To Bird's Nest or not to Bird's Nest...that is the question??

Here we go with a new season and time for a new mantel. I have been inspired so much since I started blogging to try and bring out the creativity in myself. I think sometimes women get so busy with doing daily chores and mundane tasks, they forget how to use their minds and body in ways that reflect how creative they are. I truly think God has given us all talents, we just have to take the time to figure out what they are....so anyway, I'm really trying to utilize my ability or so-called talent of being a copycat. That's right..I admit it, I AM A COPYCAT!! So if you are worried about someone using your ideas, you better block me as a follower, because I'm out there and ready to steal all the ideas. Seriously, when I see something that moves me into action, I do try to give it my own spin. But sometimes it's just difficult to improve on perfection. So while stumbling around bloggerland, I came across some beautiful mantels that were decorated in all white. I loved the look and how clean and crisp it seemed. So, I searched around the house and of course had a few white things but definitely not enough to fill the mantel. So off to the local thrift store and guess what I found...REALLY UGLY VASES AND PITCHERS.

YIKES!!! I know, but I only paid $6.00 for all of them....then sprayed them with white primer and then white spray paint....now look at them...

You'll notice that the little brown teapot that I picked up for a dollar isn't in the picture...when I was getting ready to paint it, I noticed the "Made in Occupied Japan" mark and thought, I just can't spray paint this. It probably isn't worth much, but the idea made me shudder...so I will use it somewhere else. I also want you all to know that if I ever had a job as a professional spray painter, I would be standing on the street corner for additional funds...I'm terrible!!! There are streaks and puddles all over these things, but hopefully I can hide them where nobody will notice.
So here is the finished product...


I made this plate with my cricut...it's just a dinner plate I had in the pantry and black vinyl design


Here is the debated bird's nest...she's crazy...it's precious!!


I've had these little iron bugs for quite awhile, I thought they looked sweet on the mantel to tie in the darker pieces.





I really like it; it isn't exactly what I had pictured, but I like all the same.I swapped out my mirror that I normally use above the fireplace with this white one I had in the garage. I added the little brown Occupied Japan teapot in and sprayed another little vase with ORB...it looks horrible up close, but unless someone is standing inspecting the mantel, they shouldn't be able to tell what a screw up it is...Then there is the bird's nest debate; my sister hates the bird's nest on the bud vase, she tells me when she comes over she will "flick it off"...what do you think? Bird's nest or no bird's nest?...I think it adds a little sumpin' sumpin'....plus I saw it on someone else's blog and thought it was adorable.
I look forward to everybody's input...good or bad I would love to hear it. Trust me, nothing anyone can say will compare to my sister and her bird's nest aversion, I say she's cuckoo, cuckoo!!!