Rustic Fence as Mantel Decor

When I blogged about the easy rustic trays, I put it out there that I was looking for more great uses for all the fence. Holly from Full Circle Creations wrote me an email–You could take some of that rough stuff and make small faux barn doors that would have been used in a barn loft…and add hardware to it and sell at your shows. People love to use those on their mantles…add a wreath to them or bunting. You could even attach and drape wire across then attach little clips or clothespins to it when you sell them. Just an idea.

When I started cutting the boards, I decided to keep the dog eared look. This was so simple, I cut 6 boards 30 inches long, put them together, measured the width and cut two boards 20.5. the cross board was the most difficult, but still very easy. I laid it under the cross boards and drew a line to get the right angle. A little Gorilla Glue Wood Glue and a nail gun going pop pop pop, and voila—it’s done.

When I sent the picture to Holly, she commented it looked like a gate… duh! she had mentioned barn door, and I made a gate. lol

I brought it into the house to test it on my mantel to see if the size was right.

A pitiful attempt to stage it. I really like rustic, but I just don’t know how to pull it all together.

I remember when Donna blogged this years ago, do you? She whitewashed hers because she has a dark mantel. On my mantel, I would need to leave it natural, or stain it with a dark stain.

After reading Holly’s email, I decided to do the faux barn door. For this piece I only used 5 boards and I cut them at 30 inches. I used the wood glue and nail gun to secure the boards, placing the top an bottom board one bard length from the top and bottom. I then measured the cross board just like I did with the faux gate.

Next up—this pair of faux shutters. You can see I used 3 boards for each, measuring 24 inches.

I made a feeble attempt to stage the faux barn door and faux garden gate….

But–I went shopping to pick up a few items, then, I spent about an hour a DAY styling-staging these items on my mantel…..

I picked up some polka-dot burlap ribbon and a grapevine wreath at Hobby Lobby. This is what I’m calling a faux barn door because the boards are straight across on the top.

This is what I’m calling a faux gate, because it reminds me of a garden gate. The photo on the bottom right is pretty much how it sits on my mantel right now. Although the polka dots are cute, They really aren’t me. You can see I switched out the red book for a more deeper toned plain book.

Last, but not least are some cute rustic faux shutters. This multi color polka dot ribbon was found at JoAnn’s.

I really am loving the new look of my mantel. I plan to make some of these for Glendale out of the fence that is too rough to use for the directional wedding signs in my Etsy shop.

You can check out my other rustic fence projects – easy rustic trays, planter koozies to cover up your plastic pots.

EDITED to ADD:

I made a little sign for my wreath.

I can also see the faux gate/barn doors/shutters  used outdoors by a front door or by the mailbox to greet guests. Where would you use one?

gail

more rustic fence projects here:

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more projects using bits and pieces:

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