Projects This Week
Project #1
I’m fulfilling a long-time dream this week–refinishing an antique dresser! I’ve always wanted the thrill of removing decades of dirt and varnish to reveal beautiful wood grains beneath. This simple piece (no carving, perfect first project!) was built by my husband’s great-grandfather and painted black. We’ve used it on our back porch, as a storage dresser–one drawer for gloves, one for hats, one for outdoor blankets, etc. Alas, I ran out of the stuff I was using to strip the paint, but am anticipating getting more…and also talking to the experts at the hardware store about the next steps (linseed oil? staining? shellac?) in this learning process. Can’t wait till it’s done! I’ve taken “before” pics, I’ll be sure to post them with “afters” here on the blog. It’s such a stately dresser, with 5 drawers and standing off the ground on four legs.
Project #2
I took the metal air conditioning vent-covers (very old-fashioned looking!) out of my girls’s room. Hubby blasted them, then I cleaned them and spray painted them a nice beige. Easy project, and they needed a makeover!
Project #3
Took the crib down, put it away, and deep cleaned our bedroom in the process, sans closet. Also set up a sewing corner where the crib used to be…my oldest has been whirring away in there every day since!
Project #4
Went through my kitchen cupboards in frustration and set aside several things to give away. How many mixing bowls do I need anyway? Talk about bulging cabinets, now I can open my spice cupboard without a barrage of dill and oregano shooting out at me!
Project #5
Went through the daughters’ clothing, weeding where necessary.
That’s all folks.
Did I mention I get a little nesting crazy when it’s about homeschooling time again?
We started school yesterday! More on that some other time…
Meanwhile, anybody have any tips on my dresser project?
By the way, visit Weekend Kindness today, I’m guest blogging there with a post titled: Wives, Let’s Get Serious!
Comment by Amy
August 16, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
wow you’ve been busy! We’re demolishing our kitchen this weekend - can’t wait!
Comment by Leticia
August 16, 2007 @ 8:19 pm
Good grief Mary! I got exhausted just reading this post. WHEW!
Comment by jen
August 16, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
cant wait to see the photos about project 1
my father once restored an old chair he found at the dump
its lovely
sounds like your busy!!
have a good home schooling year
Comment by Colleen
August 17, 2007 @ 6:54 am
I just love cleaning! Reading this posts makes me want to organize something!!
Comment by Mary
August 17, 2007 @ 11:47 am
Amy, how exciting! I’ll be looking forward to updates and pics!
Leticia, I did it all in two days, do I get extra points? Lol!
Thanks, Jen! It’s so much fun to turn trash into treasure, I’ve always wanted to know how!
Glad it motivated you, Colleen! Your cleaning posts usually do the same for me…
Comment by Georgiana D
August 18, 2007 @ 1:13 am
YAY for school starting! That’s always fun with home school. Say, would you mind stopping by my place? I have a few projects. LOL.
Comment by Mary
August 18, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
Aren’t you guys moving soon? Or have you already? My favorite projects are fixer-upper houses, paint can do so much! I’m no good with a saw though…wish I could jet over!
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August 21, 2007 @ 3:39 pm
[...] wicking, rug making, etc. She told me how to craft a toothbrush rug, a penny rug, how to finish up my antique dresser project, her best recipe for chicken pot-pie, and how to make a fantastic Christmas centerpiece. My eyes [...]