Tuesday, July 13, 2010

It's been a long long time


I haven't posted here for a long time, it's not that I haven't been doing anything, it's just I've not felt my unfinished stuff would interest you. I get a point in some of my work that I say "o.k., I like this but now what?" and I tend to walk away hoping divine intervention will soon arrive.
this is a bench I received from my friend Janice. It sat in my family room for a time and then on my front porch for 23 years. Yup, 23 years. The cap of one of the arms popped off when I was washing it after the winter, and I needed new cushions. So now what? I've been doing some furniture refinishing, and like anything I do, I'm obsessed. I thought O.k. I'll just glue the cap back on and paint it black and maybe get another year out of it. It's a great place to sit in the shade and read. Well when I took it into the shop to work on my co-strippers went wild, "look at the wood" or "it's going to be fabulous when you strip and refinish it." considering my husband said "don't bring this back". I thought, huh! I think I'll strip it.
after a great deal of banging, these were the nails holding a couple of pieces of plywood down, forever.
It's now resting for the summer in the workshop, we can't work in the shop during the summer months no air, and too toxic with the stripper fumes. The wood under the many layers of paint looks good, I'm thinking a nice dark port, and then what, I can't put this much effort into a piece and then put plywood back on the seat. I'm thinking cane, but that's a skill I know nothing about, yet another new adventure.

12 comments:

Sandi said...

Oh this is nice Irene! You know me though...I would have painted it white! *SMILE* It will be lovely whatever you decide to do.
Happy Thursday!!

Bonbon2010 said...

Great work Irene! Just keep going! There are times we tend to be slack in doing things we used to love. Take a seat back and when your heart comes back, I can see already its finishing line. Great sentimental value from a dear friend of yours. 23 long years!

Catherine Holman said...

Can't wait to see the finished product!

Beth Niquette said...

Hell0, Irene! Don't worry about PFF--just you get to feeling better.

((hugs)) You are a dear.

Tess Kincaid said...

I love any kind of restoration. It's a subject near and dear to my heart. Looking forward to seeing the finished project!

Kris McCracken said...

I do like those blurry nails. An evocative image.

Beth Niquette said...

((hugs)) Oh, Irene--you are such a wonderful lady!

Catherine Holman said...

What a beautiful bench. You can buy that caning in a roll, but I always had mine done by a proffessional. I can only spread myself so thin.
Hugs,
Cathie

Plush Possum Studio said...

Sounds like fun!!! And your work will give you new experiences to share here. I love it when people choose new artistry to make something old like new. That shows style!
Fun post!
And thanks for joining us at Plush Possum.
I'm sure I'll be back by here to read your interesting posts.
Rose

Beth Niquette said...

Wow, that is a big job! Inspiring!

I had to laugh about your comment concerning faeries. LOL I guess I just assumed anyone who could ride on the back of a butterfly must be a faery!

Of course, since it is a Christmas card, maybe that chubby little fellow is a cherub? (grin)

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

How fun! I love seeing the project in progress.

bj said...

I love a pretty bench...and this is a great one. I would love it black with black and white check cushions...sooo cute...but, then again, white would be awesome, too. :)
I love little people living in a box, too. :)))
xo bj