Burlap Carrots DIY {Spring Farmhouse Mantel Decor}

Hi Friends ~ Have you ever been out shopping and you see something and think... 

That doesn't look too complicated. I bet I could make that...? 

Me too. In fact, that's what happened when I was out shopping last week with my mom and sister. We spotted some cute (factory-made) burlap carrots. I loved all the texture and the neutral, unexpected take on carrots.

A few days later, I played a little game of memory with myself. Where did I see those leftover styrofoam cones? Garage, in a half-unpacked art bag. Burlap sack? Laundry room cupboard. Glue gun? Dining room drawer. The only thing I needed to buy was the raffia. So the price was right for this mini DIY. ;) 

Just to recap, here are the materials you'll need to make your own burlap carrots:

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• Styrofoam cones (I used the 6" length)
• Burlap sack or ribbon (I cut 1/2" strips from a sack I had on-hand. The ribbon would be even easier!)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Raffia
• Scissors
• Sharp knife

Directions:

1. Use a knife to "thin out" the cone, making it look more like a carrot shape. The first picture below shows the starting cone shape on top, and the cone below it is after I did a 2-minute carving. I know the bottom cone looks longer, this is an optical illusion, which I cannot explain. 
2. You'll want to start with the pointy, narrow side of the cone. Take a 2" strip of burlap and using your glue gun, secure the strip over the end. Take another 2" strip and cross it over the first (perpendicular) to completely cover the pointed end.
3. Next, begin wrapping your burlap strips (or ribbon) around the cone (working from the narrow point toward the wide end), overlapping slightly. Secure every so often with hot glue. 
4. When you reach the wide end of the cone, make a hole (about 1/4" thick) for the raffia (your "carrot top"). I used the end of a small fork - but you could use a pencil, or really anything you have on hand, to poke a hole about a 1/2" deep.
5. I took approximately 7-10 pieces of raffia and folded them in half (for double thickness). I pressed the folded end of the bunch into the hole. Mine didn't need glue, but if yours isn't held tight, you can always add a bit of glue into the hole.
6. Your last step is to cover the wide end of your carrot with the the burlap strips. Just glue and press down - if the burlap gathers a bit, don't worry - it's forgiving, and a carrot isn't particularly flat on top anyway. 

And there you have it. Rustic, farmhouse-style carrots that will keep just fine for many years to come. Assuming your style doesn't change. Don't go there. Just enjoy. ;)

So happy you stopped by today!

Hope your week is going well. How will you spend Easter?

I'd love to hear!

Xo