52 Mantels

Embellished Paper Clips (using Mod Melts!)

2013-06-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

Today I've got a fun tutorial for embellished paper clips, using Mod Melts by Mod Podge! Plaid Crafts sent me a box full of their latest craft products to try out and I was so excited to get my hands on these Mod Melts. They are easy to use and lend themselves to tons of creativity! I made pretty paper clips (which I think are the perfect handmade gift), but how cute would they be as magnets? Or, push pins?!

First, I'm going to show you how to use the Mod Melts and how to make the simple version of these paper clips...

Supplies:

Mod Melts

Mod Molds

Hi-Temp glue gun (small size)

Paint

Sponge brush

Hot glue and gun

Paperclip blanks

1) Gather your supplies 2) Heat Mod Melt sticks in a Hi-Temp glue gun and fill in the molds. TIP: Use a gentle hand when squeezing the hot gun 3) Let the molds dry for 10 minutes before peeling them out. 4) Use a sponge brush to paint the molds. I used three shades of blue for an ombre effect. 5) When the molds are dry, hot glue them to paper clip blanks (purchased at your local craft store).

Wouldn't these be a fun teacher gift? School will be starting soon enough and it's always nice to collect a few handmade gift ideas!

I also made another set, using three alternate molds. Don't you love the picture frames? So sweet! To make the (slightly) more complicated paper clips, I started the same way, but then I added Podgeable Papers to the centers.

Supplies:
Same as above PLUS:
Scissors
Podgeable Papers
Mod Podge in Matte finish
White cardstock scrap

1) Grab a picture frame mold and trace the inside onto white card stock 2) Cut template out, adding a ~1/4 inch border 3) Remove a same-sized piece of your Podgeable Paper 4) Mod Podge the two pieces together 5) Mod Podge the paper to the back of the frame mold 5) Finish as stated above

You really ought to check these Mod Melts out! They are so fun to use...and, easy too. And, truly, the sky's the limit when it comes to creative projects you can make with these!

Check out Plaid Crafts, if you get a chance!! They have great products :)

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Blog

**I was compensated by Plaid Crafts to review their products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Hallway Makeover (DIY Board & Batten and Cutting Edge Stencils) + Giveaway!

2013-06-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've teased about my hallway makeover on Instagram a few times now. And, I'm so happy to share the (almost) final results with you today! We decided to install DIY Board & Batten and try out one of the fun stencils from Cutting Edge Stencils on the wall above it. I chose the allover Mermaid stencil and I love the look of it!

I'm not giving a tutorial for the board & batten because there are so many great tutorials floating around blogland (I have a Pinterest board dedicated to it, if you're interested). Plus, I didn't have much to do with the installation. That was curtesy of my father-in-law and hubby. (Thanks, fellas!!)

However, I WILL give you some pointers for using the allover stencil from Cutting Edge.

But, first...the before/after shot:

That before shot is embarrassing! I can't believe we lived with that dark, bleh tunnel for 3 years! In truth, the makeover isn't completely done because we still need to change the light fixture and add more light down the length of the hallway. But, the white and gray paint really brightens it up!

Stenciling a Wall

Supplies:
paint in two colors (I used Behr Premium in Falling Snow and Graceful Gray)
dense foam roller brush
clip-on stencil level from Cutting Edge (this is a must, in my opinion!)
painter's tape

Tips:
1) This may be obvious, but paint the light color first and then stencil the darker shade on. That'll give you better coverage in less coats.
2) Start in an inconspicuous spot, so you can get the feel of it before it really matters.
3) Roll the stencil in paint and then roll most of it off onto a paper towel before putting the roller on the wall.
4) Watch one or more of the Cutting Edge tutorial videos before starting. They are really helpful!
5) If you're doing board & batten too, do the wall stencil first so you don't have to cut in on the bottom.
6) If you're doing feature walls, like I did, consider capping the corner edge with a piece of decorative trim. This isn't mandatory, but it does give it a nice, polished look.

As you can see from the above pictures, we wrapped our board & batten around the corners, but stopped the stencil at the end of the hallway. Then we added corner trim on the edge above the b&b.

I think the stencil was really easy to use and gives a lot of impact for relatively low effort! You can see from the "before" photo that my gallery wall got a little tweak, too. I'll give you the details of that next week!

On a related note, did you see the stenciled rug I shared last Friday? It was a under-an-hour project using a small Cutting Edge Stencil (pssst...they give all customers a small freebie stencil!).

So, would you like to WIN $50 to Cutting Edge Stencils?? I thought you might! Use the rafflecopter below to enter!

*winner receives one stencil of their choice, up to $50 value, plus free shipping. US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days!

2013-06-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

Today I'm on my way to Vail, CO for a girls' trip and I'm so excited! What are you up to this week?

Okay, let's party! If you like a project linked up, don't forget to pin it from it's original location (by clicking directly on the picture link!) :)

This week on 52 Mantels:

20+ Father's Day Ideas (party features!)

Red, White & Blue Patriotic Mantel

Stenciled Outdoor Rug

To see what I've been Pinning, Tweeting and Sharing, check out my Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook pages!

If you want to follow me in Instagram, click here.

And, what about you?? What have you been doing lately? Link up your recent projects so we can admire!

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

20 + Father's Day Ideas!

2013-06-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Father's Day is less than a week away and I'm featuring lots of great Father's Day ideas today!

Are you ready for the big day?? Are your cards purchased? The card rack at my local pharmacy was already looking pretty thin.

(Let me just say, the Tuesday before Mother's Day boasted very full card racks. I'm just sayin'...)

So, I have to admit...I'm kind of the worst wife ever. Back in February my friends and I set the date for our 5th annual girls' retreat (this year to Vail, CO!). Well, the trip is upon us. And, yep, we planned it right over Father's Day weekend. WIFE FAIL! How am I ever going to make up for this oversight?!

(Sorry honey. I really do love you lots and lots!)

Anyway, I have less than a week to knock out each of these Father's Day gift and recipe ideas! Better get busy.

Free Father's Day Printables- Alderberry Hill

Turtle Cookies- Hooplapalooza

Andes Mint Chocolate Cake- MorningNooNight

Decorated Wine Bottle- Chased the Star

Father's Day Beer Tasting- That's What Che Said

Canvas Map- Church Street Designs

BBQ Ranch Deviled Eggs- Cookie Crumbs & Sawdust

"Top 5 Reason's Why You're The Best" display- Creative Dominican

T-Shirt for the Pun Loving Dad- The Thinking Closet

Father's Day Plaque + Free Printable- Just Us Four

Golf Monogram- Becoming Martha

Personalized Sharpie Mug- Second Chance to Dream

Father's Day Printable- A Typical English Home

'I love Daddy' Shadow Photo- Sometimes Homemade

Mustache Candy Container- Homespun With Love

'Love You Mounds and Mounds' Gift Idea- Little Dove Creations

Homemade Mustache Oreos- Twigg Studios

Add caption- Create.Craft.Love

Lots of Father's Day Craft Ideas- It's Overflowing

'My Superhero, My Dad' Poem and Printable- Create.Craft.Love

Father's Day Mantel- 52 Mantels

Instagram-Insprired Father's Day Gift- 52 Mantels

Okay, I'm off to start crafting!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Red, White & Blue {Patriotic Mantel!}

2013-06-10T08:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted a new mantel in awhile, huh? Well, in honor of July 4th (coming quickly!), I'm sharing my Red, White & Blue Patriotic Mantel.

I grabbed a handful of my white vases (of course) and added some Target Dollar Spot flags. I also used my Washi Tape Flag Art from last year. The tutorial is super simple. Go check it out!

Oh, and I've recently purchased a large chalk pen. Y'all, it's the best! I'm never going back to plain ol' chalk! Want one? Hobby Lobby...don't forget to print your 40% off coupon.

Have I ever mentioned that my mantel is frustratingly hard to photograph because of the large mirror that reflects a popcorn ceiling and a blah ceiling fan? Well, it's the truth.

So, anyway, there you go. There's my ceiling fan. Lovely, eh? :)

Happy Monday!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Stenciled Outdoor Rug (Put a Bird on It!)

2013-06-07T11:11:00.001-05:00

Have you ever stenciled a rug? I tried my hand at it last week and am loving my newly stenciled outdoor rug! Next week I'm sharing a wall stencil I tried out for Cutting Edge Stencils (stay tuned!). When I received my supplies in the mail, this sweet little bird stencil was in the packaging. Perhaps he was a fun bonus? Or, maybe just mistakenly placed in my box? Either way, I was happy to try him out on a $20 outdoor rug from Home Depot.

I painted my 6x9' rug inside, on my 3x4' kitchen table. It was challenging. Obviously, a large flat surface would be more ideal. I wanted my pattern random, so I started in one corner and worked across and down. On each section, I stenciled a flock of coral birds, washed my stencil and stenciled a few white birds. The stencil cleans so easily!

A few tips:

1) Roll your brush in paint and then remove the excess on a paper towel. You don't want your brush overly saturated in paint.

2) Dab the paint on, rather than roll it (a stencil brush would work great, if you have it!)

3) Make sure you let some of the birds hang over the edges of the rug. That'll keep the pattern looking random! I used wax paper to protect my table.

Last Spring, I shared my Porch Makeover, which included my DIY reclaimed wood table. For the tutorial, click here. The tutorial for the hanging glass vases is here. And, the tutorial for the easy, packaging tape artwork can be found here (PS. a year later that artwork has held up great. It's been exactly in that spot this entire time. No lie!)

(The coral and yellow bird art tutorial is coming soon!)

On a side note, does anyone watch Portlandia? "In Portland, you can put a bird on something and call it art".

Yep, I put a bird on it. :)

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days!

2013-06-05T18:30:00.000-05:00

Is it that time already?? I love a good party...and, this party is my favorite! Why? Because I get to check out YOUR creativity!

If you like a project linked up, don't forget to pin it from it's original location (by clicking directly on the picture link!) :)

This week on 52 Mantels:

Yesteday I shared 24 Summer Ideas (party features!)

And, on Friday I shared my recipe for easy Oreo Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwhiches

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

24 Fun Summer Ideas: Food, Activities, Crafts & More!

2013-06-04T14:01:00.000-05:00

Summa Summa Summa-time. School's out. The temperatures are rising. The days are long. It's Summer time and, I've got 24 FUN Summer ideas for you. Food, crafts, decor and so much more!

Each of these projects were linked up at one of our recent weekly link parties.

I shared this photo on Instagram last week, saying you could find us at our local sprayground. And, I was serious! This is where we'll be keeping cool this Summer. Anyone else a frequenter to your local sprayground? They are the BEST!

Summer Outdoors & Decor

Decked Out for Summer via The Happy Housie

Summer Porch Decor via Dixie Delights

Building a Pergola via That's What Che Said

Building a Tree Ring via Grandma Agnes' Attic

Plant a Window Box Garden via An Extraordinary Day

Make a Knock-Off Flower Tower via Second Chance to Dream

Make No-Sew Outdoor Drop Cloth Curtains via Our Home Away from Home

Plant an Herb Garden- The Wandmaker's Mother

Summer Recipes

Chicken Salad Recipe via It's Overflowing

50 Summer Cookout Recipes via Create. Craft. Love

Sweet & Sour Cucumber Recipe via Family Home & Life

Crunchy Romaine Strawberry Salad Recipe via Love Grows Wild

Mango Salsa, Feta & Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe via The Winthrop Chronicles

Custard Tart with Summer Fruit via Mums Make Lists

Patriotic Cheesecake Parfaits via Becoming Martha

Homemade Oreo Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches via 52 Mantels

Summer Craft Ideas

Summer Burlap Wreath via Just Us Four

Jar of Button Tags (with Printable Template!) via Live Laugh Rowe

Summer Skirt Tutorial via Made for a King

Yellow & Teal Summer Wreath

Summer Activities

Printable Beach Tag + Summer Favorites via Michelle Lea Designs

Build a Wobble Board via Crafting in the Rain

Bandana Place Setting via Uncommon Designs

Popsicle Bucket List + Template via Poofy Cheeks

Happy Summer!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Oreo Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches {Recipe}

2013-05-31T09:37:00.003-05:00

Ice cream sandwiches are the perfect summer treat, don't you think? Take these (easy!!) homemade Oreo Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches to your next summer party and you'll be the party MVP.

Probably.

If not, the voting was rigged. Because. C'mon, it's Oreo. It's chocolate chip. It's ice cream...in ONE delicious bite.

Did I mention it's easy? It starts from a mix, y'all! Because you know I love fooling my friends with semi-homemade fare. And, I've mentioned my distain for measuring stuff, right? So, yeah, this is about as easy as baking can be.

Oreo Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

(Printable Recipe Here)

1 package Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix (17.5 oz)

15 Oreos, crumbled

1 stick of Butter, softened

1 Egg

3 Cups Vanilla Ice Cream

12 Cupcake Liners

Cookies: Combine cookie mix with butter, egg and crumbled oreos. Form dough into 2 inch balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8-11 minutes. Cookies will not spread much during baking. In order to get flat cookies for your sandwiches, flatten them with the back of a spatula.

Ice Cream: Let 3 cups of ice cream melt at room temperature or in a microwave. Place 12 cupcake liners in a muffin pan and pour ~1/4 cup of melted ice cream into each liner. Refreeze ice cream in liners.

Assembly: Unwrap an ice cream "patty" and place it between two cookies. Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap and store sandwiches in a freezer bag until ready to serve.

Can we pause for a minute to reflect on the Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookies?? Even if you skip the ice cream part, try these cookies. They're ridiculously good.

Warning: these are messy and addictive. Your kids will love them.

Happy weekend!!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days!

2013-05-29T18:30:00.000-05:00

Is it that time already?? I love a good party...and, this party is my favorite! Why? Because I get to check out YOUR creativity!

You may have noticed I recently added a Pinterest button to my site so people can easily pin images. (Yay Pinterest!). However, it's been brought to my attention that it now adds the P icon to every image, including the links in our link party. I'm working on fixing this. Until then, if you want to pin a particular project or recipe that's been linked up, click on the image and then pin it from the original site.

Thanks so much! Now, let's party...

This week on 52 Mantels:

Yesterday I shared a yummy collection of 20 Desserts & Treats (party features!)

And, on Friday I shared a tutorial for turning Kid's Art into Modern Art!

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

20 Dessert & Treat Recipes!

2013-05-28T19:27:00.001-05:00

Have I got your attention? 20 delicious dessert and treat recipes! YUM! These recipes were linked up recently at one of our weekly link parties. And, mmmm, I'm sure glad they were! I'm always looking for a new dessert recipe to try.

If you want to pin any of these recipes, click the links and pin them from the original website. And, if you try them out, let me know!

Pig Pickin' Cake- Shaken Together

Macaron Recipe- Twigg Studios

Rhubarb Crumble- The Wilderness Wife

Danish Aebleskiver Pancakes- Ashley's Dandelion Wishes

Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce- At the Corner of Happy & Harried

Cake Pop "Popsicles"- Hoopla Palooza

Homemade Margarita Mix- Housewife How-to's

Strawberry Prosecco Cake Pops- Just Us Four

Cookies & Cream Frosting- Making Home Base

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake- MorningNooNight

Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Squares

Green Smoothie- That's What Che Said

Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Squares- The DIY Dreamer

Strawberry Chocolate Pudding Pie- The Princess & Her Cowboys

Mascarpone Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes- The Tiptoe Fairy

Fresh Strawberry Pie- The Turquoise Home

Chick-Fil-A Copycat Peach Milkshake- Thirty Five Ninety Five

Easy Ice Cream Cake- Two Yellow Birds Decor

Skinny Pina Colada Float- Will Cook For Smiles

Apple Turnovers with Vanilla Glaze- Love Grows Wild

Are you totally hankering for some sweets now? I know I am! :)

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Modern Artwork from Kid's Art!

2013-05-24T08:58:00.001-05:00

If you have toddlers and like to do creative projects, you've probably dealt with unwanted "help" from little hands. My daughter loves to paint and draw and glue and cut and...help momma! And, sometimes it's nice to plan projects around her help, instead of waiting for nap time! This Modern Watercolor Art project was one of those plans. We worked together and ended up with a beautiful bit of home decor!

Here's how it's done:

Kid's Art into Modern Watercolor Art

Supplies:

Pretty 11x17 Frame

1-3 pages of 8.5x11" watercolor paper

1 pages of 9x12" art paper

watercolor pencils

paintbrushes and water

2" circle cutter

glue stick

cute kid

1) Lay out watercolor paper and pencils. Let child do her thang. 2) after she's created her art with the pencils, let her "paint" over the pencils with water and a paintbrush 3) let the artwork dry completely 4) use the 2" circle cutter and cut as many circles as possible from each page (I got 20 circles/page). 5) grab your 9x12 paper and arrange the circles in your pattern of choice (random would also be fun!) 6) use a glue stick to attach each circle in place 7) frame the artwork and display! I chose to mount our artwork on top of mat board for a modern look.

As it turned out, I only used 20 of the 60 circles I cut from our three pages of art. Looks like I'll be coming up with another project soon! :)

Do you love to create with your little helpers? My daughter is crazy about painting...and, you know what? I love it too!

Need a few more Kid's Art ideas?

Kid's Art into Placecards

Modern Watercolor Art

Happy weekend, friends!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days!

2013-05-22T17:12:00.003-05:00

Happy party day, friends! I'm so excited to see what you've been up to!

This week on 52 Mantels:

Don't forget to go enter for a chance to win $75 to Target!!

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

$75 Target Giveaway!

2013-05-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

Hi friends! I have a fun giveaway today! Who'd like a $75 Target shopping trip? Today's giveaway is in honor of my friend Kelley's 2nd blogiversary. Go check her out at The Grant Life. And, enter to win below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, I've over at Lil' Luna today sharing a tutorial for a sweet, monogrammed bow holder. Go stopped by and say "hi"! :)

Happy Friday!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days!

2013-05-15T18:07:00.000-05:00

Happy party day, friends! I just love getting to see your creativity week after week. Thanks for sharing your talents with us!!

Today I've been stuck inside with a quarantined little girl. The diagnosis is "probably" chicken pox. Her friend has it, too....but they were both immunized. Strange, huh? Remember when we ALL got chicken pox? Now it's so rare, our pediatrician's nurse said she hadn't seen it in ages.

But, anyway, I digress. Forgive my rambles. I've been stuck inside all day, remember?? ;).

Let's just get onto the party, shall we?

This week on 52 Mantels:

Yesterday I shared a handful of INSPIRING features, all about home decor. Gah! You guys make me want to redecorate my entire house!

On Monday, I shared a tasty Bacon Onion Cheddar Burger recipe. Hint: the bacon and onion is INSIDE the meat. Delish!

And, on Friday I shared my simple tutorial for a Fabric Charm Necklace. So fun!

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

Inspiring Home Decor Ideas {Features!}

2013-05-14T14:06:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness, I am adoring the inspiring home decor ideas featured today! Each of these projects were linked up last week at our link party and I've SO enjoyed looking at all the creative ideas.

West Elm Knock-off Art- Making Home Base

How To Install a Stone Patio- Design, Dining + Diapers

Dining Room Makeover- Dixie Delights

Playroom Makeover- Love Grows Wild

Stools in Shades of Mint- Nalle's House

Ikea Stool Makeover- Now at Home Mom

Styling with Antique Books- Number Fifty-Three

Thrift Store Plate Display- Our Southern Home

Vintage Metal Cart Makeover- Posed Perfection

Evolving Gallery Wall- Real Life Notes

Paper Dahlias- Simply Dream & Create

Spring-ifying the Living Room- The Happy Housie

DIY Farmhouse Headboard- The Turquoise Home

Yellow Vintage Chair- Twelve O Eight

Botanical Painted Coasters- Uncommon Design

Big Girl Bed Makeover- Woven Home

What do you think? Are you totally inspired like I am?

If you want to link up this week, our party is every Thursday (but, pssst...I open the links on Wednesday night for the early birds). Come link up and show off your creativity!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

(The Very Best!) Bacon Onion Cheddar Burger Recipe

2013-05-13T14:50:00.001-05:00

Did you know that May is National Burger Month? Yep, it's true! So, in honor of the occasion, I'm teaming up with Tillamook Cheese and sharing my recipe for Grilled Bacon Onion Cheddar Burgers. So good!

My burger recipe calls for Sliced Medium Cheddar Cheese from Tillamook. And, I've even got a $1/off coupon for you to print! Click here, if interested (available until May 21st and redeemable for 1 month after printing).

Grilled Bacon Onion Cheddar Burgers

(printable recipe here)

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/3 C finely chopped onions
1 T ranch dressing powder
1/4 t salt
4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and diced
1 egg, beaten
4 slices of Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese
4 hamburger buns

Preheat grill to medium heat. Combine ground beef with the next 5 ingredients. Divide in 4 and form each section into a patty. Grill hamburger patties until desired doneness. During the last 1 minute of grilling, top each patty with a slice of cheese. Serve on hamburger buns with desired toppings.

Honestly, what makes these burgers so good is the bacon and onion being INSIDE the patty. Mmmm...delicious flavor, I promise!

We like to eat our burgers with gauc and my favorite Easy Blender Salsa.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen us having some fun grillin' time on Saturday! A "grillabration", if you will. Isn't this the best time of year for outdoor fun?! :)

Are you a burger lover? What are your favorite burger ingredients?

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Custom Fabric Charm Necklace

2013-05-10T16:06:00.000-05:00

Anyone else lovin' charm necklaces right now? I've got several that I've been wearing a lot of lately. Know what else I have a lot of?? FABRIC! Guess what?! I've found a way to combine my favorite fabrics with my current favorite accessory. And, I'm sharing the tutorial today!

Fabric Charm Necklaces

Supplies:

Fabric scrap

Frame charm (found in the jewelry department of your local craft store)

Mod Podge "Dimensional Magic"

Glue Dots

Chain necklace (also from the craft store jewelry department)

Jump Ring (ahem, jewelry department)

1) Gather your supplies

2) Pick your favorite fabric, using the enclosed sticker as a template

(PS. I wasn't sure if the adhesive-backed stickers that came with my charm frames were sturdy enough to hold the fabric. SO...I ditched them for the reliable Mod Podge. If you use the stickers, let me know how it works!)

3) Trace around the sticker and cut your fabric to size

4) Use a glue dot to secure the fabric circle in place. Grab your Dimensional Magic.

5) Fill in the frame with the Dimensional Magic. Use a very gentle hand to avoid overflow!

Let your charm dry!

Before adding your charm to your necklace chain, you'll need to add a jump ring! Amy did a great tutorial on this several months ago when she shared her DIY Charm Necklace Tutorial. Go check it out, if you need a refresher on jump rings :).

These charms are so pretty all alone on a necklace. OR...you can add other fun charms. The jewelry aisle at your local craft store is FULL of fun charms!

I like to mix and match my charms, personally. Sometimes I wear the fabric charm with an "e" charm from Anthropologie. Sometimes I pair it with my favorite Texas-shaped charm (representing!) and sometimes I add a silver heart. I love options! :)

Happy Friday, friends! Have a great Mother's Day weekend!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days + MirrorMate Giveaway

2013-05-08T18:30:00.000-05:00

Before we party today, I wanted to share a fun giveaway with you from MirrorMate. If you haven't heard of MirrorMate, I'm excited to introduce you. It's such an neat concept and an affordable way to update a dated bathroom mirror!

MirrorMate Before & After Bathroom Update

Anyone have an bland, unframed bathroom mirror? Our house had them, but they were updated by the previous owners (whew!). There are lots of complicated and pricey solutions to updating your frameless mirrors, but luckily MirrorMate is neither complicated NOR pricey!

With MirrorMate, all you have to do is: Measure your mirror, choose a frame from their website and assemble it when it arrives! The frame comes with detailed instructions and the supplies to assemble it.

20 minutes + drying time is all it takes! Awesome, right?!

Updated Bathroom Mirror with MirrorMate

A framed mirror really adds a completed look to the bathroom, don't you think?

How'd you like to win $150 toward your own MirrorMate?? Typical frames cost $109-$198, depending on the size and molding, so this is a great prize!

To enter, use the rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This week on 52 Mantels:

Yesterday I shared some fun, handmade Mother's Day gift ideas (features from last week!)

And, last Friday I shared Easy Blender Salsa (two ways!).

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

Handmade Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

2013-05-07T11:46:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Mother's Day is LESS than a week away?! If you want to DIY a gift for your momma, here are 16 handmade gift ideas to get you started! Aren't handmade gifts the best? I think so!

PS. Each of this ideas were linked up at last week's link party!

Chicken Wire Frame- Becoming Martha

Anthro Knock-off Beaded Push Pins- Curiosita Ellya

Lavender Bath Salts- Home Hearted

Citrus Foot Soak- Homespun With Love

Lemon Sugar Scrub- Krysta Steen

Personalized Stationary- Lizzie Jane Baby

Picture Frame Pin Cushion- Love Grows Wild

DIY Brag Book- Nalle's House

DIY Bracelets- Sometimes Homemade

Heart Thumbprint Necklace- That's What Che Said

Tea Bag Wrappers- The DIY Dreamer

Vinyl Plant Labels- The Crafty Scientist

Inspirational Sign- Two Yellow Birds Decor

Mother's Day Projects @ 52 Mantels:

Mother's Day Printable

Silhouette Project

DIY Charm Necklace from One Artsy Mama

So, will this be a handmade Mother's Day for you??

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Easy Blender Salsa {2 ways!}

2013-05-03T07:56:00.000-05:00

Happy (almost!) Cinco de Mayo! Any big fiesta plans? I'll be celebrating my birthday (AKA Quatro de Mayo) with the hubs and I'll definitely be eating some salsa. Namely, THIS easy-peasy, made in a blender, salsa. And, because I like options, I'll be eating it 2 ways: regular and chipotle style. Delicious!

The regular version of this recipe only has 8 ingredients and it's easy to throw together. Every ingredient gets tossed in blender and, minutes later, salsa is born. The chipotle version only adds one ingredients (ahem, a chipotle pepper) and changes the flavor to a hot, smoky salsa. Equally yum.

This recipe is adapted from my father-in-law. His is a 7 ingredient salsa...but, I can't remember which ingredient he ignores. Lime? Onion? Salt? I really don't remember! His is good, but mine is better (ha! I kid).

Easy Blender Salsa- Two Ways

(printable recipe here)

1- 10 oz can of Rotel-style tomatoes

1- 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes

1 lime

1/2 medium onion

4-8 pickled jalapeños (to taste- this determines your heat level), plus 1 T. jalapeño juice

1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro

Garlic powder to taste (start with 1/2 T and add more, if needed)

Salt to taste (start with 1/2 T and add more, if needed)

**for Chipolte flavor, add two, whole chipotles from a can (see picture below)

Grab your blender and add onion, jalapeños and jalapeño juice. Blend until finely chopped. Add cilantro, the juice from one lime, salt and garlic powder. Blend. Add rotel and tomatoes. PULSE blender just enough to combine ingredients.

Mmmmm. Basic, delicious salsa. So good!

If you're happy with one variation of salsa, you can stop here. This batch makes enough to fill about 1 quart sized jar.

If you'd like CHIPOTLE salsa OR TWO types of salsa, keep reading...

For chipotle salsa, add 2 chipotle peppers (from the can below, or from a similar can) to the blender and blend until combine. Done!

If you want two types of salsa (maybe for a party!), pour half of the original salsa into a pint-sized jar. With the remaining blender salsa, add ONE chipotle pepper and blend until combine. Pour into another pint-sized jar to store.

WARNING: The chipotle pepper(s) add some significant heat. If you don't love hot salsa, decrease (or remove completely) the jalapeños and/or swap the rotel for another can of regular, diced tomatoes. The beauty of this recipe is that it's totally tailorable to your own salsa tastes.

CONFESSION: The chipotle pepper doesn't really change the color of the original salsa. But, when I serve these salsas at a party, I like for them to look different so people know they're...well, different. Solution? I add a few drops of blue food coloring to the blender at the very end. I feel like the smoky, chipotle salsa needs to be a smokier color. Makes sense, right?? :)

There you have it...Easy Blender Salsa, Two Ways: Chipotle and Regular.

Grab some chips and get to dippin'.

Happy Cinco de Mayo weekend!

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Thursdays are YOUR Days + Third Day Naturals Giveaway

2013-05-01T18:30:00.000-05:00

Before we start today's link party, I've got a special giveaway for you from Third Day Naturals!

Several weeks ago, I shared the above picture on Instagram and hinted at the wonderful happy mail I'd received from Third Day Naturals. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed using these products!! First of all, let me tell you that each item smells heavenly and fresh. With names like Citrus Sunshine, Triple Mint Mocha and Peppermint Tea, how can they not?!

I love that the products are made from high quality and NATURAL ingredients. Because, well, I hate putting chemicals on my daughter's skin (and, really, mine too).

The soaps are all great and it's hard to pick a favorite. But, if I had to, I'd say it's between Multi-tasking Rosemary and Lavender Oatmeal. I also love the lotion bar. It's so handy to have and works great!

Don't forget that Mother's Day is just around the corner! Right now, they've got some great deals going on where you can pair items and save. Go check out their awesome Mother's Day bundles!

How would YOU like to give Third Day Naturals a try?! Well, you're in luck because they're giving away a set of goodies worth $28.80!

The winner will get to choose their favorite scents in the following items:
-2 Soaps
-1 Sugar Scrub
-1 Pocket Lotion
-2 Lip Balms

To enter, use the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This week on 52 Mantels:

On Friday, I shared a fun tutorial for a succulent planter ~ On Monday, I told you about a fun, new way to snack ~ And, on Monday, I also talked about my front porch wish list!

And, yesterday I shared a handful of features from last week's party...all about decorating with color!

Rules/guidelines/niceties:

1) If you aren't following 52 Mantels, please do so!
(But, hey, even if you don't, you can still party with us. We're cool like that.)

2) This is a party, so mix and mingle. Please check out some of your fellow party-goers!

3) Grab my button and put it in your post, on your blog or just add a text link back to 52 Mantels!

4) Feel free to link up as many posts as you'd like

Colorful Home Ideas!

2013-04-30T12:16:00.000-05:00

Anyone else love colorful home decor?! I am a sucker for pretty hues! I can totally see why some people gravitate towards the calming nature of all white schemes, but it's just not for me. I need color...and, lots of it! That's why I am totally digging these colorful home projects!

Each of these posts were linked up last week at our weekly link party!

Corner House Blog ~ Sweet Baby Girl, Nursery Reveal

Craftiments ~ Paper Doily Decoupaged Bottles

Number Fifty-Three ~ Antique Peacock Dresser

Our Southern Home ~ Southern Screen Porch Tour

The Happy Housie ~ Colorful Bedroom on a Budget

The Turquoise House ~ How to Install Board and Batten

Chase the Star ~ Terra Cotta Pot Tower

Twigg Studios ~ Crepe Paper Anemones

Wait 'Til Your Father Gets Home ~ Picnic Style Place Mats

The Winthrop Chronicles ~ Thrift Store Chandelier Makeover

A Cultivated Nest ~ Spring Decorating Changes

And, don't forget my colorful succulent planter from last week!

52 Mantels ~ Decoupaged Succulent Planter

What's your favorite color to use in your home decor??

Like what you see? Follow 52 Mantels!

I link up here and here!

Front Porch Swing {my wish list!}

2013-04-29T23:03:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Flood® Wood Care. All opinions are 100% mine.

With the delightful Spring weather we've been having in Texas, the hubs and I have been tackling a few outdoor projects. One of the next items on our to-do list is new front porch furniture. I'd really love a pretty porch swing...and, I'd love it even more if we could DIY-it. Not sure a complete bulld is in the books, but maybe we can buy something unfinished and stain it?! Or, restore an old beauty? So many routes we could take!

Isn't starting the hardest part of ANY project?! It is for me, at least. That's why I love the Staining Made Simple guide! It's helps take some of the guesswork out of staining projects. Using their simple guide, you can get all the information you need to start (and finish!) your staining project. Love that!

Wouldn't this swing be pretty in a dark stain?

And, this swing is so inviting...I'd love to hang there with a good book :)

The great thing about Flood® Wood Care is that the products are so easy to use and the Staining Made Simple guide makes it totally easy to get started.

After I found my perfect unfinished front porch swing, I used the Staining Made Simple guide to determine exactly what products (and how much!) I'd need to easily finish it with Flood® Wood Care.

By answering a series of simple questions, I was given the two products I needed for my project. It even told me where to purchase the Flood® Wood Care! Perfectly easy.

Right now you can enter to win a $1,500 gift card for your own staining and backyard projects! Plus, you could win a $10 gift card instantly. Flood® Wood Care is giving away 12 $10 gift cards every, single day!! It's all part of the Flood Better Backyard Sweepstakes.

The sweepstakes ends May 17, 2013, so you'd better hurry!

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 5/17/2013. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions, visit their Facebook page. Void where prohibited. This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsor and not to Facebook.

Calling all snackers!

2013-04-29T14:18:00.000-05:00

Are you always on the hunt for tasty, healthy snacks for your family?? I certainly am! It seems like I buy lots of snacks that don't quite pass the toddler taste test (roasted quinoa seaweed chips, I'm looking at you *cough*). That's why I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of Goodie's Co Taster's Box! For $7/month, you get a box full of 5-8 snacks to sample. With the sampler box, you get to sample a wide variety of treats, without the waste. Brilliant, right?!

I love that Goodies Co has figured out a way to let us "Try it before you buy (lots of) it"!

The images in this post are samples of some past Goodie Co. Taster's Boxes. Looks delish, right?

Are you interested in a monthly snack box?? Well, I've got the hook-up for you today! Typically, there's a waitlist, but if you use the code BLOGVIP, you can skip the line. Sweet! Click here to sign up for a box of your own.

And, Goodies Co. does care about your opinion! So, after you try your snacks, be sure to go back to the Goodies website and give a review of your box. By doing this you will earn points to redeem for rewards and free Taster's Boxes. Woohoo to free stuff!

And, just for fun, I had to (re)share this Instagram picture of my daughter from last year. Why? Because she's the cutest little snacker I ever did see! :)

**This post is sponsored by Goodies Co and I was financially compensated for my participation in the above campaign. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.