Rose ball candlestick topiary (and mantel decor)

I loved all of the flower topiaries in blogland, but did not really have time to make all the flowers for one. Then I saw THIS ONE at Stay at Home Artist. I remembered that I had a ton of little silk ribbon roses left over from ornament making days 10+ years ago. I actually had put them and some silk covered ornament balls in the yard sale/Good Will box. And even though you aren't supposed to take something back when you decide to get rid of it, I took them back. I was actually going to use them, so I figure it's okay.

I started with this:

And ended up with this:

I removed the silk threads from the balls and went to town shoving roses into the foam. I only used glue in the places that they didn't want to stay. Some are holding fine without glue. I didn't cover the bottom of the ball. I decided I need a smooth surface for it to sit on and it doesn't show. I made another one in pink roses.

I've paired them with my heart specimen art on the mantel.

I put my framed hearts on the other side along with a plate purchased from Ross for $3.49.  And here you have my rather simple mantel decor.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a Happy Valentine's Day! Spend some time with someone you love or doing something you are passionate about.