And, the birthday just keeps going!  :D  This kit was another item in the lovely gift from my boyfriend.  This was my first time working with a Phoenix Model kit, though I had heard of them and had seen many other miniaturists make wonderful things from them.  I have to tell you, this kit went together in about five minutes!  :D  I used Quick Grip glue and it held very well.

My inspiration for the parlor fireplace comes from two sources, one of which is this beauty from The Modollhouse.

I have pretty good experience building fireplaces, and this particular model was a bit pricey for my budget.  But, I recognized the fire basket as similar to the Phoenix Parlour Grate.  :D

I spray painted the grate Burnished Copper Metal by Rustoleum, first the back and underside, then the front and top.

click image to enlarge

Once that was dry, I was able to wipe on layers of black and grey acrylic to get the aged look I wanted.  Perhaps a shame to dirty it up so bad since it looks so pretty in the copper, but a shiny new parlor grate just won't do in an old house.  Maybe I'll need to make another of these for the Alpine Chalet when I get to it and leave it shiny, beautiful copper.  :D

click image to enlarge

Now, the fire surround is another story altogether...more to come.  ;]