In the last 8 years, the 2 different houses I’ve lived in haven’t had a mantel. There’s just something that isn’t quite right about hanging your stockings on your bookcase, although it does indeed work. (And Santa still comes in case you’re wondering). Our newest house though – it has a little mantel. Granted, our “fireplace” doesn’t work (it’s capped off) – the faux iron insert is pretty cute.

I hadn’t given the mantel much thought until I stumbled across these affordable 23″ tall laser cut letters from Stockade. Although I knew I didn’t really need another Christmas craft to complete, I went for it anyway. Shipping was quick and a had these sweet large letters in my hot little hands in just 2 days.

This DIY was quick – 20 minutes using a little festive wrapping paper, the awesome letters, a pair of scissors and a little tape. If you want to take a little more time off of it, an exact-o knife would have really helped. But here on the farm, you use what you’ve got to save a trip into town.

Items Needed

-Set of 23″ JOY from Stockade
-Scissors (or exacto knife)
-Tape
-1 Roll of Wrapping Paper
-Command velcro for hanging

Instructions

1. Unroll your paper and put your letters in the mirror image to get the correct pattern (so put them backwards).
2. Cut about 0.5″ around the letters with your scissors, or more closely if you are using an exacto.
3. Tape ends into the middle. This can be tricky with the curves, so take your time.
4. Hang using Command Hooks or Command Velcro for a flush look.

Need more mantel inspiration? Andrea’s got you covered: