Tuesday, November 17

A festive fireplace mantle...



I love this old fireplace mantle! It came out of a house that was going to be torn down just east of Cedar Rapids... We rescued as many things as we could from the house, but the floors were literally rotting and collapsing underneath our feet. I thought about rigging up a pulley and rope system so I could cross the floor to rescue some things, but it was just too dangerous. This mantle reminds me of all of the times I have had these sorts of experiences in my 18 years of being an antique/junk dealer and rescuer. I've been in houses with LOTS of bats, LOTS of mice (dead and alive), mold, grease, grims and dirt of all kinds and, most frequently, houses where the owners lived through the depression and felt they were going to need the everyday items someday. Things like the styrofoam liner on the bottom of the pound of hamburger, things like cottage cheese containers, bread sacks, newspapers, coffee cans, etc. It's amazing how often I run into that...
Anyway, back to the mantle. I've been buying candlesticks and mirrors like crazy, because I LOVE this look. I wish the mantle was a little deeper so I could give it more dimension, but, alas, it's not so I guess it'll have to do the way it is. I used cedar boughs for greens and I love the smell of it. I sometimes wish that I could turn all the lights off in the shop and just let people shop by candlelight. The candlelight ambiance is so much nicer, but it really isn't a good idea in an antique store. One night a year I like to try it... just lamps, strings of tiny Christmas lights and candles. I haven't decided what night it will be this holiday season, but I'm sure looking forward to it.

7 comments:

  1. Love the fireplace. We want to do the same thing in Leola's but people just don't like to shop by candlelight. Oh, well, so much for ambiance. Jan

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  2. Hey Polly,
    I Missed You... I know how busy you are...Sorry I haven't been chatting, but, oh my... I too, have been running hard and fast... I have no idea what to take to the show, and we leave in the morn...BROTHER!!! I am looking for a very tall backed, side chair, or arm chair...Have any?
    Keep in touch, I'll be taking the lap top, and hopefully have signal...
    All my love to you!
    Barb C.

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  3. Is the mantle for sale, and if so, what is your asking price.
    Rita Reeder
    Freeport, Ill

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  4. Hi Rita - I would take $240 for the mantle. Thanks for your interest. :0)

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  5. Very cute mantel Polly. Is the house gone now? Cause we need some mop board trim pieces for the kitchen...one piece about 6 foot long for under the breakfast bar where we took out the washer and dryer...Let me know.

    I wish I had a real mantle in this house...where to add on? :)

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  6. Oh Polly....
    You made my day...{ and it was a long one... it's 7:00, and we are at the hotel, in Richmond, Indiana...we have been up since 3 a.m.}
    I am sooo very thankful for our friendship...I think we have much in common, and are able to see things, as they really are... tho sometimes, for me, it takes a 2x4, square in the forehead!
    I can't thank you enough, for all of the kind words, and support...{really} God has truly opened my eyes this year, as you are aware of... When I was at my very lowest, he sent you, and some other really special people, into my life... oh my... When I stand back, and look at the whole picture...well, it is truly amazing...
    You are a very special Angel, and I love you so...
    Barb C.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh Polly....
    You made my day...{ and it was a long one... it's 7:00, and we are at the hotel, in Richmond, Indiana...we have been up since 3 a.m.}
    I am sooo very thankful for our friendship...I think we have much in common, and are able to see things, as they really are... tho sometimes, for me, it takes a 2x4, square in the forehead!
    I can't thank you enough, for all of the kind words, and support...{really} God has truly opened my eyes this year, as you are aware of... When I was at my very lowest, he sent you, and some other really special people, into my life... oh my... When I stand back, and look at the whole picture...well, it is truly amazing...
    You are a very special Angel, and I love you so...
    Barb C.

    ReplyDelete