BHG.COM/DIYMAGAZINE DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2020 89
A B
C
FAUX FIREPLACENo focal point?
No problem. A fireplace surround adds
instant architecture to an otherwise
basic space, page 87. Start by building
a hearth—cut a plywood sheet to
desired size, cover with floorboards,
and put in place. Before assembling
the mantel surround kit, paint the
pieces. We brushed on two coats
of Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte
Paint, which doesn’t require primer
and, when dry, followed up with two
coats of Chalked Protective Topcoat in
Matte Clear. Assemble the surround (A,
B) and mount the mantel and legs to
wall studs according to manufacturer’s
instructions. Trim foam-core board
to the size of the firebox opening. We
applied wallpaper to the board using
a damp sponge to activate the glue
(C). Tuck the board into the opening.
Miter leftover floorboards and attach
them to the inside of firebox to frame
the opening on three sides and link the
surround to the hearth.TEXTURED VASEGive a
cylindrical glass vase a
handcrafted vibe with white
air-dry modeling clay, left.
With wet hands, knead clay (we
used Das) until it becomes easy
to work with. Keep a bowl of
water handy to add moisture
as needed. Roll the clay to a
consistent thickness, and trim
into a rectangular sheet that’s
slightly larger than the height
and perimeter of your vase.
Carefully wrap the clay around
the vase, pressing the seam
with water to seal it. Neatly
fold over the clay around the
top and the base of the vase,
creating a stable surface. Using
a clay sculpting tool, comb
lines in the clay to add texture.
Allow to dry 24 hours; the clay
will go from gray to white.
Once dry, sand the edges.