Saturday, September 13, 2008

The finished mantle!



As you can see from the sheen of the red paint, I have decided not to paint again (for now). Suellen was right, now I can't just paint a flat over the semi-gloss (again, WHAT was I thinking?) I got these new picture frames at Walmart - they are a Southern Living line. The easels that they are propped on were from Walmart, too; also a Southern Living design. They were only $5.00 each! I am finally happy with the design - and it will stay that way until Christmas!



If you missed it above, I made a crafty wheat project off an idea that I borrowed from Nicole. I bought some sheaves of wheat from Dollar Tree, hot glued them around some vegetable cans (corn and potatoes - in keeping with a fall theme), wrapped them with a coordinating fabric and tied a simple orange ribbon. I really like the way they stand out against the red.



This was a labor of love - that took me about 2 hours this afternoon. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with the wall space between the upper and lower cabinet. At Grace's suggestion, I made a fabric board. Actually, I purchased some coordinating fabric for the kitchen. I attached some batting to the sheet rock using a heavy duty stapler (used for upholstery). I then covered the batting with the fabric, stapling around the perimeter. Using a thin ribbon, I criss-crossed a pattern on the fabric. Then I nailed upholstery tacks at the intersections. I finished by trimming the entire fabric with a thicker matching ribbon.



Here's a picture of how it turned out finished. We are going to be repainting the kitchen (eventually) so that everything won't just run all together.
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7 comments:

Nancy Hood said...

wow, I love all of it! can I ask why you have the black candlesticks, though? would you like the mantle as well without them? Seeing in person is much better than pics, so that's why I'm asking. The memo board looks great, Kristi!
Oh, did you find the ribbon at the place down the road?

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you put pictures on your mantle - it looks great! You did a great job. I have to put my favorite pics on our mantle and every where else in the house. I also love the light fixture above your table.

Me on Metatrophin said...

This ALL looks wonderful!! I am green with envy! :) You have put sooooo much into your house, and it really looks great. The house we are renting is new and beautiful and all, but I can't wait to get my own house and start decorating again, but right now, I'm too tired and too pregnant! HA! Hey--How many hours do you work at the clinic per week? Where do you find the time to do soooo much??

jennwa said...

The mantle looks great.
I love the wheat in a can idea. I may have to do that.
I also love fabric boards, I have made them in my kids rooms so they can hang their favorite pictures, post cards and art work.
Everything looks really wonderful. You just reminded me I have some projects in my house I need to get to. I hope you had a great weekend.

Leah said...

Very pretty!! YAY you!

Nancy Hood said...

hey, have we decided on a place to eat yet? Leah Graham came by the shoppe and said Eastdale Grill is a really neat place ~ and it's a place I haven't tried yet :) what's the count now of those coming?

Lerra said...

Cute idea with the memo board! It's perfect for that space. :-)