Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Fireplace Mantel

I'm back. The art show was a big success - we had a big turnout and everyone loved the artwork. It was lots of work but rewarding. I'm really thankful we could showcase all the incredible talent in my art class and give a big shoutout to our instructor, John and his art school. He is the best!
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Back at the farm, I had one of those light bulb moments...

You know, the kind that goes off and you're like, "Now why didn't I think if that before?" kind of moment.

My fireplace has been a challenge for me since day one...too much brick and a shelf set too high. I'm stuck with it for now so I've been trying to make the best of it. (I do have some ideas on how to tone it down but it's a work in progress).

How the mantel looked when we first bought our farm
Since that photo was taken, I did paint the trim white which is a big improvement.

I was reading about Suzan's Faux Fireplace, loving her vignette on top of it, when it hit - and no, it doesn't have to do with building a surround although that is on my list! I've wanted something unique to place on the shelf but finding something has been a challenge - it would have to be long and narrow.

That's when I remembered the stained glass window I found at a garage sale...


 It's been propped against the bedroom wall while I tried to figure out what to do with it...

I wonder...would it work?

Bingo!

Add some twinkle lights behind it and there you have it! A unique, one of a kind fireplace look.


Add a cozy fire and it's a winner!


It's getting there one small step at a time. Hm, maybe I should paint the shelf?


19 comments:

  1. I love it Cecelia...unique and cozy! Jane

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    1. Thanks, Jane. I don't know if I'll ever be happy with this but for now it works and gives me a place to display my window. :-)

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  2. Brilliant idea Cecilia and I love the warmth of the fireplace (above and below).

    Congratulations on a successful show!

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    1. Thanks, Jeanna! The show was so much fun. I forgot my camera and to tell my husband to take pictures. Oh well. Just picture lots of people mingling and looking at fantastic art. :D.
      I do like my window on the mantel. The photos really don't do it justice.

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  3. Hi Cecilia ! Gee, did I miss a blog entry ? I didn't know you were having an art show! Congrats on the success! I think the stained glass helps to balance the proportions on the wall.

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    1. Hi Patty!
      I mentioned it in the post before Christmas. I was in charge and it was fun!
      I think the stained glass does too! Hope you're doing well. :)

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  4. Congratulations on a successful art show, but I'm not at all surprised!

    Your lightbulb moment paid off big time. The stained glass looks great!

    xxx

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    1. Thanks Doreen, for your sweet comments. Hope you are doing well.
      hugs,
      me

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  5. It looks just great, Cecilia. You've come a long way there. I love the old leaded window with the lights around it. xo Diana

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    1. Aw, you are so kind, Diana! But it has come a long way, hasn't it?
      Hope you are well!
      hugs,
      Cecilia

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  6. Glad to hear the art show was a success! Love the stained glass on the mantel and the lights are the perfect finishing touch! It really brightens the space up! Hope you have a great rest of the week!

    Blessings, Vicky

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    1. Thank you, Vicky! I'm trying to get back into the groove after the Holidays - off with a bang. Lol.

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  7. Oh I love it!!!!!! So beautiful.

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  8. Adding the glass window made a huge difference. I recently painted my mantel white and it's against brick similar to yours. It really makes it pop. I don't think your brown looks bad though... mine was orange. You're definitely going in the right direction.

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    1. I can't decide whether or not to paint it...I don't like where it is plus it just feels too small....I keep thinking if I paint it , it will just look more out of place. Do you have pictures of yours? I'd like to see what it looks like. :) thanks Sherry!

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  9. Glad the show went well!..and the mantel is gorgeous...I love how you placed the lights behind the stained glass!....Laura from Top This Top That painted her mantel and it looks wonderful....

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    1. I think I might paint it. Unless I can get Bruce to go ahead and build me a surround. He says it wouldn't be too hard. Hm, maybe if I drew him up a plan? :)

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  10. That window looks so beautiful on the mantle. The lights were such a great idea. Love it!

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