Tuesday 6 January 2015

January Mantel...

 
 
Well, Christmas is now officially over, so gone is the festive mantle, time for something calmer and a little less cluttered.

 

 

 
 
 
I always need spring flowers on my mantle in January, I looked for some hyacinths but couldn't find any so opted for tulips instead, two bunches, yellow and white......beautiful!
 
 

 

 
 
 
And I had some of these as a birthday gift, but can't remember what they are called. I'm feeling the need for a splash of colour!
 
 
 
 
 
 
And then there's my wonderful Liberty garland sewn for me by the very talented Clare, from Selfsewn, it's gorgeous....I've always loved Liberty prints and will share some more with you soon!
 
 
 
 
 
 
It's inspired me to make a Liberty Quilt.
 
 
 
 
 
 
I've had this jug and little teacup for over 25 years now, they are by Emma Bridgewater and always feature somewhere in my home. My little painting I got from Florence, oh I do hope I can go back one day, a truly beautiful city.
 
 
 
 
 
I've decided to keep this photo of my Mum up here, with a little pot dog for company!
 
 
So a simple mantle, the flowers will keep being replaced, I so need a bit of spring during these dark days.
 
 
Thank you all so much for popping by here, and thank you to those who leave your thoughts with me, I read each and every one. I'm going to try and reply to each comment...I've been very lax of late and that's not good!
 
 
I've a few more thoughts coming into my head about the changes I'd like to make here, nothing too drastic but things that will keep it interesting. I wish I was more technical as I'd like to change the look of my blog but daren't touch anything!
 
 
Perhaps next time I pop back I will share a bit of Liberty Love with you?
 
 
 
See you soon,
 
 
Amanda :) xxx
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

44 comments:

  1. I am so pleased to see you are blogging again - I really missed reading your posts
    kind regards mel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Mel, I needed the break but I'm very happy to be back! :) xxx

      Delete
  2. I was looking for daffodils the other day - I definitely need a splash of Spring in my home! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are wonderful aren't they, I must try and plant more bulbs this year....they are very expensive at the moment but I really needed them! Have a great day Sara :) xxx

      Delete
  3. Alstroemeria! Lovely flowers and they last for ever! I've really enjoyed clearing away the Christmas things - much as I love getting them out each year the idea of returning to something more simple is so appealing - and of course fresh flowers are a must! Love the colour of your walls and the history behind your 'objets d'art'! Jane x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jane, I had some last year too they lasted for weeks! :) xxx

      Delete
  4. Oh I too need a splash of spring in my house! I almost bought some gerberas this morning, but decided that perhaps I needed to tidy a little more for them to be seen! ha ha!

    Have a beautiful 2015 Ada!

    Take care

    Vanessa xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I need to tidy too Vanessa, I just hide the messy bits! ;) xxx

      Delete
  5. Your mantel looks very cheerful, a display of special treasures for you to enjoy. Mine is rather cluttered and messy, you have inspired me to edit it! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! It's such an easy place to get cluttered isn't it, I love changing mine and swapping things around :) xxx

      Delete
  6. Today is the last day of Christmas - it isn't over until it is over! It is traditional to remove decorations *after* the sixth which is the feast of the Epiphany. After all, who wants to arrive at a party and find out that everyone has gone home? Especially after a long journey. Most people do take down the decorations on the 6th but church tradition does say otherwise. Many people of course put up their trees so long ago, that they are rather sick of them by now. Mine only went up on Christmas Eve, which is again the traditional time, so up less than two weeks. I prefer to stick to older tradition, of course many do not, with their trees etc. coming down even on Boxing Day. People seem to not like them very much. In which case I wonder, why do people put them up?

    Twelfth night cake is also a tradition. I have never had one, but I think I would like to. It seems sad to me (again symbolic only) that the three King's don't get to share in any celebrations these days, as it is all gone by the time they arrive. Yet it is actually a feast day! A nice piece of cake seems just the thing. I wouldn't mind some either. I am all for having a full 12 days of Christmas.

    Winter is so short generally - the days are already getting lighter. Not long until Spring anyway, but a bit early for it right now. All seasons to be enjoyed in their place, the poor flowers around now do look a bit 'forced', so I would rather wait until their natural abundance and the exuberance of Spring. There is lots to love about winter though while we wait!
    Kate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, I love this information.....and so true, we really do forget those kings don't we, and they travelled so far! I will look into the cake tradition too next year. Thank you for spending the time to leave your comment :) xxx

      Delete
  7. Your mantel is beautiful again this month! I really like the garland, it is so pretty and unusual. Fresh flowers always make such a difference too don't they! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The garland is beautiful isn't it, makes me smile every time I look at it! :) xxx

      Delete
  8. Looking lovely! I love having the house trimmed for Christmas but must admit I am always happy when I take it all down and go for something a little calmer. I think I need to get some flowers too ... M x

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a nice splash of colour! Your Liberty garland is adorable :: have a great 2015!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you......I feel very lucky to have such a lovely friend! :) xxx

      Delete
  10. I love the garland of hexies! I thought at first they were crocheted, but I like that they are sewn (something I could do). It's nice to display pieces in your home that remind us of special people and places. Your mantel looks beautiful and spring like :) Wendy x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right Wendy, to have a home filled with personal treasures is the best :) xxx

      Delete
  11. Your mantel looks so pretty. I love the spare look of the things you're displaying. The garland is so sweet, what a lovely gift from your friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really felt I need to calm things down after the craziness of Christmas......breathe out slowly, so to speak! :) xxx

      Delete
  12. It looks gorgeous! I especially love the Liberty garland. Like little flowers. Bee xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bee, yes little delicate flowers! :) xxx

      Delete
  13. Amanda,
    I just now popped back to your blog and I am so glad you are back! I hope 2015 is a better year for you and that you have as much "fun" as you want. I love the liberty prints you shared and wish you luck and happiness as you make your quilt. I will look forward to the finished product.
    Mickie, Indiana USA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for popping by Mickie, it's lovely to hear from you and know you're out there! :) xxx

      Delete
  14. Beautiful as always. I'm so happy you are back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jennifer, it feels good to be back! :) xxx

      Delete
  15. Hi
    Clare is truly the best. She made me cute Christmas ornaments last year, one patchwork and one felt Dala horse. She is pure talent that girl! Super pretty garland.
    Xxx
    Annette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She's brill isn't she Annette, so much talent here in blog land, very inspirational! :) xxx

      Delete
  16. Hi, I had just started following you and really enjoyed your blog when you took a break, so really pleased you are back! I was finally brave enough to post my first blog post yesterday!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sharon, that's great, I shall pop over and say hi :) xxx

      Delete
  17. I've got my little breath of spring flowers, too.....some forced hyacinths that aren't quite in bloom yet! The promise of spring, I guess!!! Love the little bit of Florence....it really is a magical city, isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the most beautiful place Steph, really is under my skin! :) xxx

      Delete
  18. Glad to see you are blogging again and 2015 treats you gently and you have FUN. Your mantle looks wonderful. I love the liberty garland. Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I've pencilled it in the diary Sarah! :) xxx

      Delete
  19. I love the patchwork bunting
    Julie xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's amazing isn't it Julie, really puts a smile on my face! :) xxx

      Delete
  20. Tulips are my favorite and yellow tulips are so fresh and happy! My daughters wedding was adorned with yellow tulips! Clare is just the best! Happy New Year Ada :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are wonderful, spring flowers really help me get through January.....yes she is the best! :) xxx

      Delete
  21. love it all! Such a perfect way to start off the new year. The garland, the flowers everything. Hope you have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have just popped over to find you are back Im so pleased I have missed you. I hope that 2015 brings you great health, happiness, and peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much my dear, hope 2015 treats you well and brings you good things :) xxx

      Delete

Hello! Thank you so much for leaving your thoughts and messages with me. I read each and everyone and will try and answer any questions as quickly as I can! :)x