Cozy Christmas Decor and a Reclaimed Wood Fireplace Mantel

Oh, how I wish I had a fireplace mantel to style each season. Alas, I do not (but I do use my front entryway shelf like a mantel). I love making faux mantels or fireplace shelves for my pop-up shop to sell to those who also crave the ambiance that a mantel brings to a home space. Last year I made and sold three different faux fireplaces during the holiday season, each one different and unique. Here is this season's first "fireplace" for the pop-up shop. 

This one I created using reclaimed, graying, barnwood. Although it has a rustic style, it can easily be dressed up or down to fit in a variety of homes. The mantel piece is a live edge, reclaimed barnwood plank with moss on it. It is lovely.

It is hard to see in these pictures, but the fireplace is backed with a piece of sheet metal. 

This fantastic, antique, brass gargoyle, peacock fireplace fan dresses up the rustic wood. It is definitely a fun find.

I sewed the stockings from a damaged Pendleton plaid wool blanket.

Other recently curated items include a painting painted in 1984 that was painted by mouth and is signed by the artist. The vintage, printed Santa cutout is perfect for a shelf or mantel. 100% sheepskin pillows are cozy and white pom-pom garlands add layers to the mantel.

The cozy feeling that the faux mantel gives the shop is appreciated and just right for my upcoming Holiday Home pop-up. 

A Project Fifteen Years in the Making

Some projects take longer than others. I knew exactly what I wanted to create when I purchased this antique, birdseye, maple headboard (and footboard) at a garage sale 15+years ago...

It just took me awhile to get to it!

But, this weekend was time to build the bench that I envisioned many years ago and I must say, it turned out even better than I pictured. (Sorry about the sunlight streaks.)

The curved footboard was cut in half and attached to the headboard on the sides. I then created a seat frame, using a nice piece of wood across the front. I cut a piece of plywood for the seat bottom and used a thick piece of memory foam as a cushion. I covered it in a piece of thrifted, cream wool that I scotchguarded.

The headboard and footboard were made by Innis Pearce & Co.  in Rushville, Indiana. They manufactured furniture from 1884-1921. I love researching the history of old pieces. Isn't she a beauty?

The bench will work with many different styles. Here it is shown with a cozy, plaid, wool blanket and a wool pinecone pillow--perfect in a rustic home or cabin.  Switch out pillows and blankets and it will work in a farmhouse, eclectic, or traditional home. This bench will be for sale at my upcoming pop-up shop.