The next order of business for the parlor involved turning the cardboard hearth into marble.  :D  Don't you just love alchemy?

This technique is shown in the DVD by Master Miniaturists called Faux Finishes.  I used it once before to make the Newport hearth in the study.  I used a subtle dark green base with black, off-white and just a touch of metallic bronze.  Once dry, I sealed with Triple Thick Glaze by Americana (so many coats I lost track).  It's by no means perfect upon close inspection, but it is rather convincing considering it started out as cardboard.  :D

It is also only one element in a larger scene and likely won't be the focus of the fireplace if the griffins have anything to say about it.  I might also bring the hob grate forward a little more so it shows better.

Of course, all the painting and sealing swelled the cardboard a bit, so I had to trim it to fit again...that was scary.

I've also glued the flooring sheets to the bristol paper to bulk up their thickness, leaving them under magazines until I am ready to use them...need to make sure they bond well and lay flat.