{Rustic Heart Mantel}

I started my morning with ambition to decorate for Valentine’s Day.

(I usually just skip over that holiday decor and go for the heart shaped sugar cookies)

The “Back in Black” table needed something. So I distressed it.

Sand, Rub in stain… (I still use my old method that works – I haven’t jumped on the chalk paint or milk paint & wax wagon – yet)

As the table dried I searched for a new wall piece and decided on my latest –

I was super lazy about getting all the nails out during this project and thought the nails might add some extra rough character. It did.

 Today when I took the piece off the piano it was pretty heavy. I don’t like hanging heavy stuff. I took the back layer of wood off. I realized the nails might be easier to remove now.
Then I came up with a simpler solution!

I love my table saw….it just isn’t always convenient to pull out to use quick, due to my garage space. Not so beautiful….

(I have to share with the boys – I’m keeping that in mind for the future house.)

Once the nailed ends were cut off it made the piece just about 3+ inches shorter
-no big deal.
I sanded the edges again and turned the thing over. Well….look at that?

The back looked pretty.  I am going to use it!

While the wood piece sat on the center of the table I used a level from the nail in the wall stud to the top of the wood. That is where I put the D rings (the blurry picture).

Two uses for one piece of junky wood. I am proud.

The heart twinkle lights are from Target – $3. The wreath and metal heart are from
 The Nosey Goose.

I like the lighter wood and the distressed black on the foyer table.

Happy Valentine’s Day decorating!

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