Today I have a fun and functional DIY bookshelf to share with you!   My mom and dad used to refinish and sell antique furniture when I was a kid, so a love for orphan furniture is in my blood.  I knew I could turn this old, beat-up fireplace mantle in to an up-cycled focal point for my living room. About 6 months ago, I rescued this old fireplace mantle from a second-hand store.  With the help of my handy hubby, we built a bookshelf out of inexpensive MDF and mounted it in to the mantle.  Because the mantle was rather old and the paint was chipping (old chipping paint plus teething baby = bad idea), I sanded the mantle and painted it white, with a splash of yellow for some dimension and character.  Voila! A fireplace, turned bookshelf that really gives the room some personality.  Special thanks to Design Sponge, who featured this Before/After transformation. And extra special thanks to the talented photographer, Sharon Montrose, whose image is displayed above the mantle.