Easy Faux Fireplace

[BaconEater]

Everyone knows that santa is supposed to come down the chimney, but what if you don’t have a fireplace? You can make one with the kids using some paper and boxes & decorate it!

What You’ll Need :

– cardboard boxes (free)

– duct tape ($3)

– 2 rolls of Kraft Paper ($1.19 each) or you can use the white side of some Cheap Wrapping Paper.

– Paint :: brick red + off white (samples were $3.99 each. I used (2) brick red and leftover off white paint at home)

– 1 Sponge ($1.39)

– Ruler, Scissors and/or Box Cutter (already had at home)

How To :

1) Measure and draw out the height and width you want the sides and
mantle to be. Gather enough cardboard to cover the job. This can be
whatever size your heart wishes.

2) Measure out the cardboard pieces and cut accordingly. Note :: none
of my boxes were the same size (they came from our recycling room, also
known as, the free craft room!), so this included a lot of measuring
and chopping up of boxes. Use the duct tape to secure the cardboard
together.

To make things easier, it’s best to find boxes that are all
the same size, then you can just stack them and tape. I went the
difficult route!

3) Set up the boxes against the wall you want to display the fireplace on to be sure the sizes are correct.

4) Measure and cut the kraft paper to match each of the sides and the
mantle. You want enough to just wrap around the boxes like you’re
wrapping a present.

5) Lay out the kraft paper and using the sponge and brick red paint
(I just grabbed paint samples from the hardware store – cheaper route),
you are going to make a faux brick design. Remember with bricks, do
alternating spots with each row. Note :: As with every DIY comes a few
surprises!

With this one I noticed after I finished my brick
print that I lined them up wrong. My bricks go vertical instead of
horizontal! It will be the new trend when making fireplaces, I can just
see it now!

6) Lightly brush your choice of paint for the top mantle piece and
let them all dry for a little. Once dry, you are going to wrap the boxes
with the kraft paper like you would wrap a present. Using as much duct
tape as you please.

(I’m an avid duct taper!)

7) Line them up against the wall and be sure they are in place, then
tape them together for stability. Since mine are open in the back, I
placed a few heavier things – like change jars- in the bottom to keep
the sides firmly in place.

8) Decorate your mantle and hang your stockings with care!

hope those of you who also don’t have the luxury of a fancy brick
fireplace can appreciate this fun and easy diy! if you make one
yourself, please send me pictures. i’d love to see them!

image credit

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