New Year. New Mantle.

I wanted to start this new year with mantle re-do. Mainly because, last year it took me three months after taking down my Christmas decorations to get something on my mantle. I was determined not to let that happen again.
My inspiration piece for my New Year's mantle was this print by Emily Ley. I purchased a similar one several months ago when she was having a clearance sale of older inventory. I got it for a great deal and was so excited, but had yet to find a place for it. I'm hoping it will find it's permanent home in my bedroom once I move it from the mantle, which I know I will eventually.
Once I had my inspiration piece, I decided to go with white and gold for the mantle. I started with this:

It didn't take long before I realized that this arrangement wasn't quite right. It was too small and just didn't seem complete. So, I went to my two favorite places for home accessories - TJ Maxx and HomeGoods - and found a new frame and plate.

I really wanted a sunburst to hang on the window above the mantle, but I couldn't find one. That's when I decided on a tassel garland. I was trying to avoid making it myself, but wasn't ready to spend $30 for someone else to make one for me. I found this tutorial online and made mine out of gold and white tissue paper (which, by the way, I got for 75 cents because it was in the Christmas section at Target).

I was very pleased with the end product. Not only do I have a beautiful and elegant mantle for the new year, but I am reminded daily of the grace that is afforded to me by God. And, that because of that grace, I do not need to be perfect.
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured on us who belong to his Son. Ephesians 1:6

What is inspiring you in this new year?