Mantle Challenge: Results!

I can't believe it's already been two weeks since I posted the mantle challenge. I'm happy to say that I was actually able to clean things up and start something that won't be such an eyesore to look at! I wish that my photos were a little better...our living room, despite having five windows, gets terrible light and pictures always come out a little sad (why I don't take my product photos anymore in here!).

So anyway, here is what was there before:



And after....





So I have always wanted one of those beautiful ornate, gilded mirrors that they have at antique shops, but they are soooo expensive usually. Yeah you can get one at Homegoods, but I really hate pretend antiques, don't ask me why. We went to the Goodwill store and they had a mirror in a nice wood frame....for $9.99! The only problem was the wood was painted a hideous black. Like, an old shredded tire black. But $9.99! So we took it home and I painted it with about a dozen coats of gold acrylic paint. And voila! It looks like the gilded mirrors I always pine over. This project also gave me the excuse to use Scotch Blue Painter's Tape, which is like my favorite invention ever. It's so fun!

We also got a bunch of junk frames in gold colors and I placed them around the mirror. Obviously there are some bare patches and more frames are required. Don't worry though, I'm on it. More to come soon!
Aside from that I just got rid of a lot of the junk that was cluttering up the mantle (by cluttering up other places with it). More projects!

Did you transform a space in your home? Do any cleaning or otherwise make an improvement that's been bugging you for a while? Let me know!

A Victorian Fairytale

This photograph taken by Missquitecontrary with an antique camera captures the lonely romance of an English palace. You can almost imagine a little princess looking out the window down the path. Missquitecontrary has some of the most beautiful photography on Etsy, make sure to check out her shop!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40635761/path-to-pemberley-8x10-fine-art


This gorgeous antique style mirror necklace by ShopMathilde is so romantic and a little bit mysterious. Perfect for princesses, telling the future, and maybe checking your make-up too!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/49289824/looking-glass-victorian-inspired-mirror


I love Stilettoheight's art because every piece has a story to tell, and you get to figure out that story yourself. It was so difficult to choose just one piece from her shop, but I chose this one because I love the almost other-worldiness of these young women.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51150607/buy-one-get-one-free-the-may-queen-art