Fall Mantel

Do It Yourself Mantel

 

Here is my hand made Fall Mantel.  My inspiration came from another great Pinterest pin!

A trip to Lowes for wood, a few cuts with the saw, some stain, add some antique looking accessories, and it's done.  I really like it.  Goes well with all the dark, warm French Country look I have in our home. Can't wait to transform this into a "spooky" mantel for Halloween!

 

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 For some contrast between the top boards and bottom board, I decided to stain the

top pieces much darker.  Then distressed the top boards to "antique" them a bit.

 

I will be honest.  The sconce was bought at an antique store.  You can buy them in the raw at your local home improvement store and paint and distress them yourself, but when I saw this beauty, I couldn't pass it up. 

The weather will be getting cooler here in Texas, so I hope to get back out in

 the garage working again. 

 

Thanks for visiting!

~Amber

Starting A New School Year!

Yesterday was the first day back to school for the girls! Maddy is entering her last year in Middle school, and my little Grace is in the second grade!  The time is just flying by!  Grace has a wonderful teacher and had lots of stories to tell when she got home.  As usual, I had to make a mad dash to the local office supply store to get school supplies for Maddy.  We always get the "necessities" before school starts, but in Middle School, each teacher has their own supply list.  This is so frustrating because by the time school starts, everything is picked over or just hard to find.  But, this year we lucked out and got what we needed.  Enjoying my quiet time at home, but have to admit, I do miss them....Sorry the photos are blurry.  Had to snap and get them out the door!

 

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                                                                ~Amber

Wrapping up Summer of 2012

It's been a busy summer once again at the Reynolds household.  Obviously, if I haven't blogged in forever!  Took a wonderful family vacation to NYC, remodeled what once was the scrapbook room, then office, and now, and what will stay, the guest/office room. Got my parents moved into their new beautiful home.  Gutted their yard and basically started over, and lastly found some time to work on some DIY projects as well. I have been working on a few summer craft projects that were super easy.  Pinterest is my new best friend.  It has so many awesome recipes, how-to's, and so many other cool ideas.  Lots of people "pin", but I actually give it a try!  Here is one project that I did.  This little rustic box can be used for so many things.  Here is just 2 that I thought I would use!


This box was stained using vinegar, tea, and steel wool. It'a a very "natural" look. I added some silverware in the mason jars. This would be a great thing to have for your next bbq!

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This next box I stained with Minwax dark walnut, then spray painted it with Rustoleum White spray paint.  After it was completely dried, I used my sander to give it a "old" and "worn" look to it.  Added some flowers, and there ya have it!

Both of these are very easy, and inexpensive to make.  Would be great Christmas gifts!  After all, Christmas will be here before you know it!

Enjoy!

~Amber