Decorate a Mantel on a budget

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce." ~ Jeremiah 29:5

     I the past 15 years or so I moved 7 time, never lived in the same place for more then just a few years at the time. Each time I try to settle into a new home, I always get that feeling that it will not be a permanent stay, so why put the effort into making it my own. 

Isn't true in many area of our life, we put "living" on standby until <insert something you have been waiting for like baby sleep trough the night, kids in school, have lots of money to spare etc.> to happen.

But why wait.

A couple months ago I started to pin things on my Home Decor Ideas board on pinterest. I think this is a great way to understand what you like and what is your style. I really like being able to see room that look somewhat like the one I have in my home, all made pretty and see what would work or not. 

Another thing that I have notice is that I have expensive taste, sometime I see something that I think is really pretty and would look amazing here, look up on the web to find out that 1 little item comes with a price tag with more then 1 zero Yikes!!!!

This can be discouraging, but if you know what you like, and are willing to search around. There is always stores where you can purchase items second hand in good shape, or that you can paint or redo into your liking. If you are not the crafty type, stores like dollarama, walmart or other of the type, can be great place to find look alike but way cheaper. 

Here is the step to make my mantel look, for less then 40$

Step 1

Do some research on what you want to do. I use this as a guideline for what I wanted.

Find out more about this picture by visiting this website

Step 2

Make a list of items you would like to get, bring pictures or cut magazine etc. If possible bring a camera along (the one on your phone would do) and take picture of your finds with the price and try to get the best buy you can get.

Step 3

Fix a budget and try to only get items that will fit within the set amount. If you are like me, finding a good deal makes this little mama, very very happy.

Step 4

Bring your wonderful finds home, if some crafting needs to be done do it now. If items are all set to go, just go and place them where you think they would fit. You might have to arrange and re-arrange them a few time until you find that "perfect" spot.

I will add a picture of the book shelf that I re-organized, just because a few item that I got, went into styling it.

Step 5

Sit back, relax and enjoy

Total for this project 35$ 

Most item bought at the dollarstore, not including plants (between 1.99 to 8 $ each) other plants were given to me so they were free, also the mirror was given to me by a friend, free of charge.