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Wednesday, 15 August 2012

An Easy Back To School Fantel

Are you in the mood for Back To School yet? I know in some places, the kids have been back for a couple of weeks already, but here we don't go back until after Labour Day. I'm ready for it!

I love this time of year. It's like a mini New Year celebration and a chance for fresh starts, big plans, all that good stuff.

Just for fun, and for a little decorating project for Kennedy and I to do together, we decided to put together this little fantel display. Fantel is short for fake mantel, for those of you just joining us around here.


All the back to school cliches are there! Apples, rulers, bright yellow pencils, chalkboards, books, a globe. We've got them all covered.


One day when I grow up, I hope to be one of those moms who have the whole back to school celebration planned out to a T for months in advance. Cute lunch pail printables, back to school outdoor decor, special back to school dinnerware, you know the type!


For now, this is a fun little baby step to try to make this time special for Kennedy.


The little chalkboards were 33 cents at Michael's! The yard sticks were found in a closet when we moved into this house. We find the best things around here!


Apples. Kennedy doesn't get why there are so many apples in this display. I guess the reference is too old school for her. Ha! Get it? Old "School"!


When there are kids involved, there always needs to be a craft. And 99% of the time, that craft needs to involve paper towel rolls taken out of the recycling. Or sometimes the trash. Almost daily, Kennedy comes to me holding one and asking what she can make with it. Almost daily I have no idea. Luckily this time I had this cute little apple garland idea in my back pocket!

I really think this turned out super cute. Leave me a comment if you want help making one too!


Since nothing escapes my "sticking things to the wall" phase lately, I made this little old-fashioned school house and bell cut out and filled in a blank space. I used the same technique as I used here for the fabric, only it's paper! I love this option for quick holiday decorating! Just make sure the steam on your iron is OFF!

So that's how we're trying to make back to school a little more FUN!

Kennedy's in equestrian camp all this week, so I'm getting a chance to get all my ducks in a row a little bit early. This is going to be a great year for both of us!







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20 comments:

Princess Kate said...

Such a great activity to do with your children. Thanks for sharing. Looks so cute.

Kelly said...

Actually, I have never heard the term "fantel" before! I learned something new today. ha! I love how you used all the icons of school to create a theme like that. So cute! School is already in session at my house. Growing up, I didn't go back until Labor Day either. Wish it was still that way, actually!

Dewdrop Gardens said...

This is adorable! Back when my kids were in school, we didn't do celebrations like this. It was buy supplies and new clothes...that was it. Too bad, this must make it so much fun for back to school time!
Debbie :)

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

What a super cute fantel. I love the apple toilet paper garland and the jar full of new pencils. What a fun back-to-school idea.

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Oh this looks great! What a great idea and I especially like the way the pencils are displayed.

nude massage London said...

The whole back to school celebration planned out to a T for months in advance. Cute lunch pail printables, back to school outdoor decor, special back to school dinnerware, you know the type!

Sherry said...

This is adorable! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Karen said...

This is such a cute idea! I love all the little details. Is it back to school already? xx

chateau chic said...

Your fantel is sooo great!! I love this. Man, I wish blogging existed when my kids were little...did we even have computers way back then?? I guess I'll have all kinds of ideas for the grandkids...
Mary Alice

Smart School House said...

Officially obsessing over the pencils in the mason jars and the chalkboard signs! This is so my style!

Gail Purath said...

Such a nice combination of color, texture, sight...and even smell with the apples in the jar. Great arrangement. Gail (BibleLoveNotes.com)

tantric massage London said...

We decided to put together this little fantel display. Fantel is short for fake mantel, for those of you just joining us around here.

Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista said...

Very cute! I always love the feel of back to school and this is such a darling idea!

Angie@Echoes of Laughter said...

Really cute Courtenay! I love all the little touches...like the chalkboards. Angie xo

cathy@my1929charmer said...

What an adorable idea of a "frantel", so very cute and I love the back to school theme. You really paid a lot of attention to detail - some a great idea. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!

Laura Ingalls Gunn said...

I had to come see what a "fantel" was and just love it!

I would love for you to link up this wonderful post on Friday's Favorite Pin!
Have a blessed day.

Christine said...

Gosh, I wish as was that cool! LOVE your back to school fantel!

Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
P.S. Please don't forget to put my button or text-link somewhere on your site :)

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Aw, it is so fantastic. Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see you again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

Nicole at Doodles and Stitches said...

I learned a new word today... fantle! I love it, it's adorable. I'm featuring you on my Doodles & Stitches Link Party tomorrow. Thanks for linking up and don't forget to grab an "I've been featured button" on the post tomorrow :)

Crystelle said...

I need a fantle like yours!
Thanks for teaching me a new word!