Fool Proof Mantel Decor

So, I change my mantel decor ALL the time.  But I have a few basics I tend to go by when decorating it.  It is sort of a guide that helps.  I actually saw it in a magazie a while back and whenever I follow it, my mantel looks fab.

1. Choose something large for the main focus and center it above the mantle.  A large mirror, painting or picture works well.

2. Next you layer in a smaller piece of art or photography in front of the mirror.  I choose a vintage linen that I framed. ( I love cheap DIY art projects ;)

3. To the left of the smaller picture, place something with a little height.  I typically use candle holders here, they add heighy, warmth and really ancor everything else going on.

4.on the right side of the main center piece-add something with height,movement and wimsy.  For this, I love branches, flowers, leaves-any old stick from the yard in a pretty vase, glass or jar will do!

5. Then you can add items that sort of "finish it off."  Books and boxes are great.  I added a small group of old books of poems, topped off with a porcalin flower candles holder.

My last bit of advise is to step back and look as you place the items and adjust as needed. 

After stepping back and looking-I had one more candle holder and decided the right side needed it. 

   I swear this is fool proof!  Happy deocorating!

French Knot Throw Pillows

French Knot Project

I have been wanting to try my hand at this for some time.  I have seen some pretty cool french knot projects out there. 

I decided to start simple and cheap.  I am using a pottery barn pillow I am currently not using anywhere and some yarn and had left over from another project.  I did purchase a set of needlepoint needles from good old walmart.  You will need the largest one for this project.

 I pencil out my pattern on the pillow and then start french knotting away.

Start by threading the needle and knotting it off at the bottom.



Tie a knot

Pull the needle back through the knot

then move on the the next!

This is really quick and easy.  I think this gives a simple pillow such great impact. 

This project was so simple I think I sew a few more french knot projects in my future.

I am eager to try new patterns.  I highly recommend giving this a shot-don't be scared-it's sooo easy!

Kids Room Art

So I promised myself this was not going to turn into a baby blog-but it is currently not much of a blog at all.  All of my time has been occupied by this little cuttie!

Come on, admit it, she is pretty stinkin cute!

Well, I am making a promise not to turn this into a baby blog, however, there may be a few baby/house projects that make it on here...

Which bring us to this post.

Kids room art! 

I love looking up fun and fab kids room art.  Etsy is a great source for this.  The following are a few of my favs. 

This little guy is made with tissue paper

What a great idea!

I think these turtles would be a-dor-a-ble in a little boys room. 

This is a simple painted canvas with scrapbook paper flowers!

And this is where my inspiration came from.  I LOVE owls!  I thought it would be something cute in my little ones room that could grow with her.

And here is my take.

Cute, huh! 

I started by painting the canvas with an all over color.  I then made is a little more fun by bringing in a few others colors and through the use of water-made it look drippy.   After painting a little limb-I simply glue on the scrapbook paper owl!