DIY Faux Fireplace

One of my favorite projects we completed recently is the faux fireplace I added to my shop (booth space).  

After years of helping homeowners decorate their mantels for every holiday and season -- I knew that I not only had car-loads of mantel decor, but I also might be able to share some decorating tips through my displays.  Plus I thought it would add a cozy touch to my space :)

I was struck with the idea after I saw Sophia's shared on Apartment Therapy . . .

Source:  Apartment Therapy

Sophia was fortunate enough to have a really nice, oversized mantel available to use -- SWOON!  All the flea-market mantels I came across were WAY out of my price range -- so I decided to enlist the help of my hubby and bro-in-law to help me make one.

Here is what I used, in all the cost was less than $50 :::

• wall mount floating shelf 48" wide (similar to this); our shelf was 10" deep that we had on display at our old house and never found a good spot for it in our new one.  I honestly do not remember where we bought it.
• 48x48" plywood, we used 1/4" sheet as a base for the firebox surround, the shelf was mounted on top of the 48" sheet.
• 1/8" plywood cut for firebox surround (fastened to the top of the 48" sheet)
• Classic Pilasters from Lowe's
• Set of 2 Corbels also from Lowe's (just used the ones I liked best with the Pilasters)
• Nail Gun, Wood Glue, Caulk, Paint, chalk-marker and chalk.  Roller, brush etc.

I also used 2 sets of Damask Wall Accents from Southern Living at Home, that I had on hand.  This added a bit of fanciness to the fireplace surround.

Here is where you are going to have to use a bit of your imagination.  I asked my son to remove a game he installed on my phone . . . he wiped my phone, clearing my camera roll.  SO . . . I don't have all the pictures of the firebox surround coming together taken on my phone (Sorry about that).

After all the elements were attached and the mantel & firebox surround were one solid piece, 

I caulked around many of the seams.  

I also played around with the Damask Wall Accents to determine if their placement . . . 

and then I painted . . . 

. . .  and painted away.

I used Old White & Graphite Annie Sloan Chalk Paint because it was what I had on hand -- 

and it covers SO VERY WELL!

I used a piece of white kraft paper and added the measurements of my firebox, to give me an idea of how big to draw my roaring fire.  I then referred back to Sophia's fireplace and used a ruler and a sharpie to sketch out the firebox -- 

the ruler helped with the angles and bricks.

Once I was happy with how it looked I covered the back of the sketch paper with chalk 

and tapped it to my dark painted firebox. 

Using a colored pencil I traced over my sketch to transfer the image to my firebox.

I followed that up by drawing the roaring fire with a white chalk pen, 

and white chalk for shading and highlights.

I was pretty tickled with the results!

I distressed the painted damask accents a bit for character and glued them down with industrial glue.

After they were stuck in place, the fireplace was ready to install. 

We anchored it to the wall and I touched up the paint a bit -- and vacuumed the floor of course. :)

I lost of lot of the pictures I took of the fireplace all decorated in my shop when my camera phone 

was wiped clean . . . but this may give you a little idea . . . 

. . . and another.

Many other projects to share . . . so I hope you come back soon!

Thank you so much!

I am linking up with these fabulous blogs :::                                  •  Miss Mustard Seed

•  Practically Functional                                                              •  Coastal Charm

•  Savvy Southern Style                                                              •  Home Stories from AtoZ

•  It's Overflowing                                                                      •  Sumo's Sweet Stuff    

•  Nifty Thrifty Things                                                                 •  The DIY Dreamer

•  Not Just a Housewife                                                             •  Ivy & Elephants

•  DIY by Design                                                                       •  Southern Lovely

•  Fine Craft Guild                                                                     •  Cedar Hill Ranch

•  Uncommon Slice of Suburia                                                   •  From My Front Porch to Yours  

•  Stone Gable                                                                           •  Fox Hollow Cottage - Power of Pins 

•  Imparting Grace                                                                     •  Feathered Nest Friday

•  The Thrifty Groove                                                                 •  Common Ground

•  Redoux Interiors                                                                     • The Charm of Home

•  Jennifer Rizzo                                                                         • Chic on a Shoestring

•  The Shabby Nest                                                                   • Fox Hollow Cottage

•  Too Much Time on My Hands                                               • Tater Tots & Jello    

•  Pieced Pastimes                                                                     • Finding Silver Pennies  

•  Three Mango Seeds                                                               • Between Naps on the Porch

•  If it's not Baroque Design                                                        • Shades of Amber

Simple Autumn Mantel

Changing out our mantel decor happens about as often as I clean out our vacuum cleaner container.

I like to keep my family guessing what I did on any given day.  

In fact, I opened up a booth recently at an 'Antique' Mall and immediately built and installed a mantel upon taking 'ownership'.  I will definitely share that soon -- as it was a really fun project to work on.

This year, our Fall / Halloween / Thanksgiving, and yes even Christmas decorating will be based on 

what we already own.  Which, admittedly, can be a bit tough for me -- so try to hold me to it okay?

This is our Faux Fall, Familiar Favorites Mantel.

I first added a thin burlap 'scarf' to the mantel for warmth.  It is just a burlap remnant from some leftover yardage.  It measures 7" x 114" (including the frayed gathered ends) -- took minutes to create and 

I use it throughout the year when I want to soften a combination of materials or add texture and warmth.

I topped the scarf with a framed ornate metal wall hanging that came with the burlap backing.

I bought it years ago at a local decorator's sample sale.  

It has a crack in the wood frame - that is hardly noticeable. 

Next I included a few sprigs of dancing orchids to one of my favorite glass & metal hurricanes.

Nestled in a ceramic cat figurine that was my Mother in law's and the Chalk Paint Planter I made-over 

a few month back -- it just added a burlap wrapped pot of preserved mustard seed yellow yarrow stems. 

 Candlelight is a must, and the glow comes from a ceramic luminary trio 

that also adds the perfect touch of color.

Finally a white ceramic pitcher filled with pheasant feathers helps to visually balance the right side with a tall, thin hurricane filled with small gourds, preserved leaves and a bit of reindeer moss.

Quick, simple and on on hand.  Let's see if my husband and son notice it ;)

Thanks so much for stopping by --

Hope you are having a fabulous time decorating for fall!

Linking Up With :::

•  Centsational Girl's Autumn Mantel Party
•  Common Ground Vintage Inspired Party
•  52 Mantels
•  Shabby Nest's Frugal Friday
•  Southern Lovely's Show & Share

2nd Floor Menswear: Cocktails Are Now Being Served

Give dad the gift of relaxation on Father's Day weekend, a chance to gather with some friends and family and while enjoying his favorite libations.  Set Dad up with a cocktail station even Don Draper would envy.  If you insist on giving Dad a tie this year -- present it in a new way :)

The Boilermaker

If whiskey & beer are on your hubby's most wanted list, treat them to a boilermaker set-up they can't resist!

Is it 5 o'clock somewhere?

a centerpiece worthy of your Dapper Dad!

Put your husband / father's tattered shirts & trousers to use.  My husband had a few shirts and a pair of trousers that even a tailor couldn't save, plus they were not fit to be donated.  So here is what I did . . . 

More ideas to come -- we don't leave anything to waste!

I cut off the collars, pockets, and sleeves -- and even repurposed the shirtail into a tablerunner (more on that later).

The collars of his shirts dressed up our hurricanes rather nicely.  The larger of the two hurricanes was too wide for the collar initially, so we gave it an 'after 5' {loose collar, loose tie} look that was fitting for the occasion.

After 5 o'clock, and it's time for Dad to loosen up!  Even the belt comes undone!!
Large Galveston Hurricane glass resting on Eclipse Reversible Riser

Leave a 'tail' of buttons for the 'after 5' look -- the button tail will be hidden by the tie.

What does Dad normally keep in his shirt pocket?

Using some small magnets . . . we attach a cut out shirt pocket to the beer bucket.

My hubby is always writing down his next great idea -- so a handy pen is essential!

I love the Willow House Entertaining Bucket with Tray -- it has been a multi-year best seller for a reason!  It's leak-proof, and comes complete with a drip tray to collect condensation before it makes a messy puddle.

Condensation?!  No Problem!

I raised the bucket up on a 2-tier plate stand, and used the bottom tier to house an Italian Stitch Salad Plate and monogram cocktail napkins (from Wisteria).  

Thumbs Up!

The Estate Vanity Tray, also works great to corral dispensers at a sink, or decanters, bottles & glassware. The shot glasses are vintage glasses from my parent's collection.  Denim koozies are from Frontgate.

Who's ready for a COLD ONE?

The tabletopper is a remnant of houndstooth fabric and the banner is from Hello Lucky!

I loved the retro look they created with their printable Father's Day cards & labels -- so I printed several cards per page and trimmed them out to create a banner -- attaching the cards to a piece of twine.

A FUN, Easy Father's Day Bar!

Moving the party indoors?  Check out . . . 

Wine & Cocktails:

For a more 'traditional' bar set up complete with wine and cocktails.  

Our butler's pantry is our bar area, mainly because our actually wet bar is direct in the line of traffic during much of our entertaining.  This pantry is more convenient. 

Liquor tucked away above -- still easy to reach and browse the selection :)

Don Draper can stop by anytime :)
The Abingdon Butler's Tray is gorgeous and makes a perfect wedding gift (have something special engraved on it)

More cocktail napkins from Wisteria -- this one is my hubby's favorite. Annabelle Napkin Holder shown.

Line a glass-topped tray with wine corks -- perfect for stashing bottles of your favorite vintage for a party.

Just a few fabulous Willow House Wine Accessories. 

The wine bottle 'sleeve' is made from the sleeve of the tattered shirt.  Make several to have on hand for gift giving -- so clever.  I followed the tutorial from Adventures in Dressmaking.

Create your own personalized wine charms for your next dinner party with alphabet beads -- so fun!

Don't forget to change up your mantel display for dad's special day . . .

Father's Day Mantel Display: 

Using the same Hello Lucky printables for a banner, dress up a mantel to include pictures of your cherubs or of your family's dads.  

We have a wrap-around fire-place in our den, so the mantel decorating also goes around the side.  All the more room to display my dear.

Who's that baby drinking whiskey?!

Paper airplanes were created out of old & yellowed pages from a paperback book.  A few unbound books were stacked to vary the heights of the framed photos.

A simple way to help celebrate Dad's important day.

I hope you enjoyed these Father's Day decorating ideas.  If your husband has a collection of LOUD ties that haven't seen a father's day in quite a few years, perhaps it is time to bring them out again.  Thanks so much for stopping in!

Psst.  Don't forget to check out my latest post -- Eight Great Ways to Set a Place for Dad!

Linking UP :::
•  Kammy's Korner Trash to Treasure Tuesdays
•  One Project at a Time at A Bowl Full of Lemons
•  Cowgirl Up at Cedar Hill Ranch
•  The DIY Dreamer's Dream to Reality
•  Not Just a Housewife's Show Me What Ya Got
•  The Winthrop Chronicles Share it Party
•  Tip Junkie's Tip Me Tuesday
•  What's in the Gunny Sack
•  Making the World Cuter Monday
•  Uncommon Designs' Uncommonly Yours Linky Party
•  Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways at Frugally Sustainable
•  Lady Behind the Curtain's Cast Party Wednesday
•  Sew Woodsy's Link Party
•  Show And Tell Wednesday at Snap!
•  Lil' Luna Link Party
•  Sew Much Ado's We Did It Wednesday
•  Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts
•  Create & Share at The Trendy Treehouse
•  52 Mantels Thursdays Are Your Days
•  Tablescape Thursdays at Between Naps on the Porch
•  The Vintage Farmhouse's Creative Things Thursday
•  Bloom Designs Link Party
•  Bear Rabbit Bear Crafts Things I've Done Thursday
•  It's a Party at Creative Princess
•  Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
•  Mom on Timeout's Timeout Thursday
•  Practically Functional's The FUN in the Functional Link Party
•  Hook'n Up with the House of Hepworths
•  Clean and Scentsible's Creative Spark
•  36th Avenue's Show Me Extraordinary
•  Christina's Adventures 20 Below Thursdays
•  Crafty Soiree at Yesterday on Tuesday
•  Gingersnap Crafts' Wow Me Wednesday
•  Beyond The Picket Fence's Under $100 Party
•  No Minimalist Here's Open House Party
•  Fireflies & Jellybeans' Show Us Your Stuff
•  These Peas Taste Funny Link it Up Party
•  DIY Frugal Ideas from The Frugal Girls
•  Brambleberry Cottage's Time Travel Thursday
•  A Glimpse Inside's Catch a Glimpse Party
•  Thrifty Thursday at Thrifty Decorating
•  413 Sparrow Lane's TaDa Tuesday
•  Saved by Love Creations' Thrifty Thursday
•  Off the Hook at Daisy Cottage Designs
•  Happy Hour Projects at Happy Hour Friday
•  Inspired by Charm's Completely Random Link Party
•  Home Stories AtoZ Summer Mantel Party

Moody Blues Gets Rubbed 'n Buffed

DISCLAIMER ::: this post has absolutely Nothing To Do with the English rock band, Moody Blues.  So, if you happened upon this site in search of your favorite rockers, I am sorry if I disappointed you -- but I hope you take a moment to take a peek at a few decorating ideas while you are here.

Today's story is about a heavy gal who gets a makeover.  Spoiler Alert . . . here she is . . .

About 8 or 9 years ago I ran across a heavy, dark piece of wall art that was in need of a home.  I paid $15 for it at the time and I thought I could give it a new life and perhaps a makeover.

Fast forward to May 2012 and I am cleaning out the garage and there 'she' sits, covered in dust and feeling more unloved than the day I found her at Goodwill.  I sigh, realizing this is just another project on the list that will be part of my epitaph "She had BIG PLANS".  I cannot promise that my 'habit' of bringing home strays has gotten any better . . . truth be told, it may be worse! 


I proceeded to dust her off, brought her inside, along with my easel and I set her up to see if I could help her.

She was dark, rather moody, and extremely H E A V Y.  Not sure what kind of pressed wood she is created from, but I fear that she has never been hung on the wall due to her weight.

At this point, I just wanted to lighten her color up a bit.  So I pulled out some Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue Chalk paint and gave her a few coats . . .

Annie's chalk paint adhered really well, I went back in and added more paint to all the little nooks & crannies of the 'carved'? 'pressed'? leaves and limbs of the tree -- not sure what kind of tree I was supposed to be looking at, but it didn't matter.

Once the Duck Egg chalk paint was dry, I gave the 'blue' portion a coat of clear wax.

I added a wee, tiny bit of yellow (Arles) and Blue (Aubusson) to a spoonful of clear wax in hopes of adding a bit of depth to the background.

I think it helped, though not completely sure it was necessary in the end :).

While that was drying, I decided to lighten the thick, black 'frame' with some Silver Leaf Rub 'n Buff that I applied with an old toothbrush.

That made a HUGE difference!

I let the whole thing dry overnight and re-accessed the beast girl the next day.

I really liked the metallic finish the Rub 'n Buff provided, so I proceeded to add more.  'Painting' the leaves, limbs and even touching the frame with a bit of gold leaf and amethyst.

Now that I had painted her over, I had flashbacks to Edward Scissorhands when he got an AVON makeover . . .

via

. . . and needless to say, I felt the need to add some depth.  So I gave her a light brown glaze -- again, getting in all the nooks and crannies.

Still not enough depth, so I reached for My FaVoRiTe Rubb 'n Buff . . . Spanish Copper!

Much Better . . .  let's just say, 'when it doubt . . . Rub 'n Buff her out'.

Now that Cinder{Moody}ella is all dressed up . . . she unfortunately has no place to go.  So I did what most of us would do in this situation . . . Put Her On the Mantel!

Here is what was on our Humblenest Living Room Mantel Before . . .

2 Sets of Trilogy Mirrors within a rustic (hobby lobby) open frame & burlap background.
Athena Crackle Vases (love those) on each side.

I took all that down . . . and gave her the spotlight for a while.  All that I have put her through, I think she deserves it.

The Athena Crackle Vases were a bit too color strong for her, so I placed them in a new spot nearby.   I pulled out my Santorini Urn which always seems to remind me of summer -- very beachy!  The turquoise ceramic finial to the far right is from Save on Crafts, a few years back.  I placed the finial on top of a decorative butterfly box from Michael's.

I cannot remember where I picked up this iron bird from, but I use her a lot . . .

. . . and the candleholder I scored from a Miss Mustard Seed Pick on Decor Steals recently (indeed a dangerous email to open on a daily basis!).

I think the Moody Girl is happy with the Blues, and though she may still be H E A V Y she definitely looks better being lighter!

Not sure if I'll keep her or not, but I had fun giving her a makeover just the same.  If Mr V can promise he can hang her above our bed without fear of her falling on us, then she will have a spot in our Master Bedroom Suite re-do. . . hopefully I will get that off my 'to do list' this year!

I'm Linking Up!

•  My entry into {nifty thrifty sunday} is sponsored by Appliances Online and their Fridges.

•  Homemaker on a Dime, Creative Blog Hop

•  DiY Project Parade at DiY Showoff
•  I Heart Naptime's Sundae Scoop
•  Stylish Once Again, ReStyled Sundays
•  Making the World Cuter Monday's
•  Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
•  Creative Me at the Southern Institute
•  Make the Scene Monday at Alderberry Hill
•  Meet me Monday at You are Talking Too Much
•  Show it Off at Get Out of My Head {Please}
•  Debbie Doo's Newbie Party
•  Our Delightful Home's Show Me What You Got Party
•  Southern Hospitality's Thrifty Treasures
•  Made By You Monday's at Skip to my Lou
•  Today's Creative Blog -- Make Something Creative
•  Ask Anna's Weekend Warrior Party
•  Kammy's Korner Trash to Treasure Tuesdays
•  Sugar Bee Crafts' Take a Look Tuesday
•  One Project at a Time at A Bowl Full of Lemons
•  Cowgirl Up at Cedar Hill Ranch
•  Creatively Living:  Tell it to Me Tuesdays
•  Shabby Creek Cottage's Transformation Thursday
•  Beneath my Heart's Best DIY Projects of May
•  Thrifty Decor Chick's Before & After Party
•  Home Stores AtoZ Summer Mantel Party
•  Shades of Amber Chalk Paint Party