This DIY easy autumn mantel decor idea begins with inexpensive pool noodles. I’ve wanted to try this simple decorating technique for some time now. Our Autumn/Thanksgiving fireplace mantel seems the perfect opportunity.
Okay, let me tell you that when I first began to plan this pool noodle hack, it was late summer. The colors of pool noodles at Dollar Tree were limited. The lime green color is what Dave brought home to me. If you have the option of a less vibrant green color, you might want to choose it.
Before decorating the mantel, I hung the Autumn Harvest sign on the wall. I love this sign!
Elegant Autumn Mantel Decor
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Supplies Needed:
- Hollow Foam Pool noodles
- Serrated knife
- Silk flower stems and picks
- Floral pins
- Straight pins with ball heads
Directions:
First, measure the side edge of the mantel from the wall to the outside corner edge. I just held the pool noodle against the wall and marked where the outside corner edge of the mantel was on the pool noodle. From that mark, cut the pool noodle at a 45° angle.
Use a serrated knife to slice the pool noodle pieces lengthwise along the short sides. Then, open the sliced noodle and wrap it around the mantel edge.
Repeat for the opposite side. Make a straight cut where the long pool noodles meet. The pool noodles should wrap the front and sides of the mantel. This actually works pretty well!
Attach the Flowers, Stems, and Leaves
I began to create an arrangement in the center of the mantel.
I quickly realized I needed florist pins to secure some of the stems. Some of the flowers with short stems are easy to insert into the foam. However, the longer stems are a little more difficult.
As a frugal person, I prefer not to cut too many of those stems. I’m sure these silk flowers will be used to decorate again next year. The floral pins secure the flower stems in place.
Make a floral arrangement on each end of the mantel.
At this point, I asked Dave what he thought. I told him I thought the pool noodle base was a great idea. He indicated that he thought I was finished and wasn’t quite sure why I was leaving those lime-green strips.🤔 He thought it was finished…
Fill in the Autumn Mantel Decor with Flowers and Leaves
Continue adding sunflowers, greenery, autumn stems, and leaves. In a couple of places, I used straight pins with colored ball heads to secure a leaf in place.
Fill in the remaining areas until the pool noodle is no longer visible.
Add a Squirrel, a Picture, and a Pumpkin
I placed a picture of a sunflower beneath the harvest sign and centered it.
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The squirrel statue seems the perfect addition to the mantel. I found this brown squirrel at Home Goods many years ago. He reminds me of the squirrel in The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter. Her books are some of my favorites to read to the kids and grandkids.
A large red-orange pumpkin on the opposite side helps visually balance the squirrel.
Can you believe this started with a pool noodle? If you haven’t finished your autumn mantel decoration yet, this pool noodle hack might inspire you!
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