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I’ve always wanted to play the piano.  In fourth grade, my best friend Wanda got to practice the piano for an hour after school.

Wanda didn’t think it was a good thing.  I thought she was lucky.  I would sit, watch and pretend.

Life happened and I still haven’t learn how to play the piano.  Maybe someday.  sigh!

In the meantime…I’ll take an old organ apart!

Organ Remade into Faux Mantel

When I see a piece of furniture in a thrift store I wonder if it could be something else in a new life.

Round dining tables make great coffee tables, chalkboards, extra large wall clocks or cut in half two demilune tables.

I found an old organ during my last trip to Habitat for Humanity Restore.  It was $75.  Such a great deal….

I bought two!!

Plus they sold them both for $100 plus $25 for delivery…that day!

The white area are where most of the mantel pieces were turned into the faux mantel.  The back pieces were used in Mike’s potting bench.

Here’s the mantel is starting to take shape.

Mike had the bright idea to use some of the keys somewhere in the design.  I’m thinking…add to the top!

Here’s how I made an insert area to place the keys.

1. Draw lines where I wanted the keys placed.  The top is 3/4 inch thick.
2. Using the Dremal Saw Max, set at 1/2 inch, I cut along the two lines.  Then cut several lines between.
3. A chisel removes most of the wood.
4. The router removes the rest for a level surface.
5. Wood glue holds the keys in place.

At this point, I’m liking the sanded raw wood look.  So a light coating of soft wax is all I’m planning….for now!

I added a piece of MDF in the “firebox” area painted with chalkboard paint.  This will be fun to draw a fire and other creative ideas in the future.

I aged a board, added black chalk type paint, distressed heavily, then waxed for protection.  The board was added to the bottom as a base.

This is my favorite area!

Here’s a look at some of the details.

The organ remade into a faux mantel is dressed in rustic style.  My pitcher of DIY cotton stems fit perfectly next to the keys.  More on the chalkboard in the center later. 🙂

I can’t play Pachelbel’s Canon in D, but I can play with the pieces and turn it into a faux mantel.

Click here to see the organ dress for Christmas.