I'm showing some photos from our Madhatter library today.
This started out as an ordinary plain oak mantle of an electric fireplace from a big box hardware store that I purchased awhile back. I would of loved to have found an old one, but indoor fireplaces are not commonplace in the desert, so neither are mantles, nor that style anyway.
This started out as an ordinary plain oak mantle of an electric fireplace from a big box hardware store that I purchased awhile back. I would of loved to have found an old one, but indoor fireplaces are not commonplace in the desert, so neither are mantles, nor that style anyway.
But I've painted our ordinary oak mantle in color layers of Annie Sloan chalkpaint, distressed, and waxed.
I'm not finished, but I've also added some embellishments such as the center medallion.
The still life display changes almost daily on a whim.
The doge cat we bought in Venice, and we are unsure of the artist.
The other is a recognizable reprint that we purchased in the Borghese in Rome. It is attributed to Leonardo, but perhaps painted by his student. It's of Leda and Jupiter (the swan).
If you can't find it, create it.
xoxo
Su
Sharing with:
French Country Cottage
Shabby Art Boutique
I love the color of your mantelpiece and how you have decorated it! So many thoughtful details to make it look magnificent!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maya. Have a wonderful week. xoxo Su
DeleteHi dear friend ,, qué bonito el color de esa cómoda ,, me encanta ese rincón ,, un gran acierto
ReplyDeleteGracias, Angelica. xoxo Su
DeleteThe blue is so pretty and such a rich color!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, DD. Have a wonderful week. xoxo Su
DeleteOh, I adore that beautiful blue mantle!!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful color!
Thank you, Susanna. I love cornflower blues and turquoise, and certain greens. xoox Su
DeleteWhat a lovely result - such a stunning color! You would never know it was not vintage! xx K
ReplyDeleteThank you, K. It really is a beautiful color. xoxo Su
DeleteSu - love the mantle! Gorgeous color. Looks vintage to me!
ReplyDeleteJudy
Thank you, Judy. Have a wonderful week. xoox Su
DeleteThis is so beautiful and impressive, such a lovely colour and detailing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Imogen. Have a lovely week. xoxo Su
DeleteMy husband is leaning over my shoulder to see your mantel. It caught his eye as he walked by and I sat staring at the pictures. I said: "You know what I'm going to be doing tomorrow?" He sighed, "Yep, you're probably going to be changing stuff on the mantel." He's right. I can't paint it but surely I can make it more interesting than it is, with yours for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteIt is so pretty, Su!
Thank you so much, Dewena. That's so cute. xoxo Su
DeleteThe mantel looks lovely as do your vignettes.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. Have a lovely week. xoxo Su
DeleteI love the colour of the mantle and how you decorated it. Great job! Your vignettes are very adorable
ReplyDeleteHugs
Alessandra
Thank you, Alessandra. Have a wonderful week. xoxo Su
DeleteHow creative of you to take a standard mantel and wield your artistic magic! It's looking fantastic! And I love the stories behind the art pieces :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Julie. It was a fun project. Have a wonderful week. xoox Su
DeleteLove that blue works so well in your decor, the mantle fire place surround is no exception. It really has an older feel to it now that you have painted it, and as for it being one of the electric heating fireplaces you wouldn't know it. The vignette you created has a rich art feel and very European.
ReplyDeleteNext we have to see a wider view of the room and its library beauty.
For years and years I have wanted a great fire surround to do something like what you have created here yet hard to find them, and when you do it has a really whopping price tag here in Southern Ca.
Now I will just keep my eyes open for an old electric one like you have done.
See you soon
Xx
Dore
Thank you, Dore. I lived in California for 18 years of my life, and it seems everything costs a fortune. We were going for that look. My daughter and I love rooms with painted builtins, ones with rich worn colors like grays, greens, and blues. We thought we would do this in the library, because this is where we have made built-ins from my spouse cutting down an old entertainment unit for me some years back and then rearranging it for me and adding finishing pieces. Still need to fix the crown molding on it. xoxo Su
DeleteVery pretty. I don't have a fireplace so I am always coveting those beautiful mantles. Such an unusual color, so many painted mantles are black or white. Very artistic.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorri. It was a fun thing to do, and we are enjoying the result. Have a wonderful week. xoox Su
DeleteVery little chance of finding a beautiful mantle here in the desert southwest, but you have created a gorgeous piece. Mantle's are so much fun to change up on a regular basis! Love the coloring your chose. Blessings, Cindy xo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Cindy. I hope your week is a good one. xoxo Su
DeleteThe color is just perfect--somewhat french blue with a edge of nightfall. Looks terrific. Love that kitty guy!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I agree. He or she is too cute. xoxo Su
DeleteThe color is very nice. Love that dragon!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rose. My daughter has a collection of them. They are all together, except for this one. :) xoxo Su
DeleteNice job on the mantle, Su. Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy. Have a wonderful weekend. xoxo Su
DeleteEverything you create turns out magical.
ReplyDeleteLOVE it!
Thank you so much, Cindi. Have a wonderful weekend. xoxo Su
DeleteThe mantle looks great! I love the colours you chose. I'd love to paint mine, but I'm not sure wha I want. Yours is truly an inspiration, as always.
ReplyDeleteHave mercy! The colors! And the cat painting! Fab! xo Jen
ReplyDeleteLove it all!
ReplyDelete