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
Karin says
It looks beautiful and very luxurious. You’d never know that was pine
underneath. I’m impressed with Denise’s skills. Some faux wood painting I’ve seen don’t look very convincing. This is is a lost art. I look forward to your Big Reveal. Oh, and thanks for the Schnauzers.
Just seeing their sweet little mugs made my day. All the best.
judy h. says
Gorgeous! The shade is PEFECTION! I’m really smitten with those sweet schnauzer babies. Until last year I had a solid back and a salt n pepper for almost 16 years, the black baby was 2 years younger. I feel like a piece of my heart has been missing without them around me constantly. Still trying to talk the hubs into another, not having a trememndous amount of luck yet. Hug those babies for me!
lynda davis says
I think you will love the finished look. This is a real adventure and it will be remembered as fun ….some day! This story reminds me of a bit of history I read years ago about the Mormon pioneers. I think the article I read said that people did not realize that the oak and mahogany furniture they had was really pine until they started sanding some pieces down. Here is a bit of info I found as to why the Mormons stained and grained wood projects: (When the railroads reached Utah, the pioneers could then get the “real” wood from the East to build furniture.)
Mormon furniture has nothing to do with religion, although an occasional piece uses a beehive or other church symbol as a design element. Instead, the furniture, much of it made by English and Scandinavian converts, copied conventional styles–but with a difference. Utah had no hardwood. Carpenters made do with cottonwood and pine, woods so soft they compensated by making oversize legs to support the weight of tables and chairs. “Proportions are cartoony and fun,” explains Told.
Most surfaces were painted, often with ox blood, or grained to produce the look of hardwoods, such as walnut and mahogany. Faux oak graining, used in both church woodwork and furniture, was called “Brigham oak” for church President Brigham Young, himself a carpenter and grainer. In the 1970s, when natural woods were popular, many Mormon pieces were stripped of their hand-painted grain, decreasing their value up to 90%. They’re still highly collectible, though, because of their styling.
Carol says
Wow! Very impressive! I had no idea it would turn out this great. The proof is in the door, it really looks like wood. Denise is sooooo talented. I more than admire you for taking on this project. I can’t get started on something until I have a contingency plan for my contingency plan.
Kat says
Beautiful! Imagine how that will look with soft lighting, Martin Denny on the record player, and a cold tiki mug in your hand. Sigh!
Kim says
You and Denise are honestly amazing–and WELL past the point where I would have grown frustrated, hysterical, and started rushing/half-a**ing things. (I’ve painted four rooms in my tiny house, just colors, solo…and I can point out every one of my sloppy mistakes.) It will be so worth it. Good luck! Don’t give up!
Jay says
Stunning! A dead ringer for cherry wood. Although conceived as part of the Tiki Lounge project; the faux wood painting is a project in its own right. Really sets off the grass cloth wall paper.
I am in awe of your abundance of energy and time to devote to your own projects as well as serving your community.
By the way, I’m getting the dogs a publicity agent; someone to look after their interests. Like extra treats when used in a blog photo. They are so cute
Trudi says
It looks beyond amazing Pam! What an artist Denise is!
I am curious if you hadn’t been able to do this what would have been your Plan B? I ask because most of us will not have the time, patience, and artisan you have been blessed with.
Stacy says
Wow! It looks wonderful! That is going to be such a dramatic and beautiful makeover when you are finished. A LOT of work, but what a payoff in the end!
Maria says
I have nothing to contribute except… pic.twitter.com/Yqx6hJ3hGw (Buddy is curled up on his blanket and sleeping with his “Teddy” on his face)