Before and During...

I would like to take a moment to thank my friends, old and new, for their kind sentiments and condolences after the great losses we have endured.  This year has been a difficult one, to be certain.  However, I am much comforted by the fact that so many people care.  In time I will remember Shenanigan, Frances, Duchess and Jenny without tears.  Thank you so much for your support and understanding.

I have been keeping very busy upholstering chairs (wait until you see them), painting furniture, making cushions and drapes, laying carpeting, adding to the gardens and acquiring more stuff!

I decided that the buffet deux corps I had in the Dining Room wasn't what I really wanted.  I posted it on Craigslist and sold it to a man from Transylvania (!)  He loved it so much he is actually having it shipped there when he moves at the end of the month!

 The china cabinet, purchased on Craigslist for $50. It is 5 1/2 feet long and 7 feet tall...a rather large piece.  It was damaged in transit but with a bit of wood glue, wood putty and sandpaper I was able to repair it. *Note to self*...listen to husband when he tells me the kids who respond to my "Movers Wanted" ad on Craigslist are stoners, (habitual marijuana users). He's trained in that kind of stuff. They just seemed really pleasant and calm!   I had to bail them out of jail and get their truck out of impound before I could get my china cabinet. They were driving without valid insurance. When they explained it to me, I felt sorry for them!  More later on how I hired them a second time and they started my armoire on fire. But I digress.

 Bibliotheque muse...

Another bookcase inspiration...

And another...

Tara Shaw

 Here is my beloved Jenny, trying to convince me to paint the interior "Jenny Grey".  I followed her advice.

 I had to pull her out four times!

 The interior was painted "Jenny Grey"(actually, Annie Sloan French Linen) and waxed with Annie Sloan Clear Wax.

 I carefully removed the glass panels behind the chicken wire, then painted the entire piece with Annie Sloan Old White.  The sides of the hutch were glass.  I painted them and let them dry thoroughly in between coats.  It took four coats to cover the glass. I wanted it to look like the antique bookcases I admired.

Closer view of the hutch.  It is lacking detail.  That will change with the application of Annie Sloan Dark Wax.

I took a small brush and painted all the hardware with Rub N' Buff Gold Leaf.  I sanded the cabinet until I was unable to move my limbs.  I removed too much paint so I added another coat, skipping spots here and there.

I still have to use Clear Wax over the entire piece, then Dark Wax on the details. I'm wondering if there is an Olympic Clear Wax applying event?  I'm in training.