PROJECTS (and helpers)

Here's a shot of one of my project assistants--Mini Beast just loves to stay close so that he can keep an eye on me (just in case I might be making a trip to the cat food cupboard). Jones is always close, but he hates to have his picture taken......

When I brought the little 18th c. French commode home and really studied her,

  

  

I found traces of old paint. So my brain started envisioning what she would look like painted and I decided to take the plunge. I had never (and now I have) painted an 18th c. piece; so I knew that this would be a learning-on-the-go effort--and I promised that I would not berate myself if I had to redo some sections.

First, Andrew and I completely sanded and filled the shrinkage cracks and sanded again. The top is a 19th c. marriage; so we sanded down the sharper edges to a soft bevel--this takes time and patience I learned. 

I painted one drawer first (there will be at least two additional colors applied) with the Swedish(?) off-white (boy do I wish that Loi were here to coach me on colors) that I chose.

    

It was a first attempt--and I put too much paint on--I'll sand the surfaces to remove A LOT of the paint and I think it will be fine.

But--by the time I got around to painting the sides, my head and hand were working better (I also watered down the paint)

  

The bottom front panel has a little centered detail which the darker green/blue/gray will pick out nicely with the second and third coats.

My wonderful painter, Sharon, will apply a faux marble finish to the top. Probably a very subtle marble and then she will apply the faux patination to the entire commode. This last step is tricky and I'm not going to go there.

I am so immensely grateful. We had a deep soaking rain Friday night into Saturday morning (at times it really poured). And right on schedule, the rain stopped just before I had to head out the door to shop. We need many many more rains like this to bring our lakes and water table to any where near normal. Please keep California (and the entire West) in your prayers.

Well, I'm off to start painting again. Wish me luck.

Blessings for a beautiful week.

Mary & Jones & Cole

FROM THAT ......TO THIS

This is the antique copper vessel of my last post as it was auctioned last Thursday...a little dull, no revealed beauty.

And this is how she looks after a bit of "spit and polish"

   

I neglected to measure the vessel, but I think it measures about 15" in diameter and 22" in height. I love the counterpoint of the classical style marble column.

I have collected 18th and 19th century brass candlesticks since my years in Spain, and I guess that this vessel is an extension of that passion....

Quick note: first I cleaned the copper with a very mild detergent. When dry, I polished it with hard paste wax.  With metal pieces like this it is best to preserve their wonderful patina (and spirit)-- bringing out their brilliance in other ways.

Sending blessing for a wonderful week--can't believe that it is October ALREADY.

Mary and Jones (and Cole)