I was concerned that my plan to join in on the blogland holiday mantel link parties would be thwarted by the mere fact that I don’t have a mantel. Hard to believe that our 100+ year old house was built in Chicago sans fireplace. I’m pretty sure it was either removed at some point – probably by the same braniac who thought outdoor paint on original woodwork was a good idea – or it’s hidden behind a wall somewhere.
My options: start swinging a sledge hammer or make do with what we have. Which is radiator heat … which comes from large radiators … which the owners we purchased the house from made custom covers for …
I never really used or considered decorating these as mantels. That is until now …
I typically dress up this area with my Santa’s and stockings. This year I gave the the old, gold and chippy – and not chippy in the good way — stocking holders a coat of silver paint …
At JoAnn’s I discovered the wonders of adhesive removable chalkboard vinyl and used it inside the existing picture frame …
It needed two layers to cover the original art completely …
My sister-in-law painstakingly needle-pointed the kids’ stockings when they were born …
The pillars were ‘wrapped’ with wrapping paper and twine …
The ice skates are hanging from a command hook that claims to hold up to 5 pounds. Let’s hope that’s true and they don’t come crashing down in the middle of the night …
Oh, and if the room to the left keeps catching your eye, that’s my diy’d entry that you can see more of here …
Linking up:
Home Stories A 2 Z
Southern Hospitality
Ten June
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
The Shabby Creek Cottage
The Shabby Nest
From My Front Porch to Yours
Funky Junk Interiors
Lolly Jane Boutique
Fireflies and Jellybeans
Savvy Southern Style
WhisperWood Cottage
A La Mode
I keep finding you! I jumped over here from the Southern Hospitality Mantle Link Party! My link is right after yours. A day late to the party, isn’t too bad! Congrats on your AT feature and your guest post at The DIY Showoff was great fun too!! Go Midwesterners Go! 🙂
I love the ice skates hanging and what a great way to use what you’ve got. I stopped by from Southern Hospitalitys party. Come check me out at funkymomcards.blogspot.com
Love the skates! I’m wanting to display mine too but never seem to find the right location…a command hook is awesome! A cozy display for sure.
I Love it! Makes me want to do more with my mantle. Also have a 100+ yr old house WITH fireplaceS. But i also have gorgeous mirrors over them and I hate to cover them up.
How creative! I love how you changed your stocking holders – they look totally different. The skates are my very favorite though. 🙂
Very good idea to use the radiator covers as mantels. They are very decorative and beautiful, as well as unique 🙂
Hi Linda, love your decorations and the skates over the shelf look really lovely and winterish. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/
Love the faux mantel – we have one, too. I had never heard of adhesive removable chalkboard vinyl before. Great idea – pinned it for our teen’s room.