Big Sunshine Summertime Mantel

 I recently added a GIANT painting to hang above our fireplace for the sweet summertime. It is from GoJumpInTheLake.   I have another painting of theirs too, which I shared in my mini pie post.  Their work has taken off and is seen in LL Bean Maine store, Design Sponge, and many other places.  I am VERY excited to have one of their paintings.  It is absolutely perfect and I'm a little giddy over it all. 

It is REALLY big, so it makes a special statement.
 

When I discovered this painting, I knew I had to have it! ...just like we need food and water...know what I mean?  I wanted it placed in the center of our home.  It encompasses how I feel about my boys (and my husband!) ;)  I wanted it to make a statement to my family, so every time they looked at it, they felt a big hug from me! Titus used to sing this song often as a little toddler and it was simply precious.  I will be sharing more about the inspiration behind why I wanted this painting in a future post. 

...oh yes you are! ;) 

I wanted my summertime mantel to be fresh, beachy, and peaceful!  I found these cool candles at Pottery Barn and tied sand dollars around them with twine.

A beach behind glass and a candle rest on an old dusty, summertime classic book.

 A friend of mine brought me Florida beach sand and shells a few years ago and I show it off every summer, wishing I could be on the beach!

Between my sand and shells is an old forever favorite photo of my boys! It leans under the giant sunshine photo, reminding us all of our sunshines in our family! I will be sharing more about this soon as I mentioned...

 Look at these adorable faces!

 I matched fresh flowers to the orange in their collars in the framed photo.

 These are gorgeous dahlias from the Farmer's Market! I try to get some every week when I go.  They are absolutely stunning.  Almost nothing makes me happier than fresh flowers.  The flower box is from BraggingBags on etsy.  They have a huge collection of worn wood treasures.  I have a complete wish list already made from that store!

 Our big summertime mantel demonstrates that the season of the sun is still strong in our home!  I believe August is the prime of summer!  The earth is adjusted to the warmth and gives deep sunshine, with still long days. 

(image via google search)

Oh summer, let me count the ways I love you:

the smell of sunscreen on our skin

riding our bikes through water puddles 

and watching the long line of water 

that our tires stamp onto the hot sidewalks

toes snuggled in the sand

the easy life of flip flops

the simplicity of life's pleasures

nostalgic fun in the water

icy treats

long, warm nights

(image via google search)

This is why I LOVE summertime!   

(now if only the bad grammar in this didn't drive me crazy) ;) 

my 2011 calendar showing seashell lovin'

 

  

That they may know from the 

rising of the sun, 

and from the west, 

that there is none besides the Lord.

-Isaiah 45:6

May The LORD bless you and keep you; 

may the LORD 

make his face shine on you 

and be gracious to you.

- Numbers 6:24-25

Disclaimer: The government makes me say that I was compensated for this post.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 
This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY Showoff,  Seasonal Sundays,  Met Monday, Making the World Cuter, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Home Decor & Organizing, Outdoor Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff, 36th Avenue,  Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, T.G.I.F.,  Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up TLC SummerMantel Party