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Monday, May 14, 2012

Lemons to Lemonade {Log Filled Fireplace}


We lost two trees from our extreme heat and drought last summer.  We waited until the spring to make sure they were really dead, and had not just gone dormant, but no luck.  Dead as a doornail.  Though not huge, one of them was the biggest tree in our yard and had beautiful red leaves in the fall, and the other was growing nicely.  Tears. 


My only consolation was that I was able to do this with the wood:


I have wanted to fill the firebox with logs for a long time, so I took our dead tree misfortune and put it to good use.


I think it's our own little natural sculpture.  The logs are so unique and interesting, 
I could just sit and stare.


I did what I could to try to fend off whatever may be living in the wood, so hopefully we won't have any unwanted visitors.  That's always a risk you take when bringing things in from outdoors.  Oh, the dangers of decorating!


It took me a couple of hours and was like putting a big puzzle together.  Most of the time was spent hauling the logs in and then back and forth to the garage to be trimmed.  Some of them are only a few inches long, just enough to fill in holes.


We do use our fireplace a lot during cold weather, and my sister has already asked what I will do then.  Haven't thought that far ahead, we'll just enjoy this little set-up for now!


Linking up with Home Stories A to Z
Saavy Southern Style

Would you like to comment?

  1. You know I love this! I'm sure you'll come up with something clever by the time you're ready to use the fireplace!

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  2. So, so, so pretty, Jennifer. I love the circles - it IS so sculptural, natural and perfect in your pretty fireplace. I was just working on stacking our wood outside yesterday in a "pretty" way - my husband was laughing at me!

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  3. I love this idea, and have been considering doing something similar for a while. My Dad keeps asking me if I need firewood, because he lost so many trees over the winter, and he has nothing to do with them all. My husband is worried about having to store it all until next winter, but this is the perfect solution. A great way to store the not so pretty wood, and when it starts getting chilly out, and we actually need to use the fireplace we can just put the rest of the wood outside on the firewood rack. I LOVE IT!!! I already requested a 15-18" wide by about 25" high stump for a lamp table in our living room. I love the beautiful design pieces that come straight out of nature. Gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration! Now I just have to get moving!

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  4. This turned out so pretty! Love it!

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  5. This is beautiful and adds so much character!

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  6. That looks so good. What a great idea. I guess you will just have to remove them and burn them in the winter.

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  7. So very pretty!! Looks like a beautiful space all around!

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  8. This looks beautiful..... magazine worthy in my book!

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  9. So gorgeous! It looks fantastic and your brick fireplace is just amazing. I'll echo the comment above and say that the while thing looks magazine worthy for sure! :-)
    Vanessa

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  10. I love the idea, although we use our too much. It gets cool sometimes up here in Summer! I like how you have lamps on the mantel...I wish I had plugs there! You did a great job!

    ~Julie

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  11. Absolutely gorgeous! I love the elegance of the mantle and the
    rustic-ness of the added logs, beautifully done! =) ~Liz

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  12. Very Beautiful!!!! Now I want a fireplace!!!

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  13. Wow, this is beautiful. What a great area, and what a wonderful place to sit, relax, take a little snooze...
    Love your post.
    Blessings,
    Debbie

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  14. Oh...I love this. I've seen it in high end magazines. Good for you to use your dead trees for something. I too lost my red maple in the front yard from last year's drought. I have yet to cut her down...but you inspire me to find something to make of her.

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  15. Crying with you over those trees, but LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how your fireplace looks! I'd stare at it, too! (Might have something to do with the fact that I never get to look at fire places. Period. ;)

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  16. Love that look! Very, very pretty. Glad to follow you via Savvy Southern Style.

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  17. Congratulations for having your fabulous fireplace filler featured over at Savvy Southern Style! It IS wonderful for the warm months when you won't be using the fireplace. I agree with you that the ends of the logs are so interesting to look at like a work of art.

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  18. I love this! As much as I love the ease and simplicity of my gas fireplace, there are times when I would really love the flexibility to do something like this! Great job, Jennifer!

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  19. Could that be any prettier? I love it! I'm just dying to see more of your beautiful home!!!
    xoxo,
    Kim

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  20. Wonderful idea...I have seen it used in those decorating magazines, and yours looks just like that....creative idea....
    Nancy
    http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  21. beautiful! Your hard work and patience will be enjoyed for a long time. I could sit there for hours!

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  22. When you are close to winter take the logs and cut them into coins. Glue to a piece of plywood to insert in the fireplace.

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  23. I am visiting from Kim at Savvy Southern Style. Your fireplace is a WOW for sure!

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