The Fireplace Facelift

When we first moved into our house, almost 6 years ago, it didn't get much more basic than this. Builder's grade everything, beige carpet and walls everywhere...

The fireplace was not much to look at, not to mention too traditional for my taste.

A couple of years ago, Justin built what we jokingly call the "fireplace slipcover", meaning he built a box that went over the existing fireplace, just to make it look a little more modern. I wanted the fireplace to stay for resale value...I did a faux finish on it, but I still wanted to improve on the idea, and now lighten it up a lot. Now in my my proverbial 'dream house', I dream of a cut rock fireplace...but that is still a long way off.

I came up with a design that would add a little interest above the fireplace, and dress up the slipcover without too much $$$, we have a zero to nothing budget. :) Inexpensive 1X4's and trim, a gallon of primer and the cheapest white paint I could find.

We primed everything, but then I decided to add another layer to the front, so add a sheet of half inch MDF to the shopping list! Also, I didn't like how the hearth looked, so we used the rest of the sheet of MDF to clean up the look of the hearth.You can see it best in the after pictures below.

I like how it gave the face of the fireplace a little interest. I used some cove moulding to clean up the edge.

AFTER:

I love how the mirror looks, and I like the high contrast of the black on white

A simple and thrifty mantle display for the remainder of the Summer, everything is second-hand (and spray painted :), except for the shell ball and starfish. I am already contemplating the upcoming seasons, this should be fun!

I love the chandy reflecting back.
For very little money, we were able to give the fireplace a whole new look! It did take me a little over a week to finish, but I am so happy with the result! Clean and fresh and modern, just what I wanted!



Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you're inspired!







(In case you're wondering, I am still trying to decide whether I like my laurel wreaths above the windows black or white....:)











Sarah's Before and After Party

The Stool and the Pigeon Part II

If you are a regular reader, you know I just painted this stool, just a few days ago, Friday to be exact...

The Stool and the Pigeon Part I

You are probably wondering why I'm doing a seperate post, it is just a stool afterall, but because I'm some kind of camera junkie, I take pictures.of.every.single.thing.

....and I decided to do an addition to the stool

As you know, I started with a 3.00 Goodwill stool

Using left over wall paint, I gave it two good coats and distressed the edges with black paint (see part I)

and for a whole day, I was happy with the results

I thought it turned out terrific
But then I decided to take another look at that top...it needed sumpin'

Here's What I Did:
~I printed a "3" using the Engravers Font, sized at 450, on my word processor

~Using a blunt pencil, or an embossing tool, I traced the number on center of the stool

Sitting in the right light, it was very easy to fill the number in with black paint using a very small brush....

oh yeah, and a steady hand!

Ok, I think I'm happy...maybe!! :)

So, from this:


To this:

Thanks for stopping by to take another look!


I don't think there will be a Part III!


Linking to the following parties:












Rhoda

Thrifty Easter

I've been scheming . and planning. and preparing.

Easter comes sorta early this year and I wanted to get a head start on what I think might bring together a beautiful table. For starters, of course: linens.

I recently found a table runner and some coordinating napkins, thinking these are the ones!

I found these adorable rabbit place card holders at Hobby Lobby, further inspiring a Easter table, nothing says Spring like a bunny! With the addition of lavender, I was on the hunt for some plates that I could use to finalize the look.

I stopped by one of my regular stomping grounds (today, Sunday) because this thrift store has amazing deals on Sundays. 25 cents can go a long way on Sundays!

Wouldn't you know it...4 little plates in the most perfect shade of lavender immediately grabbed my attention and I couldn't believe my luck! It must be because it's so close to St. Patrick's Day. :)

(4 Lavender plates: $1.00, I told you Sundays were good!)

I also spied a hobnail goblet. With milk glass; it's a given that it automatically comes home with me. It's just how it is.

( Vase: .99 cents)

A silver tray looked appealing to me, not that I don't have silver trays, but this one had feet! It was pretty nasty, but I thought I'd splurge and bring her home with me.

(Tray: 4.00 Ouch!)

With a little silver cream and some elbow grease

She was shining!
She was sparkling!

She was fantastic!

Look how festive!





Hello Spring!
Don't worry, I'm going to show you how to make the crocheted baskets very soon!


I think I like it!


Sharing my Thrifty Love with Rhoda




and my Tray Transformed with Susan.






Thank you ladies for hosting!

And on a completely unrelated topic, don't you just love Rhoda's name? I always think about Rhoda Morgenstern! I remember watching Rhoda reruns....love that show!

Thanks for stopping by!