DIY Photo Prop // Mantel Decor

As the holidays approach, I can feel all things crafty swelling up inside of me!! Here's a little project I worked on this weekend and I'll admit, I feel a little silly posting it because it really is so simple, but I guess that's what I love most about it! The best part is that it can double as holiday decor! So first things first, here's what you'll need:

Mod Podge {But really, what craft project doesn't need it?!}

Scrapbook Paper

Cardstock paper {About 3 sheets}

Letter cut outs {I found mine here. They're about 3x3 inches}

Ribbon or Twine {Approx. 6 ft in length}

Scotch tape {Sorry, forgot to include those in the picture!}

Scissors

• Step One: Cut out the letters and trace on to cardstock paper and scrapbook paper. Cut out.
• Step Two: Use the mod podge {or any other glue you have on hand} to glue the cardstock and scrapbook paper together. The letters need to have some kind of weight to them in order for them to hang right on the ribbon. Let dry.
• Step Three: Cut ribbon to desired length. I had about 13 letters and used approximately 6 ft of ribbon. My ribbon was 3/8" in length.
• Step Four: Turn papers over so front of letter is facing down.  Use tape to connect ribbon to letters. {Shown below}

Ta-da! Hanging letters! And now you have a re-usable photo prop that doubles as an adorable mantel accessory!  Matt and I used this in a photo shoot we did for the oh-so-darling Chang family this weekend! I'm think it will look great hanging below the mantel this holiday season!

And please don't mind the naked mantel, we're in the middle of re-decorating/renovating our in-laws living room so the mantle hasn't quite yet had the TLC that it deserves! But here's something to give you an idea of what it might look like! I'm thinking this idea will come in handy for baby showers!

Lemon Drop

I've recently discovered {and maybe become obsessed} with a group called Pistol Annies. They're a sort of underground country group, that at first, I was very hesitant to even give a chance simply because I'm not a huge Miranda Lambert fan. But then, I listened. And the obsession began. Think of Johnny Cash meets Norah Jones meets Dixie Chicks. A recipe for amazing! Exactly what country songs were meant to be....stories told around the campfire. Something that the everyday person can connect with. I absolutely LOOOOOOVE them! Maybe it's because of how I relate to "Boys from the South"....uhhemmm I married one....or maybe because of how "My Life is Like a Lemon Drop".....or maybe it's because it fits the fall season so well. And yes, seasons have sound tracks. So go ahead and splurge! Download the album, grab yourself a cup of Joe and give it a listen! A guaranteed recipe for a delightful day! :)

Here's just a sample. Listen and love!