Free Peace on Earth Printable + Christmas Mantel Decorating Idea

Today I’m sharing my free Peace on Earth printable and showing you exactly how I framed it and used it as the centerpiece for our Christmas mantel. This watercolor printable features a child pulling a Christmas tree with “Peace on Earth” written across it — a simple reminder of hope that works for Christmas or any time of year.

This Peace on Earth free printable design is perfect for any year or season.  With all that is happening around the world, I thought introducing a child to the scene would bring a sense of true peace. 

We can learn a great deal from children, with their love, trust, and innocence.  Here is how I styled this free printable on our Christmas mantel.

Free Peace on Earth Printable

I have to credit my daughter, Savanna, with the idea of a child pulling a Christmas tree as our free printable. It wasn't until later that the words Peace on Earth came into play. 

First, we took photos of a sweet little girl, Savanna nannies and turned them into a watercolor. That’s when I knew this piece was exactly what our Christmas mantel needed.

How to Get the Free Peace on Earth Printable

This Peace on Earth printable is part of my free printable library, and the only way to access it is by subscribing to my newsletter.

When you sign up, you’ll instantly receive:

• A password to my private free printable library
• Access to this Peace on Earth printable
• Plus dozens of other seasonal and home decor printables you can download anytime

It’s completely free.

Once you’re in, you can come back anytime and grab whatever you need for decorating, holidays, and DIY projects.

Just click subscribe and enter your email, and you’ll get instant access.

How to Frame a Free Peace on Earth Printable

Where to Print Free Printables

When deciding where to print printables, there are many options. I have used Walgreens Photo Lab, FedEx Copy Shops, and blueprint shops.

For this project, I printed the design on blueprint paper at The Blueprint Shop in Tallahassee.  It was pretty inexpensive. 

Did I mention that I have an Etsy shop full of Christmas printables? I keep the prices down so you can change your art without breaking the bank.

Cut Board

Next, I cut a few boards slightly larger than the graphic design and nailed them together. I used what I had in my workroom—some 2″ x 1/2″ boards. Then, to keep everything secure, I nailed a couple of lattice strips across the back in the opposite direction to hold the boards together.

Glue Free Printable to Boards

Then I spray-mounted the printable on the boards. This is a simple step: spray the glue onto the board or the back of the art, then place it onto the foam board. Is it that easy?

Mod Podge Free Printable

Lastly, I brushed Mod Podge on the top and painted milk paint around the edges.  I did a tiny bit of distressing by following Maison de Pax technique, but honestly, it looked great without this step.

Decorating a Christmas Mantel with a Free Printable

Now for the fun part: decorating the fireplace mantel with our new free printable.

Flocked Garland

The next step in bringing this mantle design together was to add snow to the garland.  I gave it a good spray with Sno Blower and then let it dry a little outside. 

Then I placed the garland on my mantel and gently set my pinecone lights behind and over it.

GET THE LOOK:

Danish Trees

Have I mentioned how easy this mantle design is?  Next, position your wooden carved trees at the end of the mantel, or use lanterns here if you prefer.

Pom Pom Garland

Do you see how we are working our way from the top down?  I don't always recommend accessorizing this way, but in this case, it seems to be working. 

Next, hang your pompom garland.  Here are instructions for making a pom-pom garland. Layering anything is a designer trick, so adding a few different types of garland, either stacked one over the other or laid within each other, truly elevates your design and makes it feel cozy.

This year, I decided to make my pompom garland instead of purchasing them.  I didn't need directions to make these; when I was a cheerleader, we made them for our shoes. I am not sure why we did this, except that we thought they looked cute.  Haha!   Regardless, they are fun and very easy to make.  I made it in an hour! 

Christmas Stockings

I bet you didn't know that we completely changed our mantle design last year!  Well, if you are like my family and me, you cannot just go out and spend a bunch of money on decorating right here at Christmas time. 

So, the inexpensive stocking will have to do for now, but hopefully, one Christmas, we will have some yummy sweater stockings or maybe even those luscious fur ones. 

I guess you have to check back next Christmas to see if we get new stockings!  But for now, go ahead and hang your stockings at each end of the mantle.  And guess what, you are finished!

GET THE LOOK:

Conclusion and Checklist

Although I used this free Peace on Earth printable for our Christmas mantel, it also works beautifully as year-round wall art for winter decorating or as meaningful home decor.

Here is a recap of the steps and what you will need to create a Peace on Earth free printable mantle.

• Peace on Earth free printable
• Printed at a print shop
• Spray mounted on some wood (milk-painted and distressed, optional)
• Artificial Garland sprayed with Sno Blower
• Pinecone lights
• Danish wood-carved trees
• Yarn pom pom garland
• Stocking (one for each family member or whatever fancies you)

I told you that was the simplest mantle ever.  If I were good at keeping a real garland alive, I would have loved to use one here.  If you have a green thumb, I strongly encourage it. 

There is just something lovely about real greenery when decorating!  I hope our Peace on Earth free printable inspired you, and I hope our Peace on Earth free printable is just what your fireplace needs, too, even if it doesn't. Browse Pinterest for additional ideas on how to decorate with free printables.

Happy Decorating!