Creating a Shelf out of Something Unexpected

My husband had to buy fireplace "guts" for a customer. It was cheaper to buy the whole fireplace than just the guts, so.... he was left with this.

I saw it in his storage building and got all googly eyed.  I asked him what his plans were for this wooden contraption.  He replied, "The burn pile" or "The trash" or something like that.  Usually I'm the one who wants to get rid of things and he wants to keep them.  Not this time.  "I want it!" I screamed!!!!

I took it.  I sanded it.  I primed it. I painted it three times. Then, I handed over to my sweet hubby and he added shelves and a back.

Here's the finished mantle, in my girls' playroom.  I am thrilled with it. Now, I need to get my girls to fill it up with their favorite things!