Look at this pretty book pages pumpkin painting that’s the focus of my fall decor!
This year I decided that I wanted to stay away from orange pumpkins for my fall decor and keep everything in neutral colors. I absolutely love the result.
Book Pages Pumpkin Painting
I grabbed a lot of decorating items from my house that are white, off-white, and brown, and shopped for a few new items. I love the result.
As you can see, I added a table runner to the top of the mantel.
The focal point of this neutral fall mantel is the large art piece of a pumpkin made out of vintage book pages.
I wanted a large picture of a pumpkin on the mantel but couldn’t find one in a neutral color. Plus, buying seasonal or large art can be very pricey. Thankfully, I told my friend Kelly about it.
She’s a talented artist and we brainstormed about making our own, big art piece that would make a statement.
We came up with using Mod Podge and one of my many vintage books to make it.
Kelly made this art piece in just two days for me! It came out even better than I could have imagined. What do you think? Isn’t it beautiful? She should make more of these – I bet they would sell fast.
Another new item I love? I scored this vintage sunburst clock the other day at Goodwill for just $15.
I discovered those brown pumpkins made out of twigs for $3 in the dollar aisle at Target. They pair well with my brown vintage glass bottles.
This $7 owl is new as well, from Home Goods.
This is my perfect reading spot to relax with a tea in front of the fireplace.
Oh, and finding the white scale was a total coincidence. My friend Lynn had it in her booth at the Newburgh Vintage Emporium and took a picture of it for her Facebook page, and I remember noticing it then.
I decided I just had to have it to add to the mantel. So the last time I went by there, I was able to buy it. I was so glad it was still available.
This wooden bucket usually has a different spot in the living room, but it looks so nice in front of the fireplace with books.
What do you think about decorating for fall with neutral colors instead of orange or red?
Stacey Keeling says
Your mantel is so pretty with the softer side of Autumn colors. I love the book art!
Jann Olson says
Love your neutral mantle! I did that for September in my living room and really enjoyed it. That pumpkin is fabulous!! I would like to try making something similar. I have books I use for craft projects. I love using my collection of brown bottles this time of year as well! I have a link party, “Share Your Cup Thursday”. It’s about sharing what makes you happy. I’d love if you shared some time!
hugs,
Jann
Leanna says
Love this pumpkin. I find purchasing seasonal artwork is too pricey, this is a great solution. Pinned.
Marie says
Okay, first of all, I have to say that your fireplace is absolutely gorgeous! I don’t know if you can drool over a stacked stone but I might be close! Secondly, that pumpkin artwork: Oh. My. Gosh! I would keep that up all year long. Thanks so much for sharing your mantel decor with us at Merry Monday this week. It is all beautiful.
Lynn @ Riggstown Road says
Hi, Dagmar! I absolutely LOVE that vintage book-page pumpkin. It is gorgeous! :)
Valerie@Occasionally Crafty says
This is just beautiful! I love it! Thanks for linking up to The Handmade Hangout! I’ll be featuring this on my blog today when the new linky goes live at 6pm ET. Hope to see you there to share what you’ve been working on this week!
Jamie | anderson + grant says
I’m thinking of going neutral with my fall decor this year, so I loved seeing this post. That pumpkin art work is incredible. How lucky you are to have such a talented (and fast) friend!
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Very lucky, for sure! I haven’t decided yet on what I want to do this year for fall.
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Thank for coming by, Pam!
Tania says
It looks so pretty, I love that it’s neutral!
Tania
Jenny @ Refresh Living says
Your mantel looks beautiful! I love, love the pumpkin made from vintage book pages. It’s totally a project I want to do, now!
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Thank for coming by, Jenny!
Cyndi says
I love your neutral theme, and oh that art piece is phenomenal. Your friend should do a tutorial! I’d love to make something similar.
Leesha @ Living Contently says
This is absolutely gorgeous! I need to get on the ball with my fall decorating, or I may not get it done this year (expecting my 1st baby in September). Thanks for the inspiration!
Hil says
That pumpkin center piece for the mantle is super cute. Very fun idea.
Stephanie R says
This is so pretty. I love seeing fall decor that isn’t just oranges and browns!
Tania says
I really love your neutral fall mantel and the pumpkin art is gorgeous!
Tania
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Thank you, Tania! Heading over to check out your blog – vintage and cottage? That I have to see :)
Bethany says
Your mantel is beautiful! The pumpkin art? It’s just…everything! I LOVE it! PLEASE get your friend to do some type of tutorial for the art because I need it in my life!
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Thank you for your comment, Bethany! I’ll let Kelly know to post it on her blog!
Angel says
Such a lovely mantle. I love the softness of the neutral color. Thanks for sharing with us at Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party.
Angel
Leigh Anne says
I love neutrals on a mantel, this is beautiful! Thanks for sharing at Think & Make Thursday:-)
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Hi Leigh Anne, thanks for coming by and commenting! I’m glad you like it!
Heather says
So so gorgeous! Thanks for sharing at Monday Funday – pinning! ~ Heather
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Thanks for hosting and coming by! Love you blog!
normaleverydaylife says
Love the neutral color scheme! The book page pumpkin is so creative and I like all of your accessories! :) #turnituptuesday
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Thank you for coming by and commenting, I appreciate it!
Katherines Corner says
A lovely display of Autumn neutrals. I invite you to share at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Hugs!
AnnMarie says
I love your neutral colors!! So pretty and that book page pumpkin is phenomenal. I tried to stay away from orange, adding aqua, pink and corals. I love it but I do have one orange pumpkin and an orange gourd!
Christine says
Wonderful fall mantle, I love your pumpkin too. It turned out great!
~Lana says
I am in love with that pumpkin! I must try something similar for my mantle. Where your room is lovely and bright…mine is dark with rough sawn cedar walls (stuck in the 70s!). I love the room at christmas…its cozy. But I try so hard to brighten it at other times. This is a wonderful idea! For me personally the best part is to reuse the special vintage book in a way it can be enjoyed again and again rather than just on a shelf.
Thank you for sharing and sparking my creativity in another direction.
~L
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Hi Lana, I’m so glad you like it! What about white-washing you walls?
Gloribell says
This is absolutely beautiful! My kind of vignette with the softness of neutral colors. Thanks for the invitation and loooooove that big pimpkin!
Kristin Saling says
Lovely arrangement! I already miss cozy fall evenings and sitting next to my fireplace, but I really miss being able to put up this and that on the mantle. I really love the vintage-page pumpkin idea – it’s just hard to find a book I would part with to make it!
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Hi Kristin, one idea would be to go to a tag sale or thrift store and pick up a vintage book for a few dollars. I also have a hard time parting with vintage books, but I have many that have ruined covers and those I put aside for projects.