Copy Cat Decor Project Two Finished

I saw this little creation last year on Dusty's blog and knew one day when I had the chance I would copy cat her!

A little background:

1. The very first blog I ever "followed" was All Things G & D. I loved her decor taste, honesty and down to earth personality from the moment I read her bio on her blog. And for the record I pray to God that I have the discipline to maintain my appearance as well as she did 9 months preggers. No joke, homegirl was sporting heels to the labor and delivery room! RESPECT.

2. I fell in love with her home decor on day one. Kitchen = to die for. I just loved her organization and clean, modern decor. And the stripes in her powder room take my breath away. Dont be surprised if you see that in my home one day too!! ;)

3. From the moment I saw her "photo gallery wall" I knew there would be one in my home as soon as I had the wall space for it.

Well ladies... The time has come and I finally have the perfect place to copy cat her wall gallery! When you walk in my bedroom there is an awkward little wall cutout in the hallway that leads into my room. Its a 6ft wall 10ft high and is clearly meant for some sort of shelving/photo area.

I began looking for 4 foot shelves and quickly found that the only place that sells 4ft ledge shelves was Pottery Barn. I honestly was a little surprised because I thought they were going to be super expensive and they werent. I purchased the Crown Molding Ledge Shelf which in 5 inches deep because I knew I wanted to put candle holders and thicker, heavier items on it. If youre just looking for photo shelves I would get the Photo Ledge Shelves (3 inches deep) instead because they are $15 cheaper. These were $55 and were by far the cheapest I found.

I had a friend hang them because they were heavy and to be honest I was a little nervous that I would screw it up but honestly I couldve easily done it myself. They come with wall anchors, a level and the mounting bracket and are very easy to mount. I emailed Dusty to find out how far apart her shelves were because I really liked the spacing of hers. I also knew I wanted to place a mirror on my middle shelf so I wanted to know how big hers was. She was sweet enough to write back and let me know that hers were about 17 inches apart. I decided to my place mine 18" apart (Im weird about things being even numbered so 18 just settled better than 17 with me, lol) so I measured 21" up from the top of the bottom ledge to account for the placement of the bracket on the shelf. They are so sturdy and were easy to shift into perfect alignment.

{shelves hung}

{The photos sit in these little grooves.}

{Here's a good pic to see how they look in comparison to the ceiling. I wanted them to be at eye level so they are not placed in the middle of the wall. Theyre closer to the bottom of the wall.}

I knew I wanted a mirror on the middle shelf but couldnt find one anywhere that was around 16" high, so I decided to make it myself. I bought a 11 by 13 backless frame from Hobby Lobby (cause it was 1/2 price and the one with backs were full price) and a 11 by 13 beveled mirror. I made sure that the frame was bulky and wide to add a few inches. I placed the mirror in the frame and used some type of tacky clay bondo stuff in the corners to keep it from falling out. Use super glue if you have it. Total mirror cost around $25.

Everything else on the shelves I either owned or purchased on the %66 off clearance isle in Hobby Lobby. I refused to pay over $5 for a frame and found great deals on them!

I started on the middle shelf and this is how it tuned out!

Then moved to the top shelf...

...and finished with the bottom.

I really wanted them to look even so I made sure that each end had a tall object and that the rest of the items varied in height.

And here you have it!!!

{Kristen's Photo Wall Gallery}

It turned out exactly like I wanted and really was rather inexpensive to do, with exception to the shelves! I was very happy with the outcome!!

A special thanks to Mrs. Dusty for her help and genius decor style. The roomie is currently copying another wall piece of hers and I will be sure to post about it next week!

2 other new found luxuries:

1. Magic Erasers. No joke THEY ARE THE BOMB!! Erases anything! Just be careful I got a little happy and accidentally took some paint off the wall!

2. My new American Standard Jet Tub is AMAZING! No joke I feel like Im relaxing in a hot tub!! IN LOVE!!!

Now Im off to watch the Super Bowl and visit the Mother Bear. Ive done absolutely nothing all weekend in attempts to nurse this sick little body and lucky for me I am FINIALLY starting to feel better. I can actually hear again and my head has stopped pounding!

Happy Super Bowl Ladies!!