Succulent Crown Maternity Photos by Tayia Rae Photography

I don't mean to brag, but I have some extremely talented and gorgeous younger sisters.  My sister Tierney, whose succulent wedding was featured here a couple years ago, had some maternity photos taken today by my littlest sister, Tayia.  Krista and I just happened to be at my mom's house helping her repot some of her overgrown plants when Tierney and Tayia were meeting up for the photoshoot. With hundreds of plants on hand, we decided to create a succulent crown for Tierney to wear in the photoshoot. The pictures turned out beautifully so I thought I'd share some here! 

To see more photos by Tayia follow her on Instagram @tayiarae_photos

DIY Succulents: From Placecards to Wreaths, 35+ Ideas for Creative Projects with Succulents

If you visit this blog often, you've probably started to wonder why we haven't posted any DIY tutorials in what feels like forever! Well, I'm so excited to finally announce what we've been up to and why there hasn't been much going on here on the blog. 

About 6 months ago we were approached by a publisher to write a DIY Succulents book! Succulents + photography + crafty projects + writing all about it... of course we said YES! We came up with 35+ (I think there are actually 38!) succulent related DIY projects that are super cute and pretty easy to create.

The book is divided into two parts. Part One includes a Succulents 101 chapter which covers what exactly makes a succulent plant "a succulent," common varieties of succulents, how and where to buy succulents, succulents alongside children and pets, the best pots for succulents, how to care for your succulents, and how to overcome problems with your succulents. In Chapter 2, I go into detail on how to propagate your succulents from cuttings and leaves including photos of what the cut ends of your plants should look like after they have calloused over. Part Two of the book is packed with fun projects for your home and garden! Each project includes a supplies list, step by step instructions with photos, care instructions and tips for customizing your gorgeous creations! 

DIY Succulents was such a fun project to work on, we can't wait for you all to get your hands on a copy!

DIY Succulents is now available on Amazon!

Minted. - Design Marketplace

designed by  ARTSY CANVAS GIRL DESIGNS | WEST PALM BEACH, FL LAUREN PACKARD |  CASS LOH |CHERAS, MALAYSIA

I've got a thing for design and photography, maybe you've noticed. I recently discovered Minted.com, a really unique website that gives independent artists a chance to be featured and have their work sold on a global platform.   It's actually pretty cool how it works; artists submit their work, the community votes on the best designs, and then Minted sells the winning pieces in the form of art, home decor, and stationary.

When I first visited Minted., I immediately typed "succulents" into the search bar and was pleasantly surprised to find three pages of succulent related art.  Here are some of my favorites:

Patterned Cactus

limited edition print by Maria Hilas Louie

Grey Velvet

by Heather M. Roberts

Morning Succulent

by Debra Butler

Little Terrarium Succulent Illustration

by Erin McManness

Succulent figure 1

by Stacey Meacham

Minted has so much to offer, you really need to check it out for yourself. Whether you are in the market for Minted's wedding invitations or some beautiful art for your home, you will find what you are looking for at Minted! 

As a special incentive to check them out, we are teaming up with Minted to give one of our readers a $50 credit to Minted.com! To enter this giveaway simply follow us on Instagram @needlesandleaves and @minted and tag 3 friends on our giveaway post!