And the Stockings Were Hung By the Chimney With Care
Thomas has started doing some woodworking, and this is one of our faves. This has become a fun hobby for both of us - Thomas builds, and I paint/decorate. I will be posting more DIYs we have made later!
Merry December 1st! It’s the most favorite month of the year at the Crocker house!
If you are in need of a place to hang your stockings and don’t have a fireplace in your home, let me show off our new faux fireplace Thomas built. This used to be just a bare wall - a LARGE bare wall. Since we spend more time in our den than we do the actual living room, I decided we needed to add some coziness to this room. And to have another mantel to decorate. This project was fairly inexpensive, and I found step-by-step instructions online. If you are interested, click here for the how-to guide that includes a detailed cut list. We adjusted the measurements to our specifications (larger “chimney” and fireplace opening to fit the one we purchased). Also, we did not do the secret door because, well, it was just too much trouble.
All building supplies and paint came from Home Depot. I did have to paint the shiplap even though it was already white because the nail holes had to be filled and sanded and a few scuffs appeared here and there during construction.
I absolutely LOVE the electric fireplace!! I bought it on Amazon, but it was half off at the time of purchase. During the summer if I needed a little ambiance, I would turn the flames on and the heat off.
The beautiful cedar mantel came from Valley Fir in Columbus for just $100!! I picked out the size, they cut to the length I wanted, sanded it, and hollowed the inside for the “floating” look. I stained it the color I wanted.
People who know me know that I am pretty thrifty. I found some candlestick holders on the Magnolia website, but they were outrageously expensive. I found these knock-offs that look exactly the same as the Magnolias at Hobby Lobby. I also got the round mirror, candles, vase, and faux greenery at Hobby Lobby - ALL items were the obligatory 40% off, too! The basket came from Ikea, accessories from TJ Maxx, and Christmas tree decorations from Target, At Home, Walmart, and (you guessed it)… Hobby Lobby.
Fresh greenery from my yard, and adding some fairy lights to the mantel will be the grand finale. Pretty does not have to mean expensive!!!