During the summer months, I was always bothered by the big, dark hole in the fireplace. Our fireplace is propane - (our city won't allow any wood burning fireplaces in new construction to help keep the air clean) and it already has a glass door on it. I didn't want an iron or mesh screen that I could still see through.
So after looking at all different types of screens...I came across this one in an antique shop. The wood carving reminded me of our mantle.
The store owner was kind enough to let me put it on Layaway for a few months. It's easier on the budget and on justifing it to the husband... ;)
So a few months later - it was mine! As beautiful as the needlepoint was ...it was a little old and a little stinky! and it just didn't go in the room I had intended to use it in....Please, no one shoot me for doing this but I carefully removed the old needlepoint and replaced it with a new fabric.
I know this picture is a little hard to see - open frame after removing old needlepoint. I was gluing up some joints so that's why it has cording tied around it - it was what I had handy!
Traced around the old fabric with chalk. I added a layer of batting and a back layer of plain fabric.
Now that I finally have the screen, and did all the work on it, I can't really enjoy it just yet, for I am anxious to start Holiday decorating and you can't do the holidays without a roaring fire and you can't see that fire behind this screen...(do I make any sense?.. I want the screen, I don't want the screen! ) So...sigh... the screen will go into the closet (that my husband hates because it is loaded with my stuff ) until the holidays are over. It will give me something to look forward to when the house looks "naked" after the holidays are over.
Before
After
As for the needlepoint piece - not sure if I can do anything with it. Even though it came off it one piece - it is pretty dusty & moldy smelling with a few hundred little tacks in it. Anyone got any suggestions?
P.S.- I laughed so hard at all of your comments on my mattress woes! I've been busy with the kid's school the last 2 days but I will be swinging by all of your blogs to catch up! I still haven't had a good night's rest but either the mattress IS softening up (and I would NEVER admit that to my husband!) or I am getting used to it (and I would NEVER EVER admit THAT to my husband either!);)
21 comments:
I like the toile in the screen. What do you plan to do with the needle work?
I like the toile in the screen.. but I'm wondering if you can get a plastic container..put a layer of kitty litter down...put a cloth down then the needlepoint piece another layer of cloth..put some kitty litter on top close it up for a bit and let the kitty litter pull the old smell out of it and then frame it like a picture? I know they use this technique sometimes in "old" dresser drawers to pull the musty smell out.. I'll be anxious to see what you do with it.It is gorgeous..hugs ~lynne~
Of course, I love your fp screen! Since toile is my fav. fabric, I don't think you can go wrong with toile! And it brightens the room up so much (unlike the needlework). Can't wait to see your Christmas decor. laurie
What a pretty piece! Love the toile. I just saw on the Ellen show recently that if you spray Vodka on something moldy or musty it kills the bacteria therefore killing the smell. Try the one for me one for you method: take a swig, spray some on the fabric, take another swig, spray some more on the fabric, etc. Could make it more entertaining. AND if your kids start pestering you, you will be more apt to let it roll off your back;)
Love the screen. Love toile of course. I did like the colorful flowers too. mishelle
I LOVE that screen - the wood, the shape, the toile you put on it - it's perfect! I want one!
Shannon
Golly Gee ms. Gilroy Lynne beat me to the kitty litter thing..I do this with antique pillow I buy..also did it with a frezzer when some nut turn it off hey I could have sold a husband real cheap on that one!!Oh I digress it took the smell of the rooten meat out of the frezzer..and we all know what that smells like..good lord I was afraid the police would be here with crime tape after Len did that one..Oh I love the toile girl and the cravings on the frame it is so you..and I would frame that needle point what a beautiful picture that would make...hugs and smiles Gloria
Well I won't shoot you, but I was a little sad when you said you removed it, it's lovely. I have tried to find a screen like that for awhile, but they are all so expensive. I might have to do what you did if I find one.
Ciao
I think we could be sister twins!! Can you only imagine the fun and trouble we could get into if we spent just "1" afternoon together.. I know it would be one for the books..ummmmm now there's a thought.. we could make it into a best sellar and then the guys wouldn't dare say a word...lol
hugs ~lynne~
I think the toile looks lovely...I'm sure it's a sin to take out the embroidery...but I'd have done it too!
Oh how lovely and aren't you a brave girl to remove that beautiful piece, I hope you find some place to showcase that !!!
I've never tried Kitty litter, I've used it for spills on the garage floor or on ice to prevent slipping. So I am locking that away, many thanxs !!
Love the Vodka tip, Oh man I am going to try that with some Grey Goose, hey I don't know about you but I feel moldy every now and again LOL
Take care,
Kathy :)
The fireplace screen looks great; but, I hope you plan to do something with the needlepoint. A pillow would be pretty if you can get the smell out. Good luck. Sally
Hi Laurie, Thank you for visiting me today, Twice! Also, thanks for your sweet comments. I actually visited you today too, but had to run out the door so I was planning on revisiting you later. How funny! I am almost done decorating, I still have some more pictures though. I am also almost done with my own house, I'm planning on posting it soon. Yes, I am on RMS, I definitly remember your home, it was one of my all time favorites. I think I like it so much because we use almost the same colors and have similar styles. You do a fantastic job! I love the fireplace screen you redid. It's perfect!! I can't wait to see your home for the holidays. I'm sure it will be beautiful! Kristen
Hi, Laurie ...
Just a note to thank you for visiting my Southern Lagniappe, and for taking the time to leave a comment. I'm so glad it led me to your beautiful blog.
I love what you did with the fireplace screen ... the toile fabric is perfect for your room and against the dark wood of your mantel.
I like Lynne's suggestion about framing the old needlepoint. It's beautiful and it would be a shame not to use it somewhere.
Sincerely,
Janie
I love the fireplace screen and what you did with it! Can't go wrong with toile in my book! Oh how I want a fp screen!! The kitty litter thing should work but dont forget to lay tissue paper (white) over the needle point before covering it with kitty litter. You just never know what can spot old needlepoint. Use your brush attachment on your vacuum to remove the dust. Just hold it secure when you are doing it!! If it were me- I would have the needlepoint framed in a big chunky frame. Antique-looking. You could even leave the glass off of it. Your hubby could make one out of trim from Home Depot or Lowes as talented as he is. I think it would be beautiful hanging in that gorgeous bedroom of yours. That will give you something new to stare at when you aren't sleeping on that new mattress!!! LOL!!!
I am having a giveaway- stop by and put your name in!
Have a great weekend!
Hugs
Heather:)
Laurie, I just had to come over here to thank you for the comment you left on my blog. You are not going to believe this, but I have tears in my eyes after reading it! I know I am not a decorator, and so many of you have such wonderful style. I always feel that it is silly for me to show you my rooms. Since you have one of my favorite houses, it is SUCH a compliment to get such nice comments from you. Thank you so much. The other laurie
GM ms. Gilroy and yes it still morning here on on time zone..hope you have a great weekend girl hugs and smiles Gloria
Hi Laurie, Thanks for coming by and your understanding. Whew! It was nice to read your story but sorry you had to go through it too. I showed it to my husband and it got him all worked up again. We both agreed we'll worry about it when we move next year.
I remember your stunning home from RMS! One of my favorites of all. Love the topper. Did you see my topper post? LOL!
Come and visit anytime. You're always welcome! ~Melissa :)
I hope you don't mind me stopping by- I found you via Nikki's blog.
In any case, I love all things design related. What an amazing personal space you have to call home. Just gorgeous.
Oh- and I hear you on the 'antique guilt'. I have a 1930's Duncan Phyfe dining set that I've stripped down and refinished and I felt bad about ruining the 'original' finish.
I like what you did to the screen. Sometimes we just have to be content to save the parts we can.
Laurie, I remember you from RMS. I just love your home you are such a talented lady! I would have done exactly what you did with that screen, if I had been lucky enough to find it! It goes so perfectly with the room! I think ONE of the things I like about this room is all the fabrics you have used. I love fabrics,they just make a home! This was one of my all time favorites on RMS! Love it! Connie/puddin07
What did you do with the fabulous needlework? I am a collector of those... Please let me know if you are interested in re-cycling those to a blogger friend..
Thanks,
Valarie
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