We had a wonderful long holiday weekend. The weather was amazing! I started the Christmas decorating. One area that I wanted to make a change to was our huge gas fireplace with its brassy andirons and faux logs. So I set out to create a stacked birch log fireplace insert.
I enlisted all of my best helpers.
I had previously been hiding it with a fireplace screen. But it seemed like a big black hole.
Create A Stacked Birch Log Fireplace Insert
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own insert.
Plywood that is cut to fit your fireplace opening.
Wood Glue. We used Titebond II.
Birch logs. The best price I found was on Amazon. Mr. Decor then sliced them into rounds. You can skip this step and buy the logs pre-sliced.
Create the Insert
Place the plywood form on top of a table. Simply apply glue to the back of the sliced logs and place it onto the plywood. It’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle laying out all the pieces to fit. I made a video on Instagram showing the process.
We varied the width of the slices so they would look like real stacked logs. They ranged from 2 inches, 2 1/2, and 3 inches.
Let it dry for about two hours. Then it is simply a matter of placing it into position. It’s a snug fit with the logs.
Add dachshunds for extra cuteness.
Bloopers
Because it’s Monday I thought you might enjoy the dog wrangling process.
Dry kibble was used as an enticement to try and get one good photo.
Because of their long delicate spines, it’s not a good idea for doxies to “sit up pretty”. But Rudi does this on his own. There’s an added bonus of Mr. Decors arm shadow.
I’ll share more of the living room on next week’s A Stroll Thru Life Christmas Home Tours.
Have a jolly Monday!
Laura
This is awesome, Laura! I wish we could do this, but we use the fireplace all winter long. 🙁
Your sweet pups are absolutely lovable! I could eat them up!
Happy Holidays!
Jane x
Love the fireplace insert, that looks fabulous and the dogs are so fun to see too.
What a great project, Laura. Love it! The photos of your pups are too cute and funny. I see where you have to have a quick clicking finger to capture some good shots. Hope your week goes well!
I just love your Doxies. We have Kaylee now. She was 5 years old when we got her about 5 years ago. She is the first female we have ever had. We have always had males and have had tiny toy poodles as a sister to them. Kaylee has a bigger sister Paisley which is a poodle what?. Kaylee is a very loveable little girl that was 16 pounds when we got her but is now 9-10 lbs.
That’s just great, and the added cuteness is certainly all that!
When you were showing the how-to pix on FB I didn’t get it but boy! That looks terrific there and you did a wonderful job! Your helper(s) were very effective! (And good models too.)
Love the fireplace insert and those doxies! I have one and have my front yard decorated with doxies pulling a sled. Thanks for sharing.
Your log insert is a great addition to your fireplace! I love the sled and fur rug accessories. The rug looks like a big drift of snow. A very cozy spot for a couple of cute pups to curl up. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your lovely decorations. I will be watching as you add more. My tree is still sitting in a couple of totes waiting to be set up. Oh my!
Oh my gosh I have so been wanting to do this forever! Your explanation is straightforward and really helpful! Now if I can just convincve my hsuband lol! Thank for sharing at Vintage Charm:) xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Awwwwww your fur baby helpers are just the best ever Laura and I love your fireplace insert. That’s such a clever idea. I’ll have to see if I can convince my hubby to do the same here at home
What an awesome idea. I have a fireplace that I don’t use and this would look fantastic in it.
I am loving the insert! It’s the perfect way to add dimension to a dark and empty fireplace. You did a wonderful job!
Well congrats, friend! I’ll be featuring you and your fabulous fireplace tomorrow morning at the next Vintage Charm party!
xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Laura, this is brilliant! So many homes have dated fireplaces that aren’t in use; this is a delightful way to update them and make them look so homey. You’re so smart to figure out a way to make a removable form. And the dachshunds definitely make everything cuter! I love hound dogs of every kind. My first “baby” was a Basset hound, and I honestly think that there’s nothing cuter in the world than a hound dog puppy. 🙂
Thank you so much for joining the Grace at Home party. I’m featuring you this week!
Wow, it is amazing, I love it ! I wish I could do that to my black hole too.
Thank you so much for a great solution and inspiration.
Fabby