True. A buffet is an odd subject of a Sunday Snapshot.
And yes, a dozen or more pictures is a lot to share of a single piece of furniture.
But this particular piece of furniture has a bit of a story. And because I’m a self-confessed softie when it comes to old furniture – and thought some of y’all might be as well – I thought I’d share.
Plus, my mama, whose presence with me that day was a big reason I actually bought it, has been asking me about its progress. She might have a bit of a soft spot for it, too.
Here it is.
Built in the very early 1900’s this was, in its day, a marvelous piece of workmanship.
Rock solid. Dovetails all around. Magnificent attention to detail.
And look – American-built but Asian inspired.
*swoon*
But at some point between 1905 and now, someone left this beauty out in the rain.
Like out in the yard, y’all.
The woman at the shop where I bought it shared how brokenhearted she was when she saw its condition. She recognized the maker and knew that, if it had been cared for, it would have fetched about $1000.
But not this one. Warped. Missing the veneer on one of the doors. The top showing the years of neglect. Original arms to extend the sides long broken off.
It had even inhabited by small critters.
Seriously.
The lip of the front and the backs of the drawers have marks to prove it.
The project was way beyond anything I’d ever tackled.
Never worked with wood glue and clamps.
Never had to find a primer for varmint stains.
Never even heard the phrase tannin bleed.
But, with Asher at my side, we dove in. And we’re pretty pleased with the result.
It’s certainly not perfect.
The front doors are still warped.
The drawers don’t close quite right.
But so much of its original beauty remains.
With a few marks from the road it’s traveled.
I could fix all those things (okay, Chris could fix all those things).
But there is a sweetness to it the way it is.
And I like – the way it is – just fine.
Welcome to the family, old girl.
When you’re ready to play along, be sure to visit here for the full scoop.
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Happy Sunday, y’all.
Wow! I’d say you and Asher have done a BEAUTIFUL job! It’s just awesome. I love your Girl Power attitude!
LOVE your story telling!
What a lovely piece. I love it when lovely old furniture finds a new home!
I have a soft spot for older things; you did a marvelous job on the restoration and creating new.
Alyzabeth’s Mommy
I love it. I’m a huge fan of restoring pieces with history, taking that horrible 1930’s chair someone painted brunt pink and giving it new life. I actually scour places like goodwill, habitat for humanity and the like for projects. Your piece turned out beautifully. Both my husband and I watch Flea Market Flip on Fridays and the hosts book I Brake For Yard Sales has some great info.
That you saved something and brought it back to life is what makes it beautiful to me.
That is so beautiful – lovely details!!!
Love it!
Love the story and the outcome. I have an antique curio which was stripped and in NY house my porcelain doll collection which I have yet to unpack after 2 years here. I can’t decide what to do with it. When I had my mom’s piano shipped here I also now have her beloved rosewood chair whose seat i am going to re do with nice fabric. I had my great grandmother’s mahogany china cabinet which along the road someone painted in a metallic paint which looked awful and of course now I wish I still had it.
She maybe an old girl, but she still has her charm!
I love it! I can just feel your fondness for “her” in your post. Great job!
Beautiful! You’re giving me hope that my current (and first) restoration project will turn out. I’m updating and refinishing a 50 year old dinette set. 🙂
Aw, Stefanie! I love it! It looks fabulous and I couldn’t agree more that it’s little flaws make it even sweeter!
Beautiful work!
An amazing transformation!! <3
Wow … I think you both did a great job! How about this insight for a Monday morning before any coffee … for some reason as I’m looking at this piece after reading your lovely description, for me it’s kinda like a visual for the lyrics to Amy Grant’s new song “Don’t Try So Hard:”
Don’t try so hard,
God gives you grace, and you can’t earn it,
Don’t think that you’re not worth it,
Because you are,
He gave you His love and He’s not leaving,
Gave you His Son so you’d believe it,
You’re lovely even with your scars,
Don’t try so hard.
How blessed we are that when we come to Christ with all our imperfections, scars and messes, He welcomes us with open arms and loves us unconditionally. And He continues His work on us. Wow, just so amazing. Thanks, Steph. Yep, your refinishing project blessed my Monday. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your insight – loved it, Lisa!
Yes, the way He loves us really IS amazing, isn’t it? So grateful that there is nothing I can do to earn it and nothing I can do to lose it. He is SO good!
Wow – I Love it!! Nice work Stephanie. I like the new paint color choice too – you can never go wrong with white!
It is truly lovely!!!