley, Your mantle is GORGEOUS! Truly. But, your stained glass piece is EXQUISITE!!!!!!!!!! What a treasure and what a beautiful story! Your hubby is a gem. I love the banner you made, I remember the centerpiece and the plates from PB are beautiful. HAPPY Spring to you too!!!!!!!!!! It is all beautiful!!! 5 stars:):):) XO, Pinky
Shirley-I saw those plates in the Pottery Barn catalog. I certainly didn’t see their potential till I looked at your mantlescape. You brought out the brown twigs and the birdcage and other birds make the white birds on the plates sing out. Nice work!
Shirley, what a fabulous find and a sweet gift from your husband. It is just stunning sitting on your mantel. You will treasure it always, think I am going to keep my eye out for something like this.
Oh how romantic. Now when you look at it…it means so much more than a beautiful stained glass window that you had be been looking for. It’s amazing Shirley.
Your window is lovely! I love living so close to Mount Dora. The shops are the best, don’t you think?
Oh my your mantel is just gorgeous. That stained glass piece is amazing. So glad you joined my newbie party, as always. I thank you for your support. Is my blog coming up? http://debbie-debbiedoos.com.
I love the stained glass and it’s story, Shirley. Your mantel is beautiful!
I KNEW IT! I told you a few days ago that I knew you would create a showstopper with that beautiful stained glass as a backdrop. You didn’t let me down. I love how it has a natural tone about it. Its just perfect! I love every single aspect of it. Thanks so much for being a great hostess with me during our Spring party. Oh, and I LOVE that sweet story. I can’t wait to see you soon. We’ll talk. 🙂
What a sweet story, Shirley. People like to say that men aren’t romantic (outside of the bedroom), but I beg to differ! I just love your mantle. All of the elements are so wonderful that I can’t select one favorite thing. Great job putting it all together!
Your mantel is beautiful and that stained glass window is fabulous! What a thoughtful and loving gift from your husband.
Thanks you for stopping by, Mary Alice
Very beautiful! Everything about it radiates Spring. The window is gorgeous and the story very tender.
Hugs,
Jann
Well my husband has been gifting me with VERY early retirement for the last 3 years – but I haven’t gotten any stained glass yet!!! What a wonderful gift! It is exquisite. Just beautiful. I am totally charmed by the “floating” butterflies. Very beautiful mantle.
Shirley your home is just like you….So beautiful!!!! Love you!!
You’re a lucky lady…sweetest story ever!!!
Stacy
What a lovely surprise gift your husband gave to you! Actually two if you count early retirement! Your stain glass window is beautiful! And your mantel is perfectly dressed for spring!
dee dee
Hi Shirley! Gosh your mantle has so many fabulous Spring elements in it. I could get lost in it for hours just admiring all that you have put into it. Love the moss spheres with the butterfiles suspended from them too. Your treasured stain glass is just gorgeous. I am in the health-care field now…maybe I can retire in a few years. I saw your post over at “The Lettered Cottage”.
Hi Shirley, This is such a touching story and I can relate, my hubby did the same thing with an antique plant stand, I still have his sweet note hidden inside the drawer of the plant stand. You stained glass window is stunning and you tied all the beautiful greens in with your Spring mantle. Love the little birds holding the Spring banner, Happy Spring,
Kathysue
Hi Shirley,
What a gorgeous piece that glass is! And your hubby is a real keeper! How sweet of him to surprise you with it! You will enjoy it forever! Lovely mantel too. Thank you so much for visiting and leaving your nice comment. Happy Spring!
Blessings,
Sandi
What a lovely mantle! I love your green mossy balls, and the way you have them dangling is beautiful. Such sweet touches….i’m your newest follower!!
Your window is gorgeous, but the story behind it is even more special!
I love your mantle and your beautiful stained glass window. May I ask you how you hung your window? I have a large, arched shaped window that I want to hang on my dining room wall but it is very, very heavy so it needs some major support.
Thank you!
Sue
I’m a sucker for a green “color story” and Spring is the time to showcase one. That stained glass window is unbelievable. I would have been weak in the knees upon seeing that too! I’m glad you finally got such a lovely item (and with a wonderful, memorable story). Congrats. It all looks so great. The moss hanging balls with the butterflies are my fav touch (other than the grand window of course!)
The most beautiful mantle on the blogs this spring. It’s fabulous.
Love the story, Shirley — those are always the pieces that mean the most, don’t you think? BEautiful mantlescape, friend ~ Happy Spring to you!
Shirley, Thanks for sharing this wonderful story at the Open House party. This is a gorgeous piece and I see why you love it so much. Your mantel is beautiful. Hugs, Sherry
Just a quick visit checking out the linky party and saw your picture. Oh my, that is one of the most beautiful stained glass pieces I have ever seen. There is no way I would have been able to walk out without it. Give me a shout if you ever tire of it. I have a feeling I will never hear from you. You did good with all of your accessories to compliment it! Definitely a show stopper focal point.
Shirley, that truly is a special piece. It’s gorgeous! So glad it came to live in your home! I love the colors…green is my fave color. 🙂 Beautiful mantel! Happy Spring!
This is just breathtaking…so beautiful, and what a precious gift from your husband! I’m so glad you linked up with VIF! Love how you have your entire mantel styled!
What a wonderful husband you have! The stained glass is beautiful, as is your Mantel, I’m now a follower here.
Lorrie
What a great story you have to go with that stunning gothic stained glass piece!
Now that is a true treasure!!! Such a heart warming story it brought tears to my eyes Shirley! Thank you for sharing at THT!
What a gorgeous gift from your husband! Happy retirement! I love all of it …great mantel! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry