Grandparent’s LOVE – A Valentine’s Day Mantel

As usual it’s been a work in progress.  Meaning I finally added the finishing touch yesterday.

I’d like to call this “Grandparent’s LOVE.”  I decided to add photos of our grandparents in the window frames to feature them.  This is a great opportunity for family history discussion within our family.  Two couples represented are my grandparents.  One couple is my husband’s grandparents.  The other two couples are my great grandparents. {Just for the record, I’m not playing favorites. I found these photos quickly and they were the right size to fit on the heart doily} The legacy of enduring love exudes from these grandparents.

I am blessed to have one of these grandmother’s living in Arkansas looking and acting as young as ever.  I am grateful our children are able to spend time with her.  There’s nothing like the love of a grandma.  We love you so much Oma!

I also wanted to feature some of my kids previous handmade gifts of love.  My son made the clay heart with the arrow going through it years ago.  My youngest daughter made the clay heart inside the small lantern.  I think it’s important to display items our kids have made us.  This shows them how grateful we are for their works of art, but also encourages their creativity.  I’d much rather have a handmade gift than a store bought gift from them.

I found the 2 free printables on Pinterest.  You can find them on my Valentine’s Day Pinterest board.  I added them to frames I had on hand.  The heart photo album is the one I have blogged about in the past.  And of course you can see my Stringed Heart Sculpture I just blogged about in the previous post.

I added the wood “You are the…” board I gave my husband as an anniversary gift one year.  The Generosity board I purchased in the past and felt it went with the theme. {I’m also trying to teach this concept to my family. ;)}  Last, but certainly not least, is the Christus I glazed at a church activity around 18 years ago.  Christ is the epitome of LOVE.  He almost always is on my mantel, if not there, then somewhere in our living room where I can see him.  The only money spent on this mantel was for the heart doilies and supplies for the Stringed Heart Sculpture.  It’s so much fun shopping from home and using what I already have.  You should try it.

Celebrating enduring love,