In all my shopping trips over the last 6 months, I couldn’t find anything, that I was willing to pay for, that would completely cover the hole so I decided to make one. When my kids were babies, we lived in an apartment that had a fireplace and to keep them out of it, I made a panel that would fit in the hole, out of plywood. It was really pretty; I created it to look like doors, with knobs in the center, so that it looked like it opened. I don’t have a pic, they were lost in the fire, but I was so proud of it! Well since I needed something quick and didn’t have any plywood large enough to fit lying around, I used what I had…cardboard!
Can you believe that the fireplace panel above is made from a piece of cardboard? Well it is, and here is how I did it using these supplies:
Using a large box, I cut out a solid panel of cardboard. Because I am dealing with brick, I had to measure the hole, cut the cardboard and then trim so that it fit with a little to spare. You will be wrapping your paper/fabric around the edges so you need to allow for that.
Step 3: Position paper. I drew a pencil line down the center of my board so my design would be centered and used that as a guide for laying down my sheets
Step 4: Apply Mod Podge. Apply mod podge to the board itself and then lay the paper on and smooth out the wrinkles. They make some really great tools to help with this and getting an even amount on helps as well. I personally am not picky about wrinkles, because it gives it a more rustic look to me, but you can smooth out the paper with a wide flat object if you want. I just folded the edges over and applied mod podge to the back as well to hold it all in place. Once you get your panels or designs in place, let them dry for a few hours.
Once it is dry then put on a full over coat of mod podge to seal it all in. I recommend using a wide brush for a large area and applying multiple coats, allowing it to dry in between.
Written by Dawn from Check it Out! with Dawn
June 13th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
I love how innovative this idea is, if you can’t buy, build it! Make do! That’s what I’m talking about.
June 13th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
What a neat idea! Definitely dresses it up!
June 13th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Wow, super cute and creative. I never would’ve thought of covering it like that. Great job.
June 13th, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Cute idea!
June 13th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Beautiful!! And you could change it out for every season. Love it!! I need a tissue box style cover, though, since we have a wood stove!! ha/ha Pinned & Tweeted!
June 13th, 2013 at 5:34 pm
That’s crafty!!
June 16th, 2013 at 12:35 pm
Neat!
I originally thought they were carpet squares. Great way to cover your unused fireplace and share some great colors.
June 17th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Love it! I will have to make one of these for my fireplace!
October 2nd, 2013 at 8:58 pm
Here’s an alternative–www.fireplacefashion.com.. the FIREPLACE FASHION COVER will attached to your fireplace doors or screens with industrial strength magnets that are hidden inside the cover, no modifications to or residue on your existing fireplace. Folds in thirds when you want to burn a fire. The fireplace fashion covers not only stop the cold drafts and heat loss, they look great.
We are a small start up business in Havre De Grace Maryland that manufactures and retails a great solution to fireplace drafts and your expensive heat going up your chimney. All of our covers are hand made in Maryland of all American components.
Check us out at http://www.fireplacefashion.com
Thanks
G.