Mantle Redeux: Sand, Paint, Scream... Repeat

I have had a bee in my bonnet this last month to get moving on the long list of house projects. Last year around this time, I couldn't stand my fireplace one more minute and bought this mantle off Craigslist. I loved it, but knew it needed to be white.

I never liked the wood decals, so I chiseled them off and got to work sanding and painting. I used spray paint but I always get nervous the overspray will get on the concrete. I thought I was so clever spray painting it on the grass.
I had just finished the final coat and was putting everything away in the garage. Suddenly a huge gust of wind came through and I heard a soft thump. The mantle, covered in wet paint, did a face plant into the grass. I screamed and  when I pulled the mantle up, it was covered in grass..

*re enactment with an adorable actress

Back to square one... Sanded it back down, painted it again but this time in the garage with a big drop cloth.  Lesson learned, and also it looks so much better white.  Here is the before with sweet puppy Zoey...

 And after... notice I took off the foofy wood things on the sides.   

 

Just wait until you see what I did with the Living Room.... I used this as my point of inspiration... 

Intriguing... yes?