Monday, July 25, 2011

Mantel update

In an earlier post, I showed pictures of my bird themed summer mantel. I liked all of the items displayed, but it lacked something and I had to figure out what it needed.....I know....height! Mirror? Framed print? I know...old window frame!




 

David: What are you going to do with that frame?
Me: Paint it
David: What?! Do you know it's over 100 years old?
Me: OK-but it's been hiding in a closet for a few years now.
David: But the kids' pictures are in it
Me: They haven't looked like that since high school...when they were taken (And the toddler pictures...longer than that) I'm not getting rid of the pictures, I'm just repurposing the frame....you'll see.







I lightly sprayed the frame (after removing the glass panes) Heirloom White (my favorite color) I didn't worry about covering evenly or completely...I wanted the frame to look old and faded. It is over 100 years old after all.

First I centered it on the mantel but that didn't look right. Then David suggested I place it off-center.


Much better!
 Even David likes the new look. I removed some of the items to have a cleaner look. I'm sure I'll be tweaking it all summer!
xoxo
Joyce

18 comments:

KatyDidStitches said...

Hey! What are you doing up so late?

I love your mantel...so sweet and summery. I have an old window frame just like that. I use it as a background in the photos for the items in my Etsy shops. I was after a very specific "look," and that old frame fit the bill perfectly! Glad you found a good use for yours, as well.

Have a wonderful week...

Kathy

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

That looks nice! The window was a great idea. So glad you thought of it.

woodandfabric said...

Wow!! Your mantel looks Great with the frame. When I saw the frame in the first photo I thought it was much smaller, I was not sure! But it is a huge frame! Beautiful with the birds!
Have a great week!
Michelle *Ü*

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

It's perfect! Height without bulk. It goes so well with the other things up there. Do I spy one of ML's birds? (I have a few myself!!)

marie said...

The window frame is the perfect solution! I love the look on your mantel ~ the nests in the window were a nice touch.
Hmmm...Charlie sure does bear a strong resemblance to one of those photos!!

My Vintage Mending said...

Love it. All white and clean. Something about making things white then roughing them up a bit that makes them have history. I had to giggle..David sounds just like my husband. As if we are going to harm it by painting it? Smiles...Renee

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

It looks great!!! That is so cool that your hubby helps you...
Have a great week! Are you busy crafting???
Warmly,
deb

Suz said...

Oh, yes. That pulls it all together. I liked it in the center, too. It's nice having a hubby that had opinions about your decorating and art, isn't it?
I feel a little guilty because I haven't answered your lovely note. Just waiting for the right time. I am grateful...i hope you know that. Your words really sustain me.
Hugs,
Suz

Unknown said...

Yes the window frame is the perfect touch! Hope you are keeping cool over there! We finally got thunder showers last night-yipee!

Sandy xox

Unknown said...

Oh Joyce! I love how your husband had a hand in placing this window frame! I always say a good idea only becomes so after it becomes my husbands! It is so wonderful to "read" your cheery old self in your posts again. Continued health and happiness, Elizabeth

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Well, at least it gets seen and appreciated and it's not sitting in a closet. I love heirloom white too, I think it looks perfect!! Just what the mantel needed!

Carol

Nancy said...

Hi Joyce - I read your comment on Elizabeth's blog... did we all work in a bank in the 60s? I was a receptionist and that was way before computers. We had those machines with rows and rows of numbers!
I love your mantel and I'm so glad to see you busy crafting again. Are you feeling like a new person after your surgery? Hope all is well with you. xoxo Nancy

Mimi Sue said...

Much better is right! Looks great. Looks like you had a fabulous 4th of July too. Those grandboys are almost as cute as mine. Mimi

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

What a fantastic POP! I love what you did with the frame, Joyce. Way to be creative! : )
Have a good weekend.
xo,
Mary Lou

NanE said...

Hi Joyce, I love what you've done to the mantle and especially the frame, GENIUS!
LOL, do I do PINTEREST? THAT is what has been occupying my time lately!!!! Oh my gosh, I get on there and loose myself. I even found this little tag the other day that said: "Hi, my name is ______ and it has been _________ since my last pin." I almost wet my pants because I thought, yes, this has become too addicting for me. I have neglected my blog and my bloggy friends. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend, xxoo Nan

Sugar Lump Studios said...

what a gorgeous mantle and vignette! I love what you created here! Hope you have a wonderful Sunday! :)

farmhouse-story said...

beautiful update, joy! its funny how men cringe at painting wood:) love all of the white!

Heidi said...

Perfect! Sometimes I leave things the same when they need some white paint!!! LOL Your mantel is wonderful---lucky you to have one! (we have a wood stove and so NO mantel---Santa is still working that out!) Hugs, Heidi

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