This year I wanted something a little different and fun for my Christmas mantel, and — of course — I planned to DIY that special something. Until I came down with the flu. And I watched days tick off my calendar with no mantel decoration, no gift-wrapping, no anything to move along my holiday preparation. When I finally started feeling a bit better, I realized I had everything I needed to DIY a mantel project — books.
This DIY could not be much simpler! I simply gathered together some books that had blues, grays, greens, and reds on the spines and pages.
While I used a few of my antique books, I also pulled the paper jackets off of some of my newer books for a nice mix of old and new.
Use the smallest of your books for the base of the tree — not the thinnest, the smallest. You will stack the books biggest to smallest, opening them up about halfway through the pages.
You could use all newer books or all antique books for a more uniform look if you prefer. But I like the mixture of crisp and weathered. If you have any that have gilt edged pages, those would be beautiful too.
I especially love the injection of texture to my mantel. I added some mixed metals — vintage zinc tulip pots, mercury glass, and wrought iron — to add interest. Some greenery cut from my yard and fresh flowers… all I need now is to hang the stockings with care. 🙂
Anyone that knows me knows that this will get tweaked right up until Christmas Day! But for now, as I finish my holiday preparations, I am loving the simplicity.
This project works well on any flat surface! Just pull out some books and go to town.
Wishing you all a healthy and happy Christmas week!
Find more holiday inspiration and DIY on my blog, Decor & More.
