Lenten Mantel ~ 2013

When I took down the Valentine Mantel decor I found my mantel bare again.  For me, it's too early for St. Patrick's Day and Easter/Spring decor so this desire came over me to add some Lenten decor items to my mantel to remind our family of what this season is all about.  Being catholic my entire life I've participated in many lenten seasons but for some reason, this year I find the enthusiasm to do more, participate more and express more.   For me, Lent is a season of reflection, fasting, praying and bringing ourselves closer to God.  

In surfing the web I found there is Subway art for about every season including Lent.   I found this perfect print over at Planning On It.   

My mom gave me this wooden cedar cross several years ago and it usually stays on the wall in my boy's bathroom --- but I found it is perfect size for my mantel decor.  I purchased some purple fabric from Wal-Mart and cut strips to drape around the crosses and lay around the mantel.  I added jute rope in random spots for an extra touch.

I created this Lenten Burlap Banner the same way I created the Be Mine Valentine banner last month.  I cut rectangles of burlap, added a lighter color fabric and individual letters to spell out the special words for Lent including Pray, Repent, Share, Forgive and Love.  I hand-painted the black crosses onto smaller squares of burlap.  To string everything together I used purple/white twine and added touches of purple ribbon to the banner.  

I think the chalkboard is one of my favorites in the whole grouping.  I found this Psalm 51 Verse 10 very fitting for the ensemble.  

I love decorating with jars and these square mason jars are perfect!  I added white rocks (from the Dollar Store), purple fabric strips, and a votive cup/candle.  I tied jute into a knot around each jar to finish off the jars.




Sharing with some of these linking parties this week! The Gunny Sack ~ Strut Your Stuff ~ Craft-O-Maniac ~  ~ That's What Che Said ~ Keeping It Simple ~ Young & Crafty ~  ~ Somewhat Simple ~ Tater Tots & Jello ~ Home Stories AtoZ ~ Creations by Kara ~ A Diamond in the Stuff ~ Someday I'll Learn ~ Create & Inspire ~ Purple Pumpkin Blog Create.Craft.Love ~ 36th Avenue Pin It