Saturday, March 13, 2010

A Restoration Project and Some Easter Fun

See this poor little piece of furniture below? I think it used to be called a "Highboy" before the legs were removed. Boy, it's seen a lot of living in it's day. It once had beautiful handles, drawer pulls, decorative appliques, etc.
This beautiful photo, below, was taken by Heather Bullard and represents something very similar to what my piece used to look like.
See this small latch, below? I have endless memories of squeezing it to unlatch the square doors.
They don't make cool furniture like this anymore.
Below, resin appliques I've ordered from Bella Cottage, online, for doors and drawers. I have another set of the long thin ones.
And then, I was thrilled when my sister, June, found the original pulls recently. I cleaned up the first two just a bit because I was so anxious to see how they would look.
These, below, are just some reproduction ones I hope will work after I play with them.
The reason I'm all jazzed about this project again, is because of my sweet brother, Steve. One night last week his flight arrived in town extremely late due to weather delays in Texas. So he stayed the night with us before heading home, up north. Because we don't own a router, he offered to go to Home Depot with me to pick out a piece of wood for the new top, take it home and get it all sized and routered for me. What an angel! It's a good thing you don't have to dress up for Home Depot...I look like a slob. : )
Uh Oh!!! How did this (below) get in there??? My dad took this just before we headed out to be in a Dance Festival (about two hundred years ago). I promise, we didn't dress alike any other time. Hee-hee! Looks like we were goin' for the 'Karen and Richard Carpenter look'. For you "youngins" out there......never mind. :-D Steve, you're not going to change your mind about helping, are you? I didn't think so. : )
Guess who's been playing with her scrapbooking supplies??? I'm making one for us and one for the Shoppe.




So much fun!! : ) Hope you're having a good weekend.
M.L.

29 comments:

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I am really looking forward to seeing what you do with the cabinet. You should see me when I go to HD or Lowe's sometimes - Well maybe not. I went to HD one day & planned on running in and out (had sunglasses on). Sure nuff! ran into someone I did NOT want to see me like that! Always happens.:)

Allie and Pattie said...

I LOVE these kinds of projects! The end result should be wonderful!
xoxo Pattie

Sandra said...

Can't wait to see the finished cabinet all dressed up! The bird boxes are adorable too! Have a great Sunday.

Sandy, Sisters of Season said...

Feelin Groovy is too cute of a pic. . boy how time flies. We turn around and it's all over. Don't you just love your brother, I sure love mine, except I'm the older one. Real cute Easter creation, love your style. Looking forward to pics of your revamped highboy. Enjoy your Sunday.

Unknown said...

You are the queen of cute goodies. I love to see what you make. It just makes my heart soar! And...that brother Steve of yours...can I borrow him? I've been an only child all my life...tee hee and always wanted a clean cut handsome brother like Steve. I always dreamed my brothers name would be Quentin...only children have wild imaginations!

Unknown said...

I can't wait to see what your highboy is going to look like! And your sweet little Easter goodie!!!! LOVE IT! You are another one of those talented folk! Have a great Sunday!

Mimi said...

HI M.L.,
You have a great brother!!! Of course he would be happy to help you guys out with that high boy!!!
It will be fabulous when you finish it!!!!I love all those fancy cute little knobs and such!!!
The craft is just so sweet and friendly looking, I have a special place in my heart for little chickies!!! Mine (all 3 of them are darling) check out my blog --well I should have chickie pics posted tomorrow!!!!
Have a Great Sunday
hugs,
jamie

Anonymous said...

I love your highboy and can't wait to see it finished. That is a cute pic of you and Steve and oh yes, I remember the Carpenters!!! I love the little box - so cheerful.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Karen and Richard Carpenter!!! You are SOOOOOO RIGHT! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

I love the high boy and what you've amassed for it thus far! I can't wait to see it when it's done!!

And that little birdie? Ka-Yute!!!!

GrandmaBev said...

Your restoration project will look so wonderful. Great to have your brother to help a little. I remember those dance festivals they use to have. They were great fun. Love all your Easter decorations. Have a wonderful Easter.

Scrap for Joy said...

I know you'll do an amzing job with the restoration of the highboy but I even like it in it's present condition. What do you use it for? Love the tray drawers behind the square doors. Your chick box is adorable...I am always inspired here, but then you knew that-LOL! I did score a bird cage at Mikes...50% off, even better!...thanks for the info on that ML.
I have been battling a nasty cold of some sort since C left...haven't been working on anything but that's got to change this week-deadlines are looming.
xoxo
Joyce

Tardevil said...

I know it's odd, but I think that hardware is really cool. Love the 70's picture of you and your brother. You look like you're headed out for 'Stay'in Alive'! Have a good Sunday!

Robin Beck said...

"I'm on top of the world looking down on creation"....
How in the world did that song get stuck in my head?

I can't wait to see your finished project though I have to tell you, I'd be happy with the before product! What a great craft supply center it would make.
By the way, I know you can't be jealous of my sewing area-I've seen your craft room girl! I actually have a room I can use but this area works better for when I am watching Noelle. My dream is to have a craft room like yours. Soon enough. :)

Happy Sunday,
Robin~♥

1 Funky Woman said...

Too cute! You do look like the carpenters! I love all your Easter and can't wait to see what you do with the cabinet. I just checked out your shop and I think the nest banner with the green is calling my name, too cute!

mysteryhistorymom said...

Oh, I love your new little birdie!!! And those old pictures are treasures!!! I adore how you share new and old with us, dear friend. You are amazing! Lori

mysteryhistorymom said...

Oh, and you are tooooo cute! I love that picture of you going to Home Depot. You are a cutie patootie! Lori

Sewconsult said...

The chest will be wonderful when you get it adorned. Looking forward to see it in its glory.
Thanks for stopping by today.
Beckie in Brentwood, TN

Macey said...

LOVE the Carpenter's throw back! :)

Brenda said...

Hello!

I can't wait to see the chest when it is finished! Thanks for sharing the FUN Easter projects!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Oh, how I miss the carpenters. :0
Love that photo of you/steve then and now.
That cabinet is going to be fantastic...can't wait to see it when you are done.
Don't ya just love home depot? You can go there looking like anything and still have FUN!!!

★Carol★ said...

Oh you tease! I want to see the finished cabinet! It sure looks like it will be gorgeous when you are finished. Can't wait to see it!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Can't wait to see the finished product. I love the little birdie box!
Debbie

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Me again! :) Thanks for stopping by. Thanks so much for your suggestion. I knew about opening a new tab. I probably did not make myself very clear. When I participate in an event, etc. and want to put a link to another blog in my post - on IE all I have to do is type their http:// (blog address) and it will create a link to their blog. Then all you have to do is click on that address and it will link directly to that particular blog. But, when on Firefox, it won't create a link. It just sits there like anything else I have typed. I will keep digging till I figure it out. :-D
Have a great week!
Glenda

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I am having a real "DUHHHHH" moment! :-D I forgot all about doing it that way, because IE will automatically convert the address to a link (if typed in correctly). I had been using IE mainly, until I started getting their "not responding" messages so much. Then I started using Firefox as my main browser. Guess that is just one of the many differences between Firefox and IE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! :-D
Glenda

Mimi Sue said...

It's gonna be so great. Can't wait to see it. Love your little chickie. So darling. Love that pic of the Carpenters er I mean you and Steve. I love the Carpenters and could harmonize with them like nobodies business. What year do you think that was? Dance festivals were so much fun. Sad they went away. Have a great week...Mimi

CosmoGirl Carla said...

I can not wait to see your highboy when you've finished transforming it. It's going to be beautiful!

The pic of you and your brother back in the day is hilarious! And you two do kinda resemble the Carpenters ;o).

Your little chickadee box is adorable! Such wonderful detail.

Thanks so much for sharing.
Happy Monday to you!
Carla

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful project to be doing. I just love the cabinet. You are so lucky to have a brother. Always wanted one.

Willow

Unknown said...

Mary Lou, There are so many wonderful moments to catch up on in your blog. It is official! This is the place to be for the most unique, most clever, most decorative, and most inspirational ideas ever! Happiness can be found here! Elizabeth

Diane Mars said...

Ml what a great project it is sure looking great, I bet you and your brother had fun it is always fun when you get a bro to pitch in. And your craft creation no comment... just over the top perfect! Hugs & Kisses, Diane