Winter Mantle Decor

I was "over" my Christmas mantle decor. Ready for a more simple look.
Because we use our fireplace several times a week, I have to be very careful about what I put around the fireplace. I don't want to have to constantly remove items to light the fire. I'm still looking for something made out of metal to hang under the big space beneath the mantle. I would love to come across some metal flat birds that I could string on some barbed wire (which we have a lot of ). I would string it between the two brackets under the mantle. If you find some give me a shout!

I found these chunky frames at the thrift store for $2.00 each. I had planned on painting them a darker color to contrast against the light colored brick, but when I propped them up on the mantle to check for size, I was pleasantly surprised at how they looked. I put a little bird in one and a bird nest in the other. They are simply "resting" in the frames. I will put some sticky-tack on them to keep them from falling off.

I also added a few pine cones. Some are sitting and some are hanging from burlap floral wrap. I also added some small place card holders that are shaped like little birds. Sense a bird theme?

This is one of my favorite little birds. I think I got him from Target.

I was able to tack the hanging pine cones with thumbtacks from the wood ceiling (which is really the underside of my second floor pine flooring).

That's it for now. Well. . . at least until I find something to add to it or rearrange.

I'm joining up with Beth at The Stories of A to Z. Check out her blog for some more creative ideas.