Wednesday, July 22, 2009

white wednesday...


I still remember that fall day.

I stood outside, paint gun in hand,

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and

I pulled the trigger.


It was done, there was no going back.


I was painting my fireplace mantle,

my first *antique* that I was going to paint.


It was hard to do but I am soo glad I did.



We found the mantle years ago when we were building a *new* victorian.
It was pre-gas log days so they were inexpensive

(as compared to today's prices if you can even find one)



I was buying it just for the ambience.

Of course, when we sold that house,

the mantle came with me,

along with a few other things

(doors, lights... but that's another post).






We found a perfect place for it in this house in my parlor.

By now, some cool inventor had developed the gas log.


Perfect!


The mantle was light oak, not really my favorite,

(I prefer dark oak if I have woodtones)

but this *shabby* bug had bitten
and I really wanted it white.


So what the heck...
I can always refinish it later to dark oak, right?


Right.





We love our fireplace and the warmth it brings.

I love all of the details.


And I love it white!






gorgeous carving


These are some of the current pretties on the mantle.

Notice those baby shoes...they keep showing up.

That's because they're just so darn cute

and

they work in every arrangement I do!





Thanks so much to Kathleen at Faded Charm

for hosting this fun event.


Hop on over to see more delightful whites.
See ya next week,
Rene'

23 comments:

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

What can we say? Everything looks better white!! and your mantle is not exception. Looks wonderful!

vintage girl at heart said...

Oh so Beautiful as always....

Pink Slippers said...

Love the white Wednesday idea. Beautiful pictures.
Makes me crave to have white all over my home.
Wendy

Anonymous said...

Oh Rene~~
Just absolutely beautiful!!I love you blog and now am a new follower~
Look forward to getting to know you!
Happy Wednesday!
♥~Lynn

Barbara Jean said...

This is a beautiful post.
Love the mantle and the way you decorated it.
Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Sandi said...

Oh Rene'. I just love your house and your photographs!! I want to come and move right in. :)
Have a blessed day today~

redesigned said...

Beautiful, Thanks for sharing it!

Merci, Christine

Anonymous said...

How beautiful! Your vignette on the mantle is simply perfect! Thank you for sharing your white today!

blessings
mary

Carolyn said...

I love it white and I love your pretties on top of it too especially the old baby boots.

Carolyn

Rebecca said...

Hello,
What beautiful photography...
I have done my share of white also and the first time I did I thought lightening was going to strike but... it didn't :)
Have a wonderful white day
Blessings
Rebecca

WIZARD OF ONCE WAS "WooW" said...

I am so in love with your mantle! Great job! Thanks for such great pictures.
My Besy,
Gale

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

You sure know how to make things beautiful! I love the mantel and your oh so pretty displays, you are so talented!!
Hugs~Kelly

Pauline said...

Lovely post. Monday was the first time I'd ever spray-painted anything; I did 2 photo frames. I'll slowly work my way up to furniture, lol.

Mary said...

Well, I just love ALL your blogs! How DO you keep up? Beautiful white things - so pretty. Thanks for your nice comment on the 3 pitchers I just got at Home Goods. They ar making an encore appearance on Thursday Tablescapes, with a little adornament! Take care!

Just A Girl said...

Oh Rene`! I would have held my breath too and probably cried through the whole process, but look at how BEAUTIFUL and DREAMY it is. Your mantle is the exact reason the Lord will never let me own an old Victorian. I would wake up every morning, tip-toe down to the parlor and WORSHIP that mantle piece ;-O! Yep! That's what I'd do...tee hee!!
An old derelict cottage keeps my eyes focused right where they should be ;-).

xoxo Cori

my home sanctuary said...

Oh lovely. I am so proud of you for taking it with you. I have always dreamed of an old mantel. Thanks for coming over and seeing my dreamy post. And thanks for leaving such a sweet comment.
Have a wonderful Thursday.
Sherry

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Perhaps it is the lure of a name or the gentleness of a photograph... I find your blog enchanting.
That you are surrounded by the purity of white is not surprising it must reflect the soul within.
Thankyou for sharing your soft, charming room.
Susan

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Rene, You always amuse me with your beautiful pictures. When I seen your name up there with the women that are participating for white wednesday, I knew I would be delighted to come over to yours. I admire your taste all the way. You certainly took the plunge for the first time and Wow it looks gorgeous White! Ya I don't think going back is an option. Ha ha

Happy White Wednesday to you-

Just a little something from Judy said...

I sat here at my computer staring at these pictures...so very beautiful!!! You add magic to whatever you touch!! Can you open a shop near my home...please???

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

gorgeous!

Rebecca Nelson said...

Ok...How have I never found you before? OMGOSH! Have I been sleeping? Wasting my life away doing something other than hunting for you???

:) LOVE YOUR BLOG!

xoRebecca

June said...

Hi Rene, Your white mantle is so pretty. I remeber seeing your parlor for the first time, when I came to your sale. I was so enchanted by it.
Smiles,
June

Rose Garden Romantic said...

Oh my goodness!! I love the white mantle and every pretty treasure on it, too!! Your blog is so pretty and inspiring! I love your style and it is exactly what I am hoping to attain in my home someday.
Michelle