Honestly & truly, I’m typically not one to redecorate my mantel every other week. Because who has time for all that? In our older home, our fireplace & mantel are in need of a big overhaul both inside & out. But we would need some major home improvement loans to accomplish all that it’s needs. Until that time comes, I try to decorate it, overlook it’s flaws & display all the kids mementos up there as much as possible.
Well, it just so happens that this mantel evolved into it’s own with help from a little boy & his growing interest in the Olympics + some objects from his room. It’s not that his focus is on the sports – it’s more about the languages & flags. (that-a-boy, G!)
It also evolved from a photo I saw on pinterest of Shunkboy Blog’s Hello. A DIY. I fell in love with this photo when I saw it on pinterest.
Isn’t this picture adorable? I thought it was the perfect idea to do for one of our Summer projects. Since my oldest is starting to get into different languages.
So here’s my son’s below:
Just in case you can’t read it ~ Hello in: Spanish, Chinese, Australian, French & English:
Buenos Dias
Ni hao
G’day
Bon Jour
Hello
Since it’s been so bloomin’ hot & this mama can’t stand the heat, I’ve been going crazy, literally trying to keep this party bus entertained inside. Trust me, it is no easy task. But I thought why not tie in some international flags with our international “hello” words? (I should have tied in some international pancakes, while I was at it.). Anyways, getting back to the flags – I found all the world flags on this site & simply printed them out & let him color away. For the board with the “hellos” it’s just old wrapping paper & a sharpie. That’s all! I taped it around a canvas frame, nothing permanent.
There’s my shining star, my astronaut, surfer, tourist, politician, history or geography teacher? I can’t wait to see what he does with his life. He’s so passionate about so many things.
It may not be asymmetrical in design, but as a mom who loves decorating or designing with her kids in mind, it’s perfect!
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Please, where did you get the united states lic. plate picture?
My son used to have a tee shirt like this, the lover of all things united states that he is, and when he outgrew it i sent it off to goodwill on accident. I meant to make a pillow out of it for him, he was so disappointed.
swishfam4@sbcglobal.net
love your mantel. very fun!
I. love. it. You are so darn creative.
I have that same houndstooth wrapping paper…it’s my favorite! Your mantel looks fabulous!
LOVE this. Like, the puffy heart kind of love. I think he and my Jack would be great pals!
Your mantel looks fantastic! I love all the ways that your son contributed to the decor – so whimsical
The little stacked alphabet blocks are the perfect touch!
So cute! I love that you decorate with your kids in mind. You are the sweetest momma.
Kelly, I love this project. Hasta Luego : )
Lorena
This is fantastic, Kellie! I love how involved your little ones were with putting this together. So cute!!
What a great Mantel!!! I love the Hello project!
Have a great weekend.