For a while now I've been searching for something different to use as decoration on our fireplace mantel. And there she was. Off in a corner of my favorite antique shop was an old fireplace cover with three deer and an egg and dart border. She was covered in dirt and grime.
Once home I brought her out back to the water spigot where I hosed her down and gave her a good washing with dish soap and a soft bristled brush. That made a huge difference but she still needed a little something to brighten her up a bit. Here is the before...
And here is the after...
A little dry brushing with white chalk did just the trick.
A little dry brushing with white chalk did just the trick.
Did I mention she is made of cast iron and is very h-e-a-v-y?!
I have to admit it was a little scary holding on to this while climbing up the ladder and reaching over the hearth to place her on the mantel; I think she is there to stay for a while!
Once centered on the mantel I placed a white corbel on each side to frame her. I think the curved corbels help to soften the cast iron screen and all the brick on the fireplace.
Here's the before and after. It didn't take much effort to make such a big difference.
I'm really happy with how it turned out and also think she's a pretty addition to the fireplace.
I think I'll keep her!
Hop on over for AMAZE ME MONDAY.
I love the screen addition, and the whitewash really made it pop. Loving those corbels too!
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect for that spot! We have perched our original fireplace cover on built in cabinets for art. I love the workmanship of that era. I can relate to how heavy they are. This is a beautiful application of that work of art, and your dry brush technique really highlights the artistry. I love your idea to use the corbels on each side. Great work!
ReplyDeleteHow clever to use chalk! It really brings out the detail in the cast iron and is nonpermanent in case you want to change it up in the future. Awesome! Where did you find your beautiful corbels? Thanks so much for sharing the neat chalk idea!
ReplyDeleteThe piece is beautiful, I lived in the country at one time and surrounded by deer. A great fine!
ReplyDeleteLove the look Cindy! Enjoy your week.
ReplyDeletethis is one amazing find, it's perfect for the mantel. the whitewash is so pretty, looks like a dusting of snow!
ReplyDeleteNo, No, you must send her to me right now! Really beautiful and a brilliant idea to add the white highlights. Don't you just love it when you find something so special?
ReplyDeleteThat looks awesome!! Love it.
ReplyDeleteGreat find and the dry brushing just takes it to another level of beauty. It looks gorgeous on your mantel Cindy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT accent piece. I love how the dry-brushing makes the bas-relief look. Gorgeous piece and one you won't see anywhere else. I bet that is something you will never get tired of-even if you end up using it somewhere else in the years to come. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI love it! Simple yet elegant and just looks perfect there.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Beautiful!! What a unique piece!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie
It looks wonderful on the fireplace, what a luck find
ReplyDelete