Let me start this month by saying how excited and honored I am to be teaming up with At Home for our Curb Appeal Makeover Contest! I can’t wait to see all the entries and help pick the lucky winner. So be sure to enter, and you could win a free makeover for the front of your own home!

Next, let me just say that thank goodness it is almost spring! After yet another bout of winter storms, I am just about to burst, as I am sure you are, too. To take my mind off the weather, I have tried to stay busy working on design projects and preparing for spring. I also tackled one more small indoor project, while the weather was too bad to enjoy being outside. Remember the deer skull I showed you last month? Well, I had to find a fun way to display it, so I turned it into a little garden-inspired craft project.

I decided I would place the deer skull to complement a mirror that hangs in the little cabana room attached to my carport. But first, something had to be done about the mirror. The color just wasn’t doing it for me, and it was a bit too small. So, I decided to cover the mirror with a variety of perserved mosses to turn it into a unique focal point

It was really easy, and I think the transformation is a big improvement. I started by using craft glue to attach a base layer of green sheet moss to the entire mirror. Since the mirror was a bit too small for the space, I allowed the moss to hang generously over both edges of the frame, giving it a slightly larger diameter.

Next I strategically attached two different types of reindeer moss, along with some lichen. I tried to create random, flowing mounds that would look as natural as possible.

I worked my way around the mirror and allowed the base layer of sheet moss to show through in places, as well. The texture of the lichen in particular is really interesting!

Once I was finished, I left the mirror horizontal for a few hours, so the glue would have plenty of time to dry, and then it was ready to hang!

Along with the deer skull, I think it adds a lot to this quirky little room, and I am so pleased with the results. Natural elements like antlers, moss, driftwood, etc. are always good candidates for accessorizing any space. So, I hope you will be inspired to bring a little of the outdoors into your next decorating project. It is an easy way to’ live outside the box’…especially when the cold weather keeps you cooped up inside…but hopefully that won’t be a problem for much longer!

Exterior designer Daniel Keeley is an Arkansas native and founder/principal of DK Design. His work has won numerous awards and accolades and is featured regularly in various publications. For more information visit www.dkdesignoutdoor.com.