Monday, February 11, 2013

A Skirt for the Mantle

Last year I proclaimed 2012 was the year of the ruffle for me...well this is continuing into 2013 because I still feel the need for the ruffle! I was looking at my last post and thinking my livingroom was a little too tailored looking for me. I want to get a old fireplace surround to add to my fireplace, but my Kool Aid budget always gets in the way. So I had to think of something that fits into my budget..in other words, free. :)


I had the idea to attach a ruffle to the mantle and I really like it! I thought I would get moans from my family about too many girly things going on in our house...but everyone likes it! Even my 14 year old daughter who thinks nothing I do is right, likes it.  My husband even said he likes it a lot better. What?! I was surprised. Janae said she loves it.. but I thought she might :)

Here is the before---


I never liked the separation between the tile and the mantel...now it feels more like one piece.

Here is the way before, before we moved in...


I like it now--not so much back then.


Much better! We have yet to have a fire in this fireplace because we need to have it inspected. Someday when we do though I will be putting the ruffle up..just in case fire decides to jump out of the fireplace.


I sewed some trim on the bottom of the ruffle that my Mom got at a garage sale. It looks like tatting to me. I love it! I kind of like to add that "Grandma Chic" look to things.


I have more ideas to soften the look of the livingroom--I just need to get busy! I need some white ruffly pillows for sure!

I hope that everyone has a really Happy Valentines Day...


Thanks for visiting!
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45 comments:

  1. Rebecca NelsonFebruary 11, 2013 at 10:31 PM

    Well I love it girlfriend. You are MORE THAN SMART! Sometimes I think my room is too tailored too. :( Then I make more pillows with ruffles! :)

    xoRebecca

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  2. Tanya RachelleFebruary 11, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    Really makes a nice softened touch to the room! Beautiful.
    ~Tanya

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  3. Bella's Rose CottageFebruary 11, 2013 at 10:47 PM

    Hi Sandy,
    WOW, that really did make a big change!! Like you said it filled in the gap and it made it look weightier, great job!! and well ruffles, I am in love with tem too:-)
    Hugs,
    Bella

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  4. Sweet MelanieFebruary 11, 2013 at 11:01 PM

    You had a very great idea on a koolaid budget! I think you nailed it perfectly making it look like one piece. I was taken aback when I saw the before and the seperation...I never realized it before. I love it Sandy...GREAT JOB once again!

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  5. JanaeFebruary 11, 2013 at 11:48 PM

    I love the ruffle it looks so good! Its one of my very favorite things you have done which is tough because you do lots of awesome stuff. It's crazy how much younger Chantel looks in that picture that was from before you moved in.

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  6. pipigirlFebruary 11, 2013 at 11:56 PM

    THAT IS COOL!!!!! im so gonna copy you. tomorrow maybe ...yup. thanks for the idea. painted the stone on my place white. so that should look good i think. thanks for sharing:)

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  7. MONICA LIVASFebruary 12, 2013 at 2:23 AM

    Great idea! Looks beautiful!

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  8. Sassy Southern LadyFebruary 12, 2013 at 2:46 AM

    I think it looks great. You pulled off! Keep up the good work.

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  9. rkbsnanaFebruary 12, 2013 at 4:11 AM

    Awesome! Love your white slipcovers

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  10. MelanieFebruary 12, 2013 at 4:23 AM

    I love it!!! Also love the term Grandma Chic!! Lovely term! I like it very much!!

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  11. UnknownFebruary 12, 2013 at 4:43 AM

    Oh if only I could paint everything in my house white! Living with stained wood is traditional but I need a change..
    I love the ruffled mantel and I bet the pillows will be gorgeous!
    Happy Valentine's Day..

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  12. Grandma CaroleeFebruary 12, 2013 at 4:55 AM

    Love how the ruffle looks!! It lights up and softens the fireplace mantel. You do such creative things with the laces I find at garage sale...I'll be looking for more when the sales start again.

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  13. MonicaFebruary 12, 2013 at 5:12 AM

    The skirt is truly lovely, but oh those pictures wall is AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!
    Thanks for always leaving me such kind and nice notes!

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  14. sunnyskiesandsweetteaFebruary 12, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    What a great idea! It is beautiful. I love that you have some dark woods mixed with all of the white. Beauty!

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  15. AnneFebruary 12, 2013 at 5:47 AM

    So pretty Sandy!
    xx
    Anne

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  16. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    It did add a nice touch, Sandy!

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  17. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsFebruary 12, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    Very pretty, Sandy, and it suits the room, too!

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  18. AnaFebruary 12, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    Oh Sandy,
    I love how the ruffle looks on the mantel. Great idea. Love it! Happy Valentine's Day.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ❤Ana

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  19. Lady PamelaFebruary 12, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    What a fabulous idea. You really made a big difference with a bit of fabric and trim. I love all your white picture frames behind the sofa.
    *Smiles*

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  20. CindyFebruary 12, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Oh my gosh! That is so clever and pretty! What a great idea!

    Cindy

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  21. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryFebruary 12, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    Looks great on your mantle. I also like the lace that you sewed on.
    Mary

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  22. Susan EvelynAndRoseFebruary 12, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    What a pretty touch to the mantel. Love those wings, too.

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  23. The Polka Dot ClosetFebruary 12, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    I love it, it adds substance to the fireplace...Perfect!f

    Carol

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  24. JunkchiccottageFebruary 12, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    Sandy,
    That looks so great. I love it. It does make the whole mantel make a statment in the room. I am a white ruffle girl myself and you can never have enough ruffle!!!!! Great job.
    Kris

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  25. farmhouse-storyFebruary 12, 2013 at 1:46 PM

    it softens the fireplace beautifully, sandy:) that edging does look like tatting:) happy valentine day!

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  26. must love junkFebruary 12, 2013 at 6:02 PM

    The ruffle adds such a pretty touch! I would've never thought of that! :)
    Susan

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  27. DebiFebruary 12, 2013 at 8:26 PM

    That is really cute! I think that is the first time I have ever seen a ruffle on the mantle like you have done....really does look so much better! Love your room and that coffee table is beautiful! Hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day!

    Hugs!
    Debi

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  28. KarenFebruary 12, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    That looks great Sandy, pretty impressive when your teenage daughter approves!

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  29. JanetFebruary 13, 2013 at 3:53 PM

    I really like the ruffle! What a great idea!

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  30. Diane MarsFebruary 13, 2013 at 6:16 PM

    That looks very pretty but I must say that would not fly with my hubby way to frilly for him, you go girl!

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  31. Kadee WillowFebruary 13, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    Now that is clever! I loved your telling us of your reaction to the family liking it. Cracks me up! And don't you love how they can surprise you by liking something you thought for sure would require a defense attorney to get approval? Good work1

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  32. Julia @ Vintage with LacesFebruary 13, 2013 at 9:17 PM

    It's a great idea and looks beautiful, Sandy!

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  33. WhiteWhispers2uFebruary 13, 2013 at 10:23 PM

    How Special is that! I also painted my Mom's brick white on her fireplace I primed it first then painted,it looks great.Just in case you don't like your brick.

    I love all your photos in white frames as well.

    ~Blessings Kim

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  34. BECKYFebruary 14, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    So beautiful, Sandy! Just such a sweet and charming detail to add! What a lovely space! Thanks so much for sharing on BWW!!

    Shipping your order today!
    Hugs,
    Becky

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  35. JadeFebruary 14, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    Oh, I looooooove it, that looks so romantic!!! HAPPY VALENTINE, my dear friend,

    hugs Jade

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  36. Deborah@Green Willow PondFebruary 14, 2013 at 8:53 PM

    What a clever and beautiful idea! I love the ruffle. The brick of the fireplace keeps it from being to "grily" as you say.

    I'd love it if you would link this up to my new linky party, "What We Accomplished Wednesday." It is live right now. Have a great weekend!

    Hugs,
    Deborah

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  37. Heirloom treasuresFebruary 15, 2013 at 1:04 AM

    Ruffles always look so nice anywhere. This is a real nice change Sandy. You know you have made me ruffle mad too. LOL x

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  38. Inspired by youFebruary 15, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    Really adds to your mantel! Hope your cold is nothing like mine. Stay healthy.

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  39. LauraFebruary 15, 2013 at 8:40 PM

    Love this- it's so pretty! Your livingroom is fantatic- adore the photo wall!

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  40. AngelaFebruary 15, 2013 at 11:35 PM

    I love the idea, your mantle looks great! A home can never have too many ruffles..
    Your children look so sweet on your photo wall.
    Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas.
    Love,
    Angela.

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  41. PattieJFebruary 17, 2013 at 12:33 AM

    I love your fireplace!! That skirt is adorable!! What a difference from when you first moved in! I love it!!

    Pattie

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  42. Zuzana KonecnaFebruary 17, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    Beautiful pictures, it looks like a lovely place;)

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  43. JuneFebruary 17, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    I love your mantle ruffle-you clever girl Sandy! It really changes the look! I adore the photo wall above your sofa so much.
    In your previous post you talked about Gage's nosebleeds. Landon has them too and so I laughed when you said that sometimes the place looks like a crime scene because my husband was a police officer for 25 yrs and our family used to joke that if anyone used luminol in our house they would think there had been a massacre :)----and yet, I still have white everywhere.
    hugs from here...

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  44. OliviaFebruary 18, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    Oh sugar you did such a beautiful job!!! I love skirts for everything, lol!
    hugs and sparkles,
    Olivia

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  45. Pam KesslerFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    I have never seen a skirt on a mantel before and I love it. I think you're on to something there!

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