Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A Faux Fire


I've tried and tried to get a good picture of the fire in the fireplace so I could show you where I enjoy sitting and pondering new ways to rearrange the furniture (and anything else that strikes my fancy) in our home, or read decorating magazines, of course. The fireplace is in the foyer/music room, so it's a great place to "sit and ponder" or read. What do you like to do while sitting by the fire?
In 2004 when we were working on the restoration of the fireplace, a dear friend of one of my brothers had an old rusty fireplace insert and asked my brother if he knew of anyone who could use it, because he was throwing it away. Paul thought of us, and brought it to us. I scrubbed and scrubbed to clean it, then covered it with shiny black enamel to match the black granite surround and hearth that my husband had installed. When everything was finished, my husband slid it into place and it fit perfectly!! I treasure this piece of the fireplace because this wonderful friend of my brother lost his battle to cancer last summer.
Until we complete the restorative process of the chimney, we don't burn an actual fire in the fireplace. For many months I sat jars of candles inside the firebox, because it's just so much more cheery to see the reflective glow of the flame through the grill of the insert. This winter I thought to use this string of Christmas lights instead of the jars of candles. I purchased them from a yard sale for 25 cents, brand new still in the box! I'm thrilled with my "faux fire". It's not very warm in our frigid temps, but it is super high on the cozy meter! I'm enjoying it immensely, and I don't have any candles to light or ashes to carry out! What do you do in your home for cozy?

For more "Works for Me Wednesday" ideas visit http://www.rocksinmydryer.net/.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, you got a gorgeous picture this time! I love it! And would love even more to be there with you and help with all that pondering! How fun!

Have a great day!

Love you bunches! Esther

Susan said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me a comment. It's always nice to "meet" someone new.
Susan

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

That is such a clever idea!

I got a "faux fireplace" for Christmas... an electric heater that looks like a fireplace. Even though the heat it blows is nothing like wood heat, I have enjoyed the "cozy factor" more than anything.

I like to make coffee and have my devotions beside it each morning.

I love fireplaces!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love your fireplace!!! That is beautiful! And such a clever way of using it until it is restored! The pictures are great!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Rachel! Was I ever shocked to check back in and see what you've done with your blog since early this morning! It is really, really neat! I love the pictures and it is neat that your faux fire is a Works-for-me-Wednesday
'thing!' Your open hand at work, again, sharing! Proud of you!

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Rachel,
What a great idea, the little lights behind the grate. It looks very cozy.

I found you through Jennifer's The Old Painted Cottage. I'll have to go check out your boutique after I read a little more of your blog.

Tracie

Anonymous said...

Dear Rachel,
I was in a rush this morning, so, just quickly cheched in. You had the one picutre. It was beautiful...just now when I checked in you have added all the other pictures. They are beautiful. I too, like to sit in front of a fire place, wrap up in a fluffy blanket, warm my toes and read a good book or just sit and "think and let my mind wonder"
Have a warm day. Love you, Donnie

The Going Blog said...

My parents gave us a 4 inch, memory foam, pillow top mattress cover that feels like crawling onto luxury. I love the bit of time after putting the kids to bed, reading and listening to classical music on top of my new mattress pad. Next to my best friend, Now that to me is cozy :)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful and cozy room! I love your pictures! Keep 'em coming!

Lib said...

Hi,
Love your Faux Fire.Warm cozy and inviting.
Hope you have agreat day.
Blessins',Lib

Anonymous said...

YOU HAVE SUCH WOUNDERFUL IDEAS. YOU REMIND ME A LOT OF MY MOTHER. I ENJOY WOODCARVING AND A CUP OF COFFEE AS I SET BY THE FIREPLACE

A Romantic Porch said...

Thank you Keith, that is a huge compliment to me, since your mother was my mother too! She was amazing, huh? I mentioned on the blog yesterday, later in the day, that I got my middle name from her!

Hope said...

What a beautiful mantle!! I love it. Mine are sorta plain looking brick. Two fireplaces have been close up which makes them look weird so we put a small electric stove in front of one of them. It does put out a little heat, very little, but the coziness makes me feel good anyway!! :)

Yours looks cozy even if it is faux!!

Hugs,
Hope

Mindy said...

What a beautiful room and a great idea!

Anonymous said...

What a GORGEOUS FIREPLACE Rachel! Sooooo pretty and cozy!
My favorite thing to do beside ours is to curl up with Maggie and a brand new decorating mag to dream over!
Have a beautiful day sweetie!
xo,
Kim

Rose of Sharon said...

Wow! That is sooooo gorgeous! I love your sitting area and the fireplace is fabulous! You are so clever to use the Christmas lights! I would have never ever thought of doing that.....very smart!

Your home is so pretty!

:0) Sharon

The Old Painted Cottage said...

What a gorgeous mantel!

oxox
Jennifer