Drumroll Please…Fireplace Mantel Reveal

I am so excited to finally share my latest project with y’all today. It feels like I have been talking this mantel reveal up for the past year. I know it has been a year since I bought the worlds most difficult shelf to work with (LACK Ikea shelf) and it has been about four months since my father was able to make it work. I have finally styled it in a way that makes me happy and am already thinking of all the changes I can make to it for the upcoming holidays! But for now, I hope you enjoy my latest conquest.

Et voila! Here is my end of summer/still in Texas style mantel featuring a few projects you have already seen. The gold starburst mirror makeover from earlier this summer makes for the perfect transitional focal point on my mantel. I am excited to see how it pairs with my fall and winter accessories.

You probably remember the mini planters I shared last week. Now you know where they ended up! I know, I am so sure the suspense was killing you.

And to finish it all up, I added a picture of my family. Well of my sisters, mom and nephews (one still in my sisters belly) in a thin gold frame my mom scored at her favorite thrift store. Alongside is a budget find I have not featured, the colorful Moroccan inspired lantern, waiting to be filled with a flameless candle. And no shelf is complete without an owl perched on it. This particular owl is actually a votive candle holder I scored on super sale at World Market.

Before. What I was looking at for a full 8 months (and I’m totally embarrassed to share that lol)

After. I am so happy to see this right as I walk inside my apartment! And I really cannot wait to start switching it up once it actually starts to feel like fall.

What projects have spent too much time on your to do list? Making any plans to finish those up?

I am hoping for a quiet weekend full of crafts and diy projects! Can’t wait to share those with y’all. Til then, I hope everyone is having an excellent week!

DIY: Succulent Planter

In my efforts to continue to bring the outside in, I am excited to share my most recent project with y’all today. I originally shared my interest in succulents this past April and I am happy to report that I have finally introduced my own version to my little space.

It all began when I spotted this hurricane vase at Michael’s at almost 90% off. I instantly grabbed one without thinking of its purpose, knowing that I would eventually find a use for it.

Then I made it into Lowe’s to gather materials for another project I am working on and spotted this lonely beauty. Most of the succulents were picked over as summer is coming to an end. I was so glad to find one that has kept its shape.

Then I spent some time browsing over the other arrangements. The one above is now serving as inspiration for next year. Let’s hope I can keep the one I just bought alive.

So I gathered some supplies: a recycled candle jar, a cactus plant and some dirt (not pictured) and got to work. It was a really nice day so I decided to work outside. And I am so glad I made that decision because I made a mess. I took my veggie plate out with me and by the time I was done I realized all of my food was covered in dirt. Oh well, better the carrots than my carpet.

Its really a simple process. I layered the bottom with some rocks, filled with dirt and added the plant. Then I realized the plant did not really fit, but decided to love it anyway. I really hope these survive because they are an excellent touch on my mantel.

Here is a tiny preview of said mantel. Stay tuned for the full reveal sometime soon! But for today I hope you have enjoyed my newest project as much as I have. And I hope everyone is having a great week!