Homework: Layer pieces to create interest in mantel display
A clean, classic mantel with just a pair of vases or hurricane lamps flanking one large painting can look lovely year-round. It's the perfect way to highlight a piece of art, and this sparse approach can be a nice break after busy holiday decorations.
Another approach “is to layer pieces on a mantel by propping up different sizes of art, mirrors and objects” in an asymmetrical arrangement, Atlanta-based interior designer Mallory Mathison says.
This casual look is a great way to display a collection of items — perhaps small, framed prints in various sizes, Mathison says, or a collection of tea cups. This vibrant approach can make a post-holiday mantel seem a little less stark and empty.
To keep the winter vibe going on a layered mantel, HGTV stylist Meg Allan Cole suggests using a collection of small animal figurines, like deer and other woodland animals. Paint them silver or gold, she says, then drape tiny white lights around them and perhaps even add little wreaths around their necks.
August Wilson book adds more sites
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation has released the second edition of “August Wilson: Pittsburgh Places in His Life and Plays,” by Laurence A. Glasco and Christopher Rawson.
The new edition, made possible by a grant from the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, features 52 sites in the Hill District and other parts of Pittsburgh related to the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright's life and plays. That's seven more locations than the first edition, which was published in 2011. The 182-page guidebook has 117 color photos, historic photos and maps.
The book costs $12.95.
Details: 412-471-5808, ext. 525, or email frank@phlf.org
Woodworking workshops
Regis Will, a woodworker and master craftsman who specializes in house carpentry and wood restoration, will offer six classes this year — one every other month — at the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks' Preservation Resource Center in Wilkinsburg.
His first workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16 and will provide an introduction to woodworking hand tools. Topics at future workshops include sharpening edged tools; saws and the skill of sawing; planes, flattening and squaring wood; and a comprehensive session on creating basic joints.
The classes are $5. The Preservation Resource Center is at 744 Rebecca Ave., Wilkinsburg. Contact Mary Lu Denny at 412-471-5808, ext. 527, or marylu@phlf.org to register for the classes.
Where's Doug?
Doug Oster is reporting from Baltimore at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show. He's covering upcoming trends, the latest plant introductions and new gardening products. You can see his coverage at triblive.com/lifestyles/dougoster.
Watch for a complete story in the Jan. 15 paper.
Send Homework items to Features in care of Sue Jones, Tribune-Review, D.L. Clark Building, 503 Martindale St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212; fax 412-320-7966; or email sjones@tribweb.com.
