A gentleman in Chapel Hill contacted me earlier this week about wanting a custom fireplace mantle. I have too many current projects and an unfinished workshop. If anyone is interested, you can send me a PM.
go for it, Tony, I got the contact information from Amy, but truth is, I probably don't have the time to tackle that, what with work, and a few other commission jobs, too
If you need a source for mantle wood, let me know. A good friend of mine has a sawmill in Chatham county and has a variety of mantles rough pre-cut and air dried. Mostly oak, pine, cherry, and walnut - 4" to 6" thick, varied widths and lengths.