See how I dressed up our mantel with a few pieces of junk, clearance items and recyclables? The vintage stamp holder was a gift from my friend Kathy at Sylvia's Vintage Daughter. I added freebie glass cigar tubes to it along with a few candy canes for mere pennies. The J-O-Y stocking holders were a Target clearance item a couple years ago for just $5.00.
I found this rectangle galvanized metal crate during my travels to Minnesota for Oronoco Gold Rush Days. I paid $16.00 for it and actually bought two. I filled it with varying sizes of glassware from my recycle bin in the garage that included spaghetti sauce and salsa jars. All free, of course. 
Gimme an A! Kathy from SVD once again came through for me. I purchased the cast aluminum letter A below from her and she in turn sent me the letter C to go with it! Rah! Rah! What a gal! 
The vintage snowman head was purchased at a thrift store for $2.00. It is one of my all time favorite pieces! Another glass recycled salsa jar houses more candy canes for an inexpensive festive decoration.
I was thrilled to find these simple red felt stockings last year on super-duper clearance at Joann Fabrics. The detail is awesome and even appears to be trimmed by pinking shears. $1.00 each is as good as it gets, don't you think?
I hope you feel I stuck to my plan of keeping the holidays cheap and simple! I'd like to share more so please check back! As always, take care and keep on junking!
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Candy my friend...you've outdone yourself in such a simple, elegant AND cheap way (the spaghetti/salsa jars in your very awesome "Minnesnowta" basket are a super idea)!
ReplyDeleteIt's looking like a very merry Christmas at the Allen household! Love it all. Merry Christmas!
Kathy
P.S. You inspire me to "K-I-S-S"!!
Beautiful! I have a metal basket similar to that, I am going to raid my recycle bin tonight for some jars, LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI adore the basket with the jars! Oh, it's all fabulous!!...as are you!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Love every detail, especially the basket filled with jars and candles. May I steal, er, I mean borrow your idea? Thanks for the frugal inspiration and recycling ideas.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how beautiful AND elegant jars can be when lit with candles and placed in junk? :) I love it!
ReplyDelete~Amy
Very beautiful! I love the rectangle metal crate with the jars inside!! Great ideas! :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that jar idea! How cool is that? I'm so proud of myself. I did not spend one dime this year on decorating for the holidays. A first!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
O.K. Candy! Your mantel looks fab! It really does make mine look WAY over done! Have a wonderful holiday season my friend!
ReplyDeletesmiles, alice
Gorgeous Candy my dear!
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you and your family.
Merry Christmas.
xojanis
I didn't do much with my mantle this year either. I love your basket of jars with candles...the light is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteJust darling! I love the simplicity of everything. Looks fab! Krista
ReplyDeleteCandy,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to drop by and wish you a Merry Christmas and great New Year 2010! I have enjoyed your blog so much and "getting to know you" even though we've not met face-to-face!
You're an inspiration to all of us wanna be decorators - I love your style and great ideas; thanks for sharing them!
Hopefully myself and my junk sisters can meet up with you in 2010. It would be a real privilege!
Andrea
Candy-girl, your mantel looks fab! Love the metal crate! Wish I would have grabbed one, too, in Oronoco :( LOL! Here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Happy junking in 2010!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Candy!!! I love the jars in the wire basket too! Hope you are having a blessed day!! Hugs:)
ReplyDeleteThe crate of lights is awesome!! LOVE it all, Hugs, Janna
ReplyDeleteCandy, I think your mantel looks fabulous! That crate of candle-lit jars is one of my favorite things EVER. I may be borrowing that idea! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHappiest of New years to you!