11/15/2009

Met Monday & A Faux Fireplace Update...Part III

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It's Metamorphosis Monday!
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Hello my friends...I'm so happy to have you stop in for a visit today! I
 hope that you're having a marvelous Monday!
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Today I have another update on my faux fireplace project! I really appreciate
 Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting Met Monday and giving
 us the opportunity to share our latest and greatest projects!
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Please go by and pay Susan a visit and while you're there you can check out
 all of the other fabulous Met Monday participants!!!*
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Part III...A Faux Fireplace Update
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The faux fireplace saga continues! Hehe! Many of you have been following
 the progress of my faux fireplace project...so I will try and not reiterate too much!
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To see Part I...just click HERE.
To see Part II...just click HERE
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My Inspiration Fireplace
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*This is my "inspiration fireplace"!
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 I fell in love with this fireplace the minute I saw it! And...it's not just the
 fireplace...but it's also the warm, rich ambiance of this room that I love!
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*Soooo...when I found a fireplace mantel that I thought would be very similar
 and would work in my living room...the project began!
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The Living Room "Before"
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*My living room is a very long and narrow room. The wall that you see
 featured in the photo above is a wall that juts out into the center of the room. I
 have always struggled with this wall...what to do with it...until a couple of years ago
 when I decided to just go ahead and make it a "focal" point. We added panel
 moulding to this wall and I really was quite pleased with it!
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Then....when I found my "dream" mantel...I decided that this would be the
 perfect wall for my faux fireplace! It already looks like a fireplace should be here
 simply because this 10 ft. wall juts out about 2 1/2 ft. into the center of the room.
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 It's perfect!
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The Faux Fireplace Project Begins
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Step I...Taking the Moulding Down
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The first step was to take the panel moulding off the wall.
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 Yes...I agonized a bit over this decision...I really, really did like my
 panel moulding! It just didn't work with the fireplace mantel though...besides
 the fact that it wouldn't allow the mantel to sit flush against the wall...it also really
 looked "busy" to me!*I must admit though...after taking the moulding off
 of the wall...I wondered if I had done the right thing...it looked pretty
 "rough" at this stage!
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Step II...Patching & Repainting the Wall
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The first thing I did after removing the moulding was to patch that wall and
 repaint! After doing that, it was a bit easier to picture the "finished" project!
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A "Real" Faux Fireplace
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*From the beginning of this project, I had established that I wanted my new
 faux fireplace to look as "real" as possible! Actually, I could have just placed
 the fireplace mantel right against the wall and on top of the carpet. But...I
 wanted more! I wanted my fireplace to look real!!!
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Step III...The Hearth
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Now it was time to concentrate on making this beauty "real"!
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I really didn't want my new mantel to just sit on the carpet so my honey
 built a hearth for the mantel. He used 3/4" MDF and built a box with a ledge
 on top...painted it black...and VOILA! I now have a fireplace hearth!
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After setting the mantel up on the hearth...in place...I decided to paint the
 wall behind the mantel black...to look like the firebox. So what do you think? Is
 it looking more "real"? I think that my faux fireplace project really started to
 come together at this point! I was very pleased with what we had done
 so far...but...it was still lacking!
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Step IV...A New Tile Surround
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I did say that I wanted this faux fireplace to look "real"! Hehe! Well...the
 fireplace needed a tile surround so honey came to my rescue once again! He's the
 bestest honey ever!!! Thank you, Russell!!!
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We had some left over tile from our bathroom floor project from a couple
 of summers ago...just enough to use for a tile surround for the fireplace! Honey
 just took 1/2" plywood and cut it to the shape of the fireplace opening...and then
 added the tile to the plywood. Ooops...I almost forgot to tell you...the tile was white
 with a gray marbling, so I had him spray the tile with a flat black spary paint. I really
 wanted to do a faux finish on the tile and decided to use a gold metallic paint. The
 photo above shows the tile surround...ready for my faux finish! Yep...it's right
 on my kitchen bar...it's where I do my best work! wink!
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*Faux Fireplace Complete!
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Taaadaaa!!! Here it is...in all its glory! My completed fireplace!
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Ohhh...and here is my latest treasure find...new chairs!
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 I found two of these pretty chairs on Craigslist...they are perfect for
 this area in the living room. Before, I had a matching love seat and sofa here.
 I was never really happy with the arrangement because the furniture was just too
 big for this narrow space! Sooo...out went the sofa...we took it to the upstairs guest
 room. Now I just have the loveseat and these two pretty chairs...they fit perfectly
 and now this end of my living room looks larger and more balanced!
 I'm very pleased!!!
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A frontal view of the fireplace with its new tile surround!
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Now you can see the faux finish that I did on the black tile...using the
 gold metallic paint. The metallic is really picking up the light from the photo in
 this shot...it's really not quite this shiny. In fact, the photo below better
 represents the true color, etc.
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I do really like how the metallic picks up the light though...
it's really pretty!
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See how the metallics are picking up the color from the
 carpet...a beautiful effect!
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A close-up of my new chairs! I am thinking about refinishing
 these little beauties though! Hmmm...another project for another day!
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Well my friends...my faux fireplace project is finished and I'm very pleased!
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Now I'm ready for the fun part...decorating that fabulous mantel!
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Stay tuned...maybe there will be another Met Monday post in the making!
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Thank you so much for coming by today and taking a peek at my finished
 project! Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here.
I would love to visit with you!
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Love ya'll
Chari
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77 comments:

Its So Very Cheri said...

Chari

The faux finish is fabulous. Now you just need Honey to cut a hole in the wall and get some faux burning logs. hee hee

Cheri

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Wow!! The fireplace looks great on that wall. Now, what prettiness is going in it?
Susan

Jeanette said...

That is just beautiful. I know you are going to enjoy decorating the space!
Jeanette

Lori E said...

Oh my gosh you have done a fabulous job. OH MY GOSH!!! I mean it.
Your tiles are a work of art.
You must be so proud of yourselves.

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

I love the wall with your faux fireplace. The mantel is beautiful. All you need is a fireplace screen.

Unknown said...

Your fireplace looks beautiful. Great job on the tile work. Can't wait to see it decorated. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy

Lori said...

I love it Cheri!!! What a wonderful job you did....

Anonymous said...

Hi Cheri, Oh, I love how it reflects your carpet. Its just beautiful. The work you've done looks absolutely professional!

Anonymous said...

You have really created a focal point, a beautiful project which just keeps getting better and better. You've replicated everything so perfectly. I am waiting to see how you're going to make fake fire!

Sarah said...

What a fabulous new accent for your living room. It's been fun to follow along with the process of this project. It looks like it was made for this space. ~ Sarah

susan said...

Chari_ I can feel the heat! It looks fabulous and your ( and hubby's) extra touches are what makes the difference. I love the gold paint! Can't wait to see what you put on the mantel and the chairs when you redo them. I love that style chair! Great great job!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Chari, it is just fabulous. I love how it turned out. I can hardly wait to see what wonderful things you do on the mantel. It is just soooooooooo beautiful. Hugs, Marty

Kathysue said...

Hi Chari, this realllly turned out beautifully. I love the finish you put on it,great job! kathysue

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh Chari,
That is just so beautiful! I love the faux finish on the tiles, you did it to perfection! With that gold sparkle to it I can just see how awesome it will be this Christmas! You and hubby both did a fabulous job, you took a pretty fireplace mantle and made it even prettier! Fabulous! I hope you had a great week-end too! Hugs, Cindy

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Looks great! I am looking forward to see how you decorate it - thanks for sharing.
Have a great week.

Gypsy Heart said...

It's beautiful! I can't wait to see what you do for Christmas decor with it.

Karen The Graphics Fairy said...

Really beautiful fireplace mantel! What a great focal point for your lovely room!

Maureen said...

That really is awesome. Worth the wait.

Norma Lee @ Norma Lee Good said...

YOu did a great job! I love the look. I'm glad to find you!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

OMG Girl this really did turn out just beautiful and I love that you shopped your house for the tile and just spray paint it and wow !! what a instant impact that gold made in it....I just think this is awesome my friend...Now I just know your already working on the pictures and mantle you don't fool me in the least girl ha ha!!Thanks girl for sharing this wonderful....Hope all is well on my side of the mountain my friend....Hugs and smiles. Love ya sis...Gl♥ria

Anonymous said...

Woo Hooness, Chari! Your fireplace turned out more than beautiful. Aren't you just the smartest one adding the tiles. That just makes it. Oh, I'm proud for you - it's beautiful.
Be a sweete,
Shelia ;)

sarah { abeachcottage } said...

oooh it looks great! have fun decorating it, I am after a fireplace this has given me ideas, thanks

great post!

Sarah

xinex said...

Looks great and looking real, Chari. I can't wait to see how you are going to decorate the top....cj

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

I just love the final fireplace makeover - it's a beauty! And that chair - I love it just as it is! You really made a beautiful and inviting grouping there! Linda

Anonymous said...

The surround turned out fabulous Chari!! Painting the tile was a great idea and I love the faux marble treatment! I never thought about painting tile and we were just at Habitat restore and they had tons- gotta remember to pick some up the next time we are there!!

I bet you already have this all dressed up in Christmas glamour and can't wait to see it!

How much snow did you get today? We were supposed to get between 7-12 inches but it maybe snowed 3 inches is all which is just fine with me!

It is our anniversary today but didn't really do anything special as we were getting ready for the fellowship that started a few weeks ago and I have really be too tired to celebrate much. Asked if we could wait till I am a little bit more peppy!

blessings
mary

Lenore said...

Your fireplace is looking fabulous, Chari, and the faux finish on the tiles is absolutely perfect....great job!

Phyllis @Around the House said...

well it looks just so wonderful, what a great job you have done, it is so pretty, I am glad you got a good size and not one of those little things that sit in a corner, yours is fab....

marieDee said...

It's a beautiful fireplace...can't wait to see your Christmas decorations on the mantle!

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

Hi Chari!

Woohoo! It's done and it looks FABULOUS!! You and the Hubs did such a great job. It is so pretty. I bet you have visions of beautiful Christms Decorations dancing in your head!!!!

And as other inquiring minds want to know, what are your ideas about the center?

I really am so happy for you!

Have a wonderful day!

Oh, if ya get a chance, stop by and enter my giveaway!

Hugs,
Diann :)

Theresa said...

Chari, It is lookin' good! I can't believe you have got me looking at these. The only place I can put one is in my bedroom and it just might be happening:) My family room has a real one. You have really done good with the tile with hubby's help:) Hey, I don't know if you saw my post about my chargers... but I GOT 'EM!
Thanks for your help and have a blessed day!

Marianne said...

I would love to have a fireplace in my house too, but we do not have chimney that could be used. Now only if I could convince My Love that a faux fireplace would work too! Love this project, you did a wonderful job. Have fun decorating it.

Cecelia---Sis---Mom said...

Can I just say, that is absolutely stunning. I love it.

Cece

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Very nice. The fireplace has great detail and will so fun for you to decorate. Just in time for stockings for Christmas!

Arts and Herbs said...

Wow, this is marvelous, you could fool me with it, it doesn't look 'faux' at all ! I love the chairs too.

★Carol★ said...

The fireplace looks absolutely real, and those tiles were the perfect addition. They're gorgeous! You're definitely an inspiration for my husband and I, for when we finally tackle one. Can't wait!

Beeutiful by Design said...

I love the fireplace! You've given me a great idea to transform my old 1960's fireplace surround by painting the tile and faux finishing it gold. It looks beeutiful!

Janean said...

it looks absolutely beautiful! it was worth the extra effort you took.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Good Morning Dearie,
Your idea for the scrapbook art hangings is wonderful! I went back and checked out your Master, how gorgeous! Are you just itching to decorate that gorgeous mantle for Christmas! I am thinking of starting today (outside) it's sunny and cool but lovely! I could at least start stringing some lights! Dan thinks I'm, a little nutty but it takes so long to get it where I want! HAGD, HUGS, Cindy

Heather Henderson said...

great transformation! Have fun doing it up for christmas!!

Julie said...

This....Is....Totally....AWESOME!!
Love seeing the changes and stages.
Thanks so much for sharing! I want to add a mantle (faux) to my dining room one day. I will remember this post!

Anonymous said...

Hello sweet Chari!

This turned out just lovely! And you got it done just in time for the Holidays - perfect! :)

Have yourself a very happy week - it's time here in Colorado to enjoy the great indoors!

Zuzu

Anna S. said...

Chari Hallo!
Oh thanks. I did not expect a letter in August. Very pleased. As a preview you there across the ocean. Beautiful house. It is to look at. Permit me, I will do with it hahaha! I do not know English simply do not know if I translated understand. I greet the Polish Anna

Allison Shops said...

Great job! I love what you did to the tiles. Very creative.

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

I have been following the progression. Chari...bravo!! Great job...it came out fabulous! Your tile turned out perfect! Can't wait to see how you decorate for the holidays! Hugs!

Wanda Lee said...

DEAREST MON CHERI;

I came with eager anticipation to see what you've created for "Met., Monday"..,

"oh my",~ I exclaimed aloud!~ "I knew she'd do something amazing and she did!".., I can't wait to see what you'll do next as the fireplace vignette unfolds and "layers", as you are freshly inspired each day!~ (Although I must say if thi is all you do it's fab)!~ I can hardly wait to see what you'll dress it with for Christmas, as well!

Thank you for your kind comments on my blogs, dearest Chari!.., It's always such a delight when you drop by!..,

I must admitt things hve been a "whirl wind" around here; sorry it took so long to get back to you my dear lady!

I have a precious and dear friend visiting for several and I'm also off to take my mom's cat to the vet this evening for the second time in three days!

After many tears and prayers; (my nmom adores her pet), and after dad died suddenly, she fills such a void for mama!..,

Kindly pray that her seven year old kitty wiil live!

Thanks for the lovely comments on my closet and Christmas decor!..,

TUESDAY TEA FOR TWO, will go, on even if in abbreviated form.., As always, you are warmly invited to partake.

~ I chuckled when I read that you don't even own a teapot!.., We've got to remedy that my dear!~

Cheers from Silken Purse

podso said...

wow, it is so beautfiul. Great job there. I love the effect on the tiles. You will have fun decorating this for the different seasons!

Unknown said...

What a fabulous job you did, Chari! I love that beautiful mantel your found! And the surround looks amazing! Your craigslist chairs are fabulous! Great finds, excellent makeovers! Bravo!

Cheers!

Tina

Bab's Kitchen said...

Wow! Very elegant.

KimMalk said...

@Cheap Chic Home. The tile makes a big difference, nice job.

The Stylish House said...

Chari,
Wow, Wow, Wow! This is one of the best faux fireplaces I have ever seen! If you don’t mind I want to save it to my idea file for future reference. This is perfect for your space, and I love that shade of green wall color too! I really like your choice of using the metallic finish; it’s a very rich effect.
Just a thought, but if you found a decorate screen to place in front of the opening where the fire normally would go, it would camouflage that it’s not a working fireplace, but still allow the design to show through.
Also I’m going to write you on the last email you sent so please check it when you get the chance.
Hugs, Cathy

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Chari, that looks great! Yep! I think it looks like a real fireplace, and I can't wait to see that mantle decorated. Your new frenchy chairs are so pretty!
What a find! laurie

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Oh Chari, your fireplace is "gorgeous" girl! Absolutely gorgeous. What an outstanding job Russell id. You are so fortunate to have him to help you so willingly with all of your projects. To make all your dreams come true.
I wanted to let you know yes I would definetly start with Mary Carol's latest book first. It is truly the best she's done. I'm still trying to locate the 2 you gave away..no such luck..boo hoo!! I hope all is well your way. We're getting a wintery mix tonight. Won't be fun to drive in tomorrow that's for sure.. Stayed tuned I'm hoping to post pics of the inside of the shops festivities this past w/k. Thank you for always swinging in and lending your support.. it means the world. I know I'm so slow in getting around. With Mr. P and 3 jobs I'm meeting myself coming and going... many many hugs sent your way... hugs ~lynne~

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

One word...gorgeous. A great idea and you exectued it beautifully.

Rhonda said...

Hi Chari,

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I just love this faux fireplace! The surround is gorgeous, and it really changes your room. Beautiful!

Karli @ RockyBella said...

WOW, you sure did a lot of work on this one. It looks totally real. People will definitely need to do a double take on this. Thanks for stoppin by!

Thrift Shop Romantic said...

Ah, yes! It fills the ol' heart to see someone else completing a faux fireplace with the intent for it to look real! And I know what you mean about the hesitation to remove the existing molding-- I had the same issue and ended up making the same decision. It all works out in the end, of course.

I love the rich wood you chose-- And it's a beautiful room.

Thanks so much for stopping by earlier and the chat about fireplaces! I'm glad I'm not the only undertaking this sort of project! :)

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Oh my gosh....I am gobsmacked!!! It looks amazing,you must be just thrilled,what fun it will be to decorate all year!! Great job,WOW!!!!0x0x0x0x

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hey Chari,
Just stopping over to say hi and hoping your week is going well! Have you got snow yet or on the ground I should say? We have been very warm, 51 today and I am loving it. Funny though, I still want a white Christmas. Talk to you soon and don't work too hard! Hugs, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Chari congratulations on winning that fabulous beverage apothecary jar from Sara!!! How fun is that going to be to use!! Now you will just have to have a party to celebrate your fireplace and use this sweetie and invite all your Co blogging friends!!!

I can imagine you in your pretty room tonight just admiring your gorgeous fireplace! Sleep well friend!

blessings
mary

Cass @ That Old House said...

It's beautiful, Chari! the fireplace turned out amazingly well -- and I love the finishing touch of the tile surround. Nice faux finish! So, you do your best work at a bar, eh? (wink)

Love those chairs, too. And I think the wood frames have a beautiful patina; it takes years for a chair to develop that look. If they were mine, I might someday change the fabric, but I'd leave that lovely old wood alone!

Happy thanksgiving!
Cass

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

It's looking fabulous!!! I love the tile surround with your finish.

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

Stunning! I love, love, love it.

Designs on 47th Street said...

WOW....WOW!!! You think I'M talented????? I could never do all the great projects you do. I would never have attempted this project and look how beautiful it turned out. Oh my, I'm in love with your new fireplace. Oh, I can't wait to see how you decorate the mantel. Your inspirational picture is exactly the style I love. It is very inspirational!!
Thanks so very much sweetie for all your kind words about my arrangements. You are such a nice person....truly you are!

Donna

Barb said...

Hi Chari, wow, wow, your fireplace wonderful wonderful! What a great job you did. The entire room is totally gorgeous!

Thank you so much for displaying my giveaway button and entering. You are soooo sweet and I appreciate it and you!

Hugs, Barb ♥

julie said...

This is wonderful. You did a beautiful job. Love the faux finish on the tiles...julie

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Chari~ I was busting at the seams...when you came by before I had posted the winners, I already knew then you had won, but had to wait till I put the winning post together before I could announce your name. "Congratulations to you sweetie!!!" I just love having giveaways (as you can see by two winners).

No worries about emailing me, I can never use that form of email either. So, I just copy and paste the address(of the person I'm trying to contact) into my (regular)Yahoo mail. You shouldn't have any problems.

I will be by again...


Sweet wishes,
Sara

Lara Harris said...

Just beautiful!Bravo!

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

How lovely. It looks very real. Your best decision was making a base for it to sit on ... I've seen mantels sitting on carpet ... not exactly real!!!

The Old Parsonage said...

Ahhh it's perfect! I absolutely love it, your are a treasure! I would never attempt something like this and you made it a reality.

Amazing and beautiful!
Leann

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Stunning! Love the chairs too!! I love Craig's List!!!

santamaker said...

Oooooooooooooh...that is BEAUTIFUL!!! What a gorgeous mantle and love that you created a hearth and tile surround...just perfect girl! Just in time for the holidays!

Wanda Lee said...

Dearest cheri, Hope you are well my dear! I missed your Tablescape Thursday post today..,

I did leave a comment earlier my dear, so I'll make this comment post "short and sweet";( wonders never cease!..,or maybe I should say instead;"shorter")!..,He he..,

You had so kindly requested Cheri, that I share with you some artwork of mine, awhile back, so as per your request and encouragemant, I have finally posted some of my collections on the Plumed Pen blog today..,Enjoy!

Hope you can come on by, dear lady, to enjoy a peek!

~ Many thanks for your prayers as well Cheri; it is much appreciated and helps marvelously!~ I am so thankful to the Lord for beginning to answer those prayers!..,


Cheers, hugs and love from your friend..,

Silken Purse@ The Plumed Pen blog

P.S.~ I can literally hardly wait Cheri, really and truly, to see what you'll do and create next! (To me and countless others I see); it's ever soooo exciting!~

We absolutely love you!

Jennifer@Pieces of Me said...

GORGEOUS Mantel, and Fabulous Idea!!! Where did you pick up that mantel, Im sure I could find several homes for it in my home!

Thanks for sharing!

Nancy said...

Excellent. How wonderful to have a partner to work this out with, too.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Wow, Chari, what a beautiful job! I love it! Very cozy. Love the red chair too.

Blessings,
Sandi

Anonymous said...

Hi Chari!
I bet you were in a mad rush to get the mantel done before Christmas huh? hehehe I can just see you scurring around the house.....now the fun part decorating it!!! You know I saw the prettiest brass fan fireplace screen at Hobby Lobby a few months ago....hummm...you might want to check that out girl. I can't wait until the finished pictures are done!!!!!
Love you girl!
Laura .....sorry I keep forgetting my password for google. ha

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