Friday, November 7, 2014

MAKING PROGRESS


Before

Here she is.....I've layered 4 different colors/shades in light coats of paint on her surface. I still have to apply the patina--have decided to do that myself (it's not as tricky as I thought). I took the commode to Sharon this afternoon--Sharon will paint the faux marble top surface and highlight the lip around the drawers and edge of the chest in a shade just a bit darker (hopefully more gray) than the case paints. We chose a deeper slate gray for the marble base color with darker and some lighter veining.

With the first layer of off-white (which I then had to sand down) I didn't remove the hardware....but quickly realized that I needed to


at least I got a good shot of what the hardware looked like prior to polishing. You can see how dark it is. Andrew polished it today....


I had assumed that the hardware was not original, but once I removed the handles, I realized that they were original and there were still traces of the original gilding on the backs. It is amazing that after about 250 years, the gold held its integrity and was still bright. I love how the hand chased details of the bronzes were revealed when cleaned.
Here are a few more detail photos of the commode.






I can't wait til I pick her up and put on the finishing touches. Roberto will replace the hardware and go over the commode with a clear bees wax and then she'll be ready for her new home.

I think Jones and I will skip the dog park for today...

Have a wonderful fall week-end. It's hotter than you know what here (93* at 2 pm) and the wonderful sweet rain is just a memory.

Mary & Jones & Cole



6 comments:

  1. Mary she is turning out beautifully!! So excited to see the finish. We are going to have colder weather move in after the weekend. Well, it is November in Kansas City!
    Thinking of you often.We should talk soon!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Karena, Yes, and I discovered that I really love painting. Maybe it's not fine art, but the act of adding layer upon layer feels so good. Have a wonderful week-end. Enjoy the cooler weather for me. xoxox
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lots of beautiful commodes you have there, Mary! Look forward to seeing the top. Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Loi, Yes, and I'm on the hunt for more--we'll see what turns up.
      xoxo Mary

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Hi Loi, Thank you. I'm picking the commode up on Saturday and can't wait to see her.
      I think that she will be just fine.
      Have a blessed Thanksgiving. xoxoxoxo
      Mary

      Delete