Gertie's Little Industrious Cottage ~ the oak fire surround!

'Alas, Gertie was not a good cook, most things got burned or left to boil dry whilst she worked on her potions! But, Gertie did like to sit beside the warm aga on her little chair with her favourite pet dragon at her feet'

Would you beleive it! I took loads of pics of the making of the fire surround but now that I want to pop them all on the blog they seem to have to disappeared from my camera! I hope a description will be ok.

Hywel made the fire surround from some strips of oak that he had as off cuts from a life size job. He cut 3 strips to an approximate size and then using wood glue, he glued the 3 strips together and left them overnight in clamps. The next morning, after making sure they were all solid, he cut the sides and mantel to size and then chipped (he'd say carved, lol) some chunky notches out of the sides.

Once Hywel was happy with finished look, he toddled off to the garage to cut the slate for the hearth and I waxed the oak. I also painted the back of the fireplace opening but I really don't like it, so I stopped mid way and I am going to have a re-think on that one!!

Looking through the window :0) The floor boards are down!

Julia xxx