Rekindling An Old Flame
Posted By FarmerJ on March 4, 2011
We’re doing a little ~ okay, actually some major ~ remodeling and redecorating around the ol’ barn house. The first stop for me? The master bedroom. I’ve been thinking about and trying to come up with something to put on the fireplace mantel for 3-1/2 years now. I failed to come up with something entirely on my own, so I did what any reasonable country girl would do. I called my Buddy [who is, in my opinion, a decorating genius] and pleaded for help. She knows me, she knows my style…and the lack thereof. You can see from the photo ~ we’re a simple people.
The only thing I knew I wanted on the mantel was the candle ball. I don’t know why, but it just had to be on there. Only one problem, though. Well, maybe two. The candle ball is old, as in 14 years old. [Does anyone else cart around a candle for 14 years without burning it?] And, the candle ball was ugly and perhaps a bit dated.
See what I mean? Ugly and outdated in all its silver glory. But, I was feeling a little crafty and creative the other night, so I thought I would rekindle an old flame, and attempt to bring this poor candle ball into present time. Keep in mind, I lack all things necessary to be either crafty or creative ~ hence the 3-1/2 years passing without being able to assemble any sort of decor over the fireplace.
I had some ivory color craft paint I got on clearance at Jo~Ann’s up in the cupboard. I thought it would go perfectly with the colors in our new bedding. Oh, another thing I lack is the ability to paint with a spray can. I probably used about 37 times more paint than I should have, but I just couldn’t get an even coat. That part didn’t matter too much, though, as I intended to wrap the bottom half of the candle ball in jute twine. Every country barn house needs a candle wrapped in jute twine, don’t you think? I did remember to tape off the wick, at least.
I had intended on using the hot glue gun to keep the jute twine in place. That didn’t work so well. The hot glue was melting the wax [I bet you saw that coming, yes?], and then, the glue was hardening before I could get the twine in place. So, I did another thing any reasonable country girl would do ~ I used double-side Scotch tape [I bet you thought I was going to say duct tape, huh?]. But, because my tape alignment got a little off, I had to make a few more wraps around the candle ball than I had originally planned. I think it still looks pretty good, though.
Finally, with a little guidance and instruction from my Buddy to go dig through my cupboards to see what I had, I came up with that little black candle tin that I stole from another ugly, outdated candle hidden wayyyyyy in the back. Perfect!
What makes this little project even better for me is that I was able to do a little redecorating with things I already had on hand, and it cleared some space in the cupboard in the process. Win, win!
You see that we’re a simple people. You see that I lack any ability to decorate or be creative. Do you have any suggestions or ideas for other neat country farm style decor / crafts? I’d love to hear them!
We’re a part of Farm Friend Friday. Check it out if you’re interested in other inspiring blogs about life on the farmstead! ♥
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I think it looks great. I’m probably even more challenged than you the way it sounds.
Buddie, it turned out great, you are getting the perfect Homey but Elegant look, AWESOME.
Can’t wait to see and read more as we move into the master bathroom. wink wink
Thank you, Ladies! I appreciate your kind comments and encouragement.
Thank you for stopping by!
Oh. My. Goodness.
I had to close-up that first photo to check – I have a square metal decorative thingy that is near-identical to the one you have on your mantel. Why am I not surprised?
I love what you did with your candle, and that your candle is almost old enough for a learner’s permit.
And what ties those together is that I don’t have my square metal decorative thingy up anywhere right now, but it would look nice on our mantle…if I re-painted it. Guess what I’ll be doing when we get some warm weather?
Also, Kitten says to please give Abigail, (Mama, is that the doggie that barks at us in our own yard even though she doesn’t live here?) a cozy snuggle.
XO,
-Laura at TenThingsFarm
I think your candle re-do looks amazing. I love the jute twine idea–that turned out great and ingenious to use double sided tape too. Awesome job and it looks nice on your mantle
Thank you for joining FFF!!
Yes, I do have candles that I have packed around for many years! A apple, a Easter egg, and Grandma’s hummingbird! Couldn’t dream of lighting them, altho they are a little bit out of shape, oh well…don’t tell me you are NOT creative…I have known you too many years! I love you!
Laura ~ What do you mean waiting to paint until you get some warm weather?! Paint indoors like I do. Heehee! Actually, don’t. I got ‘in trouble’ with Darling Husbie last night for painting some things for the master bathroom. I won’t be painting indoors anymore…at least not with spray paint. Miss Abigail is just itchin’ to play with Kitten and that squeaky mouse.
Amy ~ Thank you so much for taking the time to visit, and for your kind words regarding the candle. It did turn out quaint, I think. I’m looking forward to being a regular on Farm Friend Friday!
Mom ~ You undoubtedly have some candles that are older than me! Heehee! Love you more.
Well, it’s just that the painting was going on on the kitchen floor, and now my okra stew tastes like paint thinner and is toxic. And you know how I love my okra stew. Plus you painted the floor, the walls, the ceiling, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Abigail has the Hammered Bronze lung. So we are doing the painting outside from now on. Or at least in the garage. Or at least not 3 feet from my head where I’m sleeping on the couch.
Now, Lovie. You’re exaggerating just a little bit. Your okra stew had a lid on the pot, and it was in no way effected by the toxicities associated with spray paint. If you don’t like my cooking, just say so. Don’t blame it on the paint. There was newspaper spread out on the floor, and the tiniest bit of dry over spray wiped right up. There was no paint on the walls or ceilings. Your dog, Abigail, was nowhere near the painting activities, because she was afraid of the sound of the spray can. And, I was at least a good 12 feet from your horizontal head on the couch.
But, I will oblige your wishes and paint outside from now on. Mwah!
The steam arising from the pot created a vacuum under the lid as it cooled, drawing the toxic paint solvents in. I love your cooking even days later and you know it. And Abigail is your dog, I don’t like dogs.
Oh, Lovie!