16 worker-days of painting all the woodwork in my living room / dining room to look like stained cherry. We are about 40% done. Denise has worked 10 days full time. I have worked about six days. Yes: 16 work-days, altogether. And we are only 40% done.
I am also frazzled beyond belief.
So you get some adorable dog pictures.
I neeeed some adorable dog pictures.
Meanwhile, I have flown to Kentucky to visit family. Denise has cabinet doors with her at home to work on this weekend.
And I am also working on a big project to rewrite the parking bylaws for my Town. I am on the Planning Board. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this. I am a publicly-elected official! Ummmm, no one ran against me. But still. I like working on local projects, because you can see the difference your help can make, assuming you are actually successful at being helpful.
I can see the difference the painting is making. I love it! Above: The bookcase does not have the faux bois glaze layer yet. The wainscoting does. Denise is doing all the important glazing. When I try, it’s pretty much a hot mess. It takes serious finesse. She has been doing decorative painting 29 years — she’s awesome and is doing a fantastic job!
Still, I had no idea how time intensive this would be. Ummm, I kinda didn’t ever ask her.
16 days of work — and only 40% done. This may be the bamboo that broke the camel’s back. xoxo
Diana of Mt. Lebanon says
This is wonderful. We have original paneling in our formal living room that was painted over a while ago (not by us) and we weren’t sure what to do with it since stripping paneling isn’t too practical. Perhaps this technique would restore it to its original cherry (guessing cherry) gloriousness! Any advice? Is it a technique that is mastered by few or can regular painters master this?
Jean C. says
When you first started this project, I thought you were doing it because stripping off the paint would be too difficult. Now I’m not so sure! Wow, it looks great, I admire your tenacity, but I suppose once you started, there was no going back!!
pam kueber says
It still is easier than stripping and refinishing. Refinishing would take more work.
Also, the wood underneath is paint-grade pine. It would be difficult to get the cherry effect we were aiming for.
Lynne says
Such a difference from the white! It’s very dramatic. Now that I am seeing the finished product, which is gorgeous, I’m rethinking my advice on choosing an orange sofa.
Diane in CO says
Yeah, right? The wood is enough of an orange tone that the orange sofa will be overkill. And I was all for an orange sofa. Better paint it white again! 🙂
Jeff K says
Looks amazing! It will totally be worth it!
Kelly Wittenauer says
Nice work! Carry on, Pam. It will be worth it in the end. Just think of that first cocktail party in the lounge, to keep you going.
linda h says
It is looking great. Keep up the good work! It will look wonderful when y’all are done.
Janet says
It looks great so far – what a difference! At least the doggies are enjoying it for sure!
Carolyn says
Can you imagine how little you’d have gotten done if you hadn’t had the little supervisors nipping at your heels?! I think taking that break with the jewelry pictures re-charged your batteries.
We are suffering vicariously through you, Pam, and we can’t thank you enough. It will look fantastic once it’s done. I think most of us would have only done where it’s really on display, leaving parts no one will ever see un-faux bois-ed. Then explain we were “matching” woods. (snort)
And for those who have, or think they have, this artistic bent – talk about a wide-open market for your talents!
Chris says
It looks absolutely fantastic Pam – it looks real! By the end of the month (?) you’ll be done and you’ll be able to admire your and Denise’s hardwork for years to come, plus good memories of doing it with your friend.
Bette Jean says
Hang in there. It really is beautiful.