Birds and Bunnies Spring Mantel

In recent days I have seen Robins pulling plump earthworms out of the ground, cottontail rabbits joyfully jumping straight up in the air, and the irises and crocuses blooming..... I knew it was time to redecorate the mantel for spring!

Just looking out my kitchen window it was easy to see why birds and bunnies are the quintessential symbols of spring.  The theme for my mantel was a no-brainer.

Starting on the left side, I placed a birdcage filled with faux eggs and a simple moss topiary.  I made the topiary myself, hot-gluing moss from the backyard to a styrofoam ball and setting it in a terracotta flowerpot.

Next, a framed vintage Robin print from The Graphics Fairy and two rabbit figurines.

The rabbit on a raft is actually a candleholder.  I think he looks so cute rowing an egg that is almost as big as he is.

At the center of the mantel I placed a pitcher of dried pussy willow branches.

Next, a miniature fabric and twine bunting hung across a picture frame, a bird and her nest of eggs.

I printed on fabric with my laser printer for the first time ever to make this bunting.  I held my breath from the moment I pressed print until the fabric finally came to a rest in the output tray, half expecting it to jam.   I think the trick to prevent jamming is to carefully iron the freezer paper to the fabric without any bubbles and then to cut it to exactly 8.5" x 11".

And finally..... a thrifted bunny painted white, a vintage mason jar of turkey feathers, and a birdhouse.

Happy Spring!!!