Last October my family and I moved into a newer and much larger home in the suburbs. The entire house was painted "builder cream" and in my opinion had very little character compared to the 1920s homes I was used to living in.
I set out on the long term project of infusing character into this new home, while still trying to keep it modern and honoring the newer type of architecture. One of my first challenges was how to fill the space above the fireplace mantle in our double story great room. The walls are massive and blank without something there and you need something quite large to pull you eyes up and appreciate the loftiness of the space. Problem was (as usual) I have champagne taste on a beer budget! Hence why I have become an ambitious do it yourselfer!
I flipped through many pages of decorating magazines and websites (houzz.com is one of my favorites!) And was bored by the cliche mirror or random painting. My problem with a painting is this: 1) They are often super expensive, especially at this size and 2) I may like it initially but then get sick of looking at it after a month or so and can't replace it because it was too darn expensive in the first place!
However I did see some for very cool, rustic modern looking wood sculptures....that were like over $1000. Yikes! But this didn't stop my imagination! I said, "I could do something like that!" So, I did!
Project Directions:
I started by building a box like a flower box out if pine that I purchased at my local home depot. Get to know the guys in the lumber department there and they can really help you out! Take measurements of your mantle before you go so you know what kind of space the box will sit on. I made my box 8-9 inches high to accommodate the weight of the sticks.
Now, the pine (or birch) wood will come in a sheet and you can have the guys at HD cut it down for you which is much easier than using a saw yourself. You will also need an electric screwdriver (a must have around the home!) And wood screws (ask for a suggested kind at HD). To make it extra solid, you should also use wood glue, but not alone. You will still also need to screw together. Finally, you can optionally add wood trim to the face and sides of your box (using wood glue) for a more finished look. Then sand (with an extra fine sanding sponge) and stain or paint to match your decor. To keep it simple, I chose a 1" lightweight trim that they were able to make cut for me at HD so I didn't have to deal with angled miter cuts.
At home, assemble your box with glue and screws (every 8" apart should do), first by adding the front and back pieces to the bottom piece and then each end piece to complete your structure. Add your trim to to the face of your box using glue which will hide your screws. Then sand entire box using sanding sponge followed by wiping it down with a wet rag to remove dust. Let try 15 minutes. Apply a minimum of 2 coats of wood stain (I used Miniwax in Ebony) plus a coat of clear shiny finish (or paint if you prefer). Let dry at least 24 hours.
Head up to your local crafting store (I shop at Michael's) and pickup some green floral foam. If you plan this project in advance and make several trips you can use lots of coupons (one per item per visit) and save a bunch, but the foam isn't all too expensive anyhow if I remember correctly. Get enough foam to fill the inside of your box about 80-90%. The foam will act as an anchor for the sticks.
As for the sticks, I got mine at IKEA which saved at ton of money. I got 2 packs and I think each pack was under $15. But if you don't have an IKEA nearby you can purchase sticks at Michael's or even at Home Goods, it will probably just be more expensive. OR if you are feeling REALLY crafty, head on out to the woods and pickup your own sticks! (If you do this please send me a picture, I am dying to see how it would turn out!)
Once your box is dry, cut and stuff the foam inside the box and begin arranging the sticks into the foam to achieve your desired thickness. If necessary, cut sticks from the bottom before arranging to accommodate the height of your room. I suggest varying stick height to add dimension to your piece.
Then lift completed piece to your mantle! Add a spotlight on it in the evening for extra drama and enjoy all the compliments you get from your guests (and the extra satisfaction in telling them you made it yourself!)
Questions? Just post below and I will respond! Follow my blog for more DIY projects, beauty tutorials and other fun stuff! And don't forget to share the love and inspire someone else by passing this article on!
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