Mantel

I was inspired by many many other blogs to try to do something different with our mantel in our den.  Ours was VERY boring before, so I tried to make some changes with what we had already in the house.  Here's what it looks like now:

Ignore the two brown paint samples on the sides.  I was trying to decide between the two colors.  Almost all of the stuff I put on there was FREE.

Vase and flowers on left were from an earlier decoration, the three vases with nature things in them were a gift, and the little glass jar was found in our backyard.

Old books were ones my grandfather owned, already had the wedding picture, and the vase and sticks were from a different room.  The only things I bought were the letter (Target, $2.50) and the Ball jar (Goodwill outlet, less than $1).

I know it's more for me to dust around, but it helps make the room "feel" better and not so sterile.  I'd love to hear any feedback or suggestions you may have for improving this!  I've been switching out the flowers with ones that are blooming in our yard (whichever ones the heat hasn't killed).  Thanks for looking!