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Last Notes

2026-05-09 14:14:00 GMT

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@nprofile…2vq9
thank you....trying not to be a Debbie Downer!!

2026-05-09 13:58:01 GMT

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@nprofile…puva
Thank you for checking up on me and for caring.
I haven't been much on FA lately. I can't manage many relationships well when I'm grieving. I'm kind of a buzzkill these days tbh.....I don't have much positive anything to share
Today I do have something positive to post: we adopted a dog. I feel a little guilty, as if I'm trying to replace puppy. I'm not, but my son needs a dog and I acknowledged that need. Kenzo's a shiba inu, different from Akita but in the same family.

2026-03-28 03:38:23 GMT

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@nprofile…2vq9
If the profile is new and no feedback……nope nope nope! Of course, I’m mostly looking for vintage stuff. Those are safer transactions and for the most part aren’t what’s going to get you in trouble (well…..only financially).

2026-03-26 23:05:26 GMT

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@nprofile…2vq9
You DO have to be really careful w FBMP. There's been a few times where I terminated a meet up because the person was acting funny. You get a feel for this kind of thing. And also I always read ratings and go on their profiles to peep who they are.
I won't buy electronics or jewelry on FBMP. That's an Ebay buy for sure-there's no buyer protection with FB! That's why I pretty much buy only stuff for the kitchen and vintage furniture on FB, which is almost always sold by females.

2026-03-23 16:32:46 GMT

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@nprofile…huvp
There is no fulfillment in life outside of the saving Grace of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. I don’t really need anything else to satisfy me.
There was a time in my life when the Lord allowed me to lose my marriage, my home, my job, almost all my material possessions, and custody of my youngest (handicapped) son in just 4 months’s time. It almost broke me.
The Lord gives and He takes away. Blessed be His Name.
He’s restored almost all of them to me. I am blessed/highly favored.

2026-03-23 01:59:34 GMT

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@nprofile…2vq9
LOL you got jokes

2026-03-22 20:01:06 GMT

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@nprofile…huvp
What do you mean YOU blushed. I was the one who was horribly embarrassed, not you! I'd think you'd be laughing at me for what a complete and utter ass I made of myself.
I still go down the shame spiral every time I think about that episode, which is every time I go to my kitchen in the middle of the night. Thankfully those neighbors were renters too, and they moved long ago. And I have the common sense to wear a bathrobe these days.
You WOULD have to bring that up again UGH

2026-03-22 17:28:50 GMT

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@nprofile…34vz
Thank you sweet Katherine. I just know the first thing puppy heard when he crossed into heaven was my mom's voice to welcome him. She always wanted to pet him and snuggle closer to him, but he was an alpha and never would accept that from her even though she was part of the pack and he'd protect her with his life.
Somehow I know they are sitting together now and she's finally able to pet Hattori the way she always wanted to.

2026-03-22 14:43:22 GMT

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@nprofile…lkjx
Thank you -- these projects are like occupational therapy. They really help me process my grief. I'm still crying every day over losing my mom and my puppy, but not as long or as hard. Creating with my hands helps heal my heart so much. I have no idea why, but it works.
And as to your shout out to @nprofile…huvp ,
Bros before hoes LOL 😁

2026-03-22 14:15:19 GMT

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@nprofile…9sxf
Making lemonade from the shutdown lemon.

2026-03-22 13:45:37 GMT

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@nprofile…huvp
You are judging my intent and motivation entirely based on your own. The reason(s) you do things may not necessarily be mine.
I constantly am improving my living space because I'm wired that way. As an auditor I'm testing for efficiency. The artist in me craves beauty. The sensual part of me desires luxury and comfort. I tweak my rooms until the space works, is pretty, comfy and harmonious.
This house is too small for me. It's a challenge to make it work, but it's a fun one.

2026-03-22 13:35:02 GMT

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@nprofile…zjjq
Thank you Ms Rose! You should see how dirty my fingernails are. No matter how much I wash my hands, I still can't get the brown paint out from under them! Probably going to cut them all off and start over.
I am relieved to have the foyer back to normal again. When I finally am ready to buy my own home, I'm going to look for one with a 3-car garage. That way, I can have one of them function as a dedicated workshop for all these projects!

2026-03-22 13:16:58 GMT

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@nprofile…0ff5
Cabinet, schnabinet. I'm still thinking about the pictures of your sourdough bread! Pure food porn.

2026-03-22 13:11:41 GMT

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@nprofile…04su
Thanks Lori
This cabinet brought some much needed color to the room. I never envisioned red in my living room, but these blue and white drapes are so powerful that they needed some competition.
My base colors for my entire home are red, yellow, green and blue. I do that purposefully because it allows me to swap things out and still have everything match. I originally was going to use the gold pillows and throws I had with the blue sectional, but the couches are now beige so 🤢 🤮

2026-03-22 12:53:07 GMT

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@nprofile…huvp
I am an artist. Making things beautiful is what the Lord created me to do. I've been doing creative stuff with my hands since I was 4 years old.
My dream job would be to have a multi- faceted business that incorporates all the things I do best-- custom work, staging, teaching art, and listing and selling property.
Until then, I work a desk job that isn't very creative. I do my projects because I need to practice! I also flip a lot of my projects and make extra money.

2026-03-22 06:06:41 GMT

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@nprofile…0phu
Thank you sweetie

2026-03-22 05:47:07 GMT

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There is a perfect vintage rug that I want for this room but it's in Virginia, and I'm not sure if a) it will still be available b) I'll be able to afford to travel this summer to get it.
I got hit with a huge tax obligation for '25 when I took out some of my retirement to travel to Virginia last summer for the service after my mom passed. My TSP withdrawal pushed me into a higher tax bracket. Now I understand why people post Go Fund Mes for these expenses: So they don't get hit with taxes!

2026-03-22 05:33:57 GMT

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Because these were custom made way back in the 80s and the fabric was a Waverly long since discontinued I ended up finding scraps of fabric to complete the remake on ebay to finish the job. Their workmanship was very good. I extended both treatments by attaching additional board to each side. It took a 30-inch eextension for the bigger one (and 18 for the smaller one) before they would fit my living room windows. After adjusting the swags, I refolded and repositioned the jabots.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/179/061/618/815/original/2981f3afe3a19884.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/179/508/893/012/original/f747d0ed066b4308.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/179/170/676/469/original/7754b164601cc23b.jpg

2026-03-22 05:25:34 GMT

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@nprofile…yxqg
Like everythjng they were on FBMP. They were in a bedroom off the garage. The owners were moving to a bigger mansion (!!!l) and they put them up for pennies on the dollar. I picked these up at night in November so it was too dark to see much but I KNEW it was a great neighborhoodand that the house was palatial and very Old Money. When I looked up their address on Zillow the next day, I was astonished. 4.5M-5.8M!

2026-03-22 05:20:39 GMT

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And here are a few close-up pictures of the details, since it's hard to see them from that far. The light is dark since it's very late when I'm taking these.
I'll see if the cabinet looks much different in the morning light, and will update the pictures if they are better.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/126/527/192/471/original/548f7d5efaa0d429.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/128/947/309/109/original/0348755fb006d46e.jpg

2026-03-22 05:08:10 GMT

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After I finished painting the gold glaze over the trim, I painted over the golden areas with a crackle medium so that a mosaic of lines would develop in the glaze.
It takes 24 hours to show the lines. If it doesn't crack to my satisfaction, I'll go over the trim again. Meanwhile I put the table where it was supposed to be, so I could enjoy it. Here is my completed cabinet!
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/091/725/935/684/original/334596580f93c98d.jpg

2026-03-22 05:03:46 GMT

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The pourable acrylic was very runny and was not meant to cover like a regular paint would, so it was a good choice. The glaze distributed the shimmering gold further apart in its medium, so the application seemed a much lighter gold. And the glaze gave off a beautiful pearl nacre, which contrasted with the matte effect of the red and ivory paints.
It was very easy to paint over every ivory- painted area. The gold covered the trim, but it didn't change the color. It just enhanced it.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/075/307/056/780/original/a1e054a5fc9d7083.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/075/344/662/561/original/f3bc77e79b9ea240.jpg

2026-03-22 04:53:29 GMT

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I wasn't done yet, though. The cabinet needed more dimension! So, I rummaged through my paint inventory and pulled up a "pourable acrylic" paint in metallic antique gold, and an unopened jar of pearlescent glaze I bought years back. I poured equal amounts of both into a ramekin and mixed them together with a tongue depressor. I left some of the glaze on the wood to dry so I could preview the effect. What I was trying to do was gild the trim, but without it looking like solid gold paint.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/035/311/370/455/original/57fd61997ee8161a.jpg

2026-03-22 04:46:41 GMT

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When I completed this step, the cabinet did not have as strong of a contrast between the ivory and the red. The brown was a bridge that harmonized the colors.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/271/008/251/828/044/original/1b174791620c01f7.jpg

2026-03-22 04:43:18 GMT

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The ivory paint looked much better after I washed the brown over everything. The accents came to life once the dark color was worked into the lines and spotlighted the cabinet's details. I made sure to work the brown into the red paint too, because there were many other lines that needed contrast. The texture of the cabinet grabbed the brown paint and held it beautifully. As I wiped, I left a lot of the paint in the corners and on the surface for an antiquing effect.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/994/229/190/360/original/bdb05545734296a9.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/994/242/230/892/original/0b6ff030856c4806.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/994/249/166/826/original/5f76269a7941e4f2.jpg

2026-03-22 04:36:04 GMT

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So I did some very bold things to mute the color contrast. I mixed brown and black paint and began applying it to the surface: I painted lines with small brushes and I swept a larger brush over the decor accents and the framing. My goal was to force the brown paint into every crevice, mute the ivory and make it look aged 100 years.
The brown paint was latex and dried very quickly. As I applied it, I wiped it off. I had to work one small area at a time so it didn't completely dry.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/966/081/005/845/original/a2386f94ff9b7ee4.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/966/086/846/340/original/2b3bd855dbba58d4.jpg

2026-03-22 04:27:10 GMT

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I started to worry a little because the decorative accents and the framing on the doors was looking like a blur of white with no distinct details. And I couldn't keep the lines straight for anything!. The contrast between the colors seemed to highlight every mistake I made in painting straight edges.
It took 3 days to do the base painting. I had to lean the cabinet back to get the bottom parts painted without making mistakes.
It wasn't perfect. And, there seemed to be too much contrast.☹️
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/923/769/009/594/original/9f78225a4d7df6df.jpg

2026-03-22 04:19:45 GMT

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Next, I applied the red. The red is darker, but it's not as opaque as the ivory because of its base. A white-base paint is thick and heavy, like woolen socks. Pigment for dark paints have to be suspended in a clear base, not a white one, or they would go pastel. So, they tend to be sheer and cover lightly, like panty hose.
Dark paints usual require several coats. This was true for me, especially when I edged the areas I first painted ivory. It took 3 coats of red to cover.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/902/366/209/057/original/a8e2e0fc88efb1a7.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/902/365/336/866/original/9660f1732fd2e5f0.jpg

2026-03-22 04:12:10 GMT

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I was very happy with my $60 investment. I had Chinese red oil paint left over from another job and I decided to use it on this cabinet.
The manufacturer used a texturing technique to give the cabinet the appearance that it was old and had been painted many times. Its rough surface made painting the straight lines very difficult! I had to use a small painting guide to keep things aligned.
First I painted the trim a vintage ivory. My fingers were aching from holding the brush so precisely.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/872/879/347/147/original/0b1a3c28e7b9686f.jpg

2026-03-22 04:03:19 GMT

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It turned out to be a nice replica that probably was from a place like Ashley Furniture? or a little better. Tag on the back said "Made in Chy-na" and manufacturer date was 2014.
Interestingly, the FBMP algorithm captured those images and another cabinet, the exact same one, showed up in my feed yesterday. This seller was slick, though. He asked $500 then that joker raised the price to $650! He had people interested too!
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/836/910/632/445/original/0cd3014bd78e341b.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/836/924/889/471/original/44656bb649b8fda7.jpg

2026-03-22 03:56:05 GMT

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I have been home with the shutdown so there's time on my hands I wouldn't normally have. I didn't think it would go so long, TBH.
Anyway, I had another angel drop on FBMP, which was an unusual cabinet. It grabbed my attention immediately! It is pretty versatile, I could see it iworking n a foyer, in a bathroom, in a home office, or even as a sofa table because it isn't very deep. And it was just sixty bucks!
I literally bought it sight unseen, prepaid at once and picked up that afternoon.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/809/198/952/996/original/011b64e497386b64.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/809/203/476/741/original/5af71e6774f09556.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/116/270/809/203/880/354/original/756904d4b49da4df.jpg

2026-03-22 03:47:58 GMT

Hey everybody
Checking in
I have been working a lot with my hands to try to get myself to a better place emotionally. It is what I do when I'm feeling overwhelmed. That, and purposefully expressing gratitude.
My living room has morphed into a different kind of space because of the repurposed drapes I got out of a mansion, back in November. They are so elaborate and a blue/white Chinoiserie print which dominates the room. Now it needs way more color than my neutral biscuit- gold couches.

2026-02-27 18:06:57 GMT

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@nprofile…79zq @nprofile…t8xs @nprofile…4jra @nprofile…mr5j @nprofile…pzcx
I literally just tossed all my voter materials!!

2025-12-30 05:54:49 GMT

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@nprofile…sjdt
She did a wonderful job capturing the rehab! And the table looked better than when she started. That table has great bones and she has the eye-- she knew its potential!

2025-11-25 16:35:32 GMT

https://open.substack.com/pub/vigilantfox/p/how-mind-control-ruined-thanksgiving?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=wtfmi

2025-11-25 15:59:25 GMT

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@nprofile…h4xa
I heard about it but I was not allowed to comment. As an auditor I have to remain independent. I audit some of these programs that manage immigration and visas so in this case I had to be neutral. (But I KNOW you know my opinion on THIS!!)

2025-11-25 12:10:59 GMT

Yesterday was the last day that Americans could comment on reform to the H-1B visa program. I hope enough Americans said, pull the plug!!
https://dallasexpress.com/national/final-hours-for-h-1b-reform-input-thousands-rush-comments-before-midnight-deadline/

2025-11-25 12:08:28 GMT

Today is the last day that Americans can comment on reform to the H-1B visa program. Here is more information.
https://dallasexpress.com/national/final-hours-for-h-1b-reform-input-thousands-rush-comments-before-midnight-deadline/

2025-11-03 18:36:06 GMT

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More sauce
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/snap-monday-deadline-rcna241386

2025-11-03 18:33:20 GMT

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@nprofile…pn8s
I stand corrected. Everybody gets 50%.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/03/snap-trump-food-court-shutdown.html

2025-11-03 18:30:15 GMT

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@nprofile…pn8s
Probably only people who are US citizens. Wouldn't THAT be a great way to make lemonade out of these lemons?
It's so puzzling..... first they march to tell us "NO KINGS!!" Then they call upon the King to feed them when SNAP runs out because the Legislative branch can't come to an agreement.
This leftist logic is fuckery and it's spinning my head around in confusion.

2025-11-03 18:26:17 GMT

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@nprofile…4len
Brandi, my heart goes out to you. I am so glad that you got to spend those last few years together in wedded bliss. I was so happy to read about your marriage. You truly are an angel of blessing. Please accept my best wishes and condolences at this time and I pray the Lord's peace and comfort for you right now.
Thank you for letting us know that he is Home.

2025-10-29 02:56:37 GMT

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@nprofile…6atw
Will do. It will need pics and it’s too dark now to take them.

2025-10-29 02:54:00 GMT

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@nprofile…6atw
It’s all good- I am making lemonade from these lemons and deep cleaning, organizing, and refinishing furniture. It is relaxing. I needed a break from my brain and to work with my hands for a bit.
I have two carpentry questions for you when you have time.

2025-10-29 02:50:54 GMT

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@nprofile…6atw
Yes, I sure do. I applied because I have no credit cards to float utilities and because there’s a strong possibility that awe may not get back pay. Trump asked for it to not be paid. I want to cover all contingencies.
Thank god I gave my landlady a two month security deposit because it’s only $605 a week and that will not cover my rent- just my car payment, cellphone, car insurance, utilities and gasoline.

2025-10-29 02:46:15 GMT

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@nprofile…6atw
I had to apply for food stamps and unemployment because of the shutdown….I wanted to take $ from my TSP to get through this but I’d already used it to pay for my mom’s memorial expenses so that avenue was unavailable. I got SNAP just for part of October and all of November. When I activated the EBT card this past Saturday I discovered that November’s amount was already deposited too. I got ALL of it spent by Monday- I will be NOWHERE NEAR any grocery store come November 1st!!

2025-10-29 02:41:17 GMT

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@nprofile…6atw
No. Not at all.
The videos also say that the alternative is to lie in wait in the parking lots to rob the people who do pay for groceries….accosting them at their cars.

2025-10-29 02:39:40 GMT

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@nprofile…6atw
Look at THIS!!!
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/455/136/419/622/000/original/d4803b82f8e1b312.png

2025-10-29 02:35:38 GMT

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@nprofile…6atw
I haven’t heard about Kroger specifically but there are a lot of videos of folks organizing to loot Walmart and other groceries —by filling up their carts and just walking out without paying, en masse. They figure that the stores can’t arrest all of them so there’s strength in numbers.

2025-10-26 04:39:37 GMT

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@nprofile…sjdt
Would you believe me if I told you ….
BAM!!
Look what showed up on FBMP TODAY!!
I am just done. My dream cabinet, and it’s $4K. WAAAAAAAAHHH!!
It’s ok….when it’s the right time, it will be mine or the Lord will put something even better in my path that is actually obtainable!
Seeing this sure makes me appreciate my own smaller version of this magnificent cabinet. Compared to the price of this one, I think stole it for $400!.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/438/601/528/361/084/original/b983d50d4f09c158.png
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/438/603/922/967/257/original/d86303775a85460b.png

2025-10-21 04:30:59 GMT

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@nprofile…hu4m @nprofile…d2hc
Like literally nobody misses them
Rex disappeared too
2019- 2024 was such a strange period of time that we went through together. I am so glad we are on the other side of COVID….but that being said, I don’t for a minute think we’re at the bottom of the rabbit hole quite yet.

2025-10-21 04:22:28 GMT

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@nprofile…fzeh
That’s so awesome to read. Send pics!

2025-10-21 04:20:47 GMT

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This is the cabinet that I wished I could have afforded, and the artist removed the mirrors altogether and switched to glass. It is lovely. But, I am happy with my vintage find and I am enjoying the restoration work. This is more carpentry and working with tools than painting so it’s a nice switch.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/410/227/947/630/867/original/b57b17f2b5ab4e85.jpeg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/410/227/960/084/921/original/ad844eb86da98a27.jpeg

2025-10-21 04:11:57 GMT

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It’s solid mahogany and in 3 pieces. It is structurally okay but needed some work. It was dry and faded and the connector bolts, adjustable feet and shelves for the two smaller sides were missing. I’ve had to make a template (horribly tedious) to cut new shelves, order hardware, and re-condition the wood. I soaked the wood with an entire bottle of Old English and let it just absorb the oil. Then I used paste wax inside and out. I’m still working on it as we speak. I’ll post more pics soon!

2025-10-21 04:06:32 GMT

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@nprofile…sjdt
Yes, the doors could also be glass, but since there are drawers behind them the mirrors hide that. There is another configuration of this piece that has four doors and just shelves inside, no drawers. The bottom is also storage shelves behind four doors. I loved that and wished I could afford it, because I needed something in the dining room that stores my serving pieces but hides them away so you don’t see the boxes etc. I settled for this instead:
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/410/179/640/705/992/original/d0551899a514314b.jpg

2025-10-21 04:01:14 GMT

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@nprofile…m0eg
Yes, I do feel alone now. It is probably not as hard of a transition if mom hadn’t been in nursing care and become more distant in her last days, but it still was difficult. I find myself wondering what she is doing and if she’s thinking about everything here. I also am a little haunted by her last hours and hope that she was not wondering why my brother wasn’t there for her.
I am using the shutdown to rest and make sure my son rests too. He was such a help with his grandma too.

2025-10-15 12:12:21 GMT

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@nprofile…v2c8
Will do!!

2025-10-15 12:11:52 GMT

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@nprofile…0g0u
Thanks Rumby. It helps me work shit out when I do these kinds of things. It was long overdue in this case and I really needed this to decompress.

2025-10-15 12:10:04 GMT

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@nprofile…m0eg
I had to walk with my mom up to the gate of Heaven to make sure she got there okay... once she was home safe, I had to give her a good send off here. Work's been overwhelming with the pressures of DOGE and being ordered back to the office...two rage road accidents have me in therapy 3-5x a week...finally I got blessed time off with the shutdown to finish this project and grieve my mom's passing.
Life goes 100 mph in this household. If you blink you could miss something!

2025-10-15 02:57:32 GMT

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@nprofile…h4xa
Thank you so much! I am still cleaning paint out of my hair and fingernails!!

2025-10-15 01:25:28 GMT

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@nprofile…536n
So the rehab bug bit you, too! It's fun to do projects and then you get to enjoy the results of your labor.
Hmmmmm. I am kind of afraid to ask but I'll do it anyway: where was lizard hanging out during the reno?
And, now, everything is all good now, yes? Newly renovated home for Lizz..... with a really good lock on the door?
Just asking.... for a friend.....🤪

2025-10-14 20:40:45 GMT

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Here it is, so you can compare the Before to the After!!
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/374/446/431/477/917/original/cd5ab5a76f3287b7.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/374/452/683/267/951/original/33475b5744ac0e58.jpg

2025-10-14 20:37:38 GMT

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@nprofile…v36a @nprofile…q7tx
Thank you! I finally had to have a neighbor come help me get the one piece onto the other. I'll post that pic now.

2025-10-14 19:31:16 GMT

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@nprofile…pn8s
I really want to try my hand at custom work for people. I just am not sure there's a market for my work. There's a lot of artists out there doing this kind of stuff

2025-10-14 19:28:41 GMT

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@nprofile…pn8s
Hang on sis for the rest of the story 😁

2025-10-14 19:28:10 GMT

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@nprofile…pn8s
Girl.

2025-10-14 19:27:47 GMT

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@nprofile…q7tx
Thank you Phil! It was so fun to do. I saved the roof for last, per the Daniels Principle. Our next door neighbor Mr Daniels was a butcher. He told my mom that he always cuts the chuck steaks and makes the ground beef first because they're the hardest/messiest to do. He tackled them first to get it out of the way, and saved his favorite part--cutting the filet mignon-- for last to give him something to look forward to and motivate him to finish.

2025-10-14 19:22:27 GMT

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@nprofile…ygax
Thank you dear Roscoe!

2025-10-14 19:11:18 GMT

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Finally, I waxed both pieces with clear paste wax to seal and harden the paint.
I cut off the zip ties that I used in place of the hardware while I was painting. I did not replace with new hardware--I just buffed the original hardware with Barkeeper's Friend and put it back on. I wanted to stay as authentically vintage as possible.
And that was it! I was done, at last!
Here is my final project. It's helped my grief.
I only wish my mom were here to see it. She would have loved it.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/374/099/622/282/877/original/a8f57be2ef63c467.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/374/100/887/761/728/original/b34bb7911f91c624.jpg

2025-10-14 18:50:39 GMT

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Based on the picture in my mind, I did a little research and once I selected the right colors, I got up on the ladder and got going again.
I used my Dixie Belle mineral paints-- Kudzu Green and Limeade-- and streaked them over the copper. This took awhile. Once again, I had to battle against making the steaks symmetrical and patterned!
Oxidation was just what the roof needed. The cool colors broke up all the red and yellow so the cabinet didn't look like the Washington Redskins!
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/374/004/509/875/432/original/75f14057166c4b9c.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/374/004/642/451/493/original/f78d5e5d1d15bef7.jpg

2025-10-14 18:43:28 GMT

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The cabinet was looking much better but I still didn't feel that it was finished. Rather than try to figure it out, I made a cup of coffee and just let myself sit, relax and think. Whenever I'm not sure what to do with a project, I've learned from experience to just wait for the Lord to give me the answer. It's less expensive too-- I've had lots of attempts to improve that went wrong because of my impatience. And that cost a lot of $$!!
In few hours, the Lord put a picture in my mind.

2025-10-14 18:35:32 GMT

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I buffed the copper wax to a shine but I wasn't satisfied. So I went back to Hobby Lobby and grabbed some more metallic wax in the antique gold color. I added the gold color underneath the roof all the way around and worked it up over the sides onto the edges of the roof tiles. That was exactly what was needed; the shading gave the roof contrast and depth.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/958/401/316/400/original/9b629a645144cfe8.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/960/176/421/019/original/76aa578a91aeae74.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/960/366/739/331/original/c6dd62e7266bec7b.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/960/619/268/739/original/bca5a9acf8e59ca1.jpg

2025-10-14 18:28:23 GMT

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After the brown top coat dried it was crackled, but thankfully not too much. I wanted to add some texture for a more natural look, but not an excessive amount that would be difficult to dust later on!
Now the fun part. I reached back into my stash and pulled out the Spanish copper metallic wax. What fun it was to apply that! I had to do all this standing on my ladder since I'm so short. The cabinet is taller than me since it's on a dolly--both pieces were on dollies to move them easily.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/930/868/439/558/original/67f38b56a7c1e630.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/931/440/997/322/original/0f05c04c5b4ffd9c.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/931/532/217/138/original/1a1bb8a579647c03.jpg

2025-10-14 18:17:59 GMT

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This was my base coat for the crackle effect. I painted the roof black before I went to bed because it needed to dry before I could apply the crackle glaze. I knew the black color would be covered up by the top coat so it didn't need to be perfect. That's why I could slap that color on there, working with almost no light! My foyer is very dark in the evenings, but I get great morning sun.
In the morning I applied a thick coat of crackle glaze--and after an hour, a brown top color.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/883/481/892/055/original/f738f8c70d2755db.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/883/785/580/442/original/c8d708bcc420e27e.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/884/269/083/411/original/31eb0d04cc1ae6bc.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/884/272/067/897/original/9ca0fe9adaed3160.jpg

2025-10-14 17:45:12 GMT

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So this was a temporary diversion, which I'm sharing because it got me to thinking. Why not put a copper roof on the BIG pagoda cabinet, too?
Ooooo! I liked that idea! So I regrouped and reassessed. I did some research to get some ideas of shading etc. And after looking at a lot of different pictures of pagoda roofs, I decided to do a few different techniques to get the effect I was looking for.
First, I had to paint the whole roof lamp black. (Which was a bit startling, I'll admit.)
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/761/483/986/487/original/559af00ea3a7a49a.jpg

2025-10-14 17:40:28 GMT

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Once the antique gold gilt paint had dried, I used a soft, thick paper towel (Viva, the very bestest) to apply tiny bits of the metallic Spanish copper wax over the gold. I quickly blended it over the paint, making sweeping motions upward towards the peak of the pagoda roof. The result was just perfect and I was totally thrilled with the result. It actually surprised me. I couldn't even really tell the shelf was damaged, after I'd finished!
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/741/823/624/097/original/f087efbf28fded29.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/742/442/694/287/original/e2ef3c922f1ddc22.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/743/500/887/416/original/4334318d1bb5f9cc.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/743/848/009/292/original/99f8008b29e656a6.jpg

2025-10-14 17:24:54 GMT

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The shelf was in battered condition. Now you know that did not deter ME, not even one little bit. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought the most magical stuff: a small jar of antique gold gilding paint and a tube of Spanish copper metallic wax. Can I tell you how awesome this stuff is?
I very quickly restored the pagoda. This was a three hour project-- super fast. The antique gold was generously painted on first work a tiny brush to cover dings and chips (we can call this my gilt trip):
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/672/059/881/890/original/6bd75588e29bd626.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/673/432/269/711/original/1d5dcb8e1c0f9a90.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/678/772/089/945/original/60d86e9bbd3a6f38.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/678/818/686/528/original/61b61d27571a22b0.jpg

2025-10-14 17:15:43 GMT

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I bought it sought unseen. And you'll understand exactly why I did that, when you see what the same pagoda shelf is going for on ebay:
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/645/150/690/042/original/35b6d6f0512206ca.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/645/356/990/604/original/8fc80f6a6b1385b9.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/645/442/881/919/original/8e73552e86dac594.jpg

2025-10-14 17:13:08 GMT

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As you might have guessed, I have a thing for pagodas! I have no idea why. Maybe it's because of my time in Japan as a military spouse. Who knows? Anyway, right in the middle of this project I saw an opportunity I had to take immediately! It was this small vintage pagoda shelf, that was posted on FBMP for $75:
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/635/331/429/165/original/d795d5ddc6ac8292.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/636/108/241/094/original/38141c4dc3ac18c8.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/636/183/878/402/original/958fe9247935dfad.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/636/201/720/110/original/71744a7f8c87c05e.jpg

2025-10-14 17:08:51 GMT

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I naturally gravitate towards spacing things evenly and sequentially, in recognizable patterns. To go against that tendency is unnatural for me. It is for others, too-- I immediately notice this in another artist's handpainted work. It looks wrong if it isn't random. Many handpainted art is too regularly spaced and it just looks wrong.
Once I was finished with the dark color, I could have stopped there. But something, somehow, was incomplete. I had to think on it.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/619/237/849/354/original/cd0bac5f9904f852.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/619/402/507/738/original/51ba1e4e87905c86.jpg

2025-10-14 17:05:06 GMT

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The difference was apparent but not in a very obvious way. That's the result I wanted.
I went back to the dry sponge technique for the larger parts of the cabinet. The interior, the sides and the inside of the doors needed broader strokes that the tiny paint brush couldn't deliver. I used a patting technique to put down the darker color, using an irregular pattern. This is actually harder to do than it seems.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/595/620/338/353/original/194fceec8232636f.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/597/437/557/459/original/9011529f195db17c.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/598/038/332/142/original/355afb9a985e4768.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/599/815/739/534/original/82e24d182d62d729.jpg

2025-10-14 16:57:42 GMT

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After I finished the sponging technique, I needed to add depth. This was when I used a Dijon mustard accent color. I applied it very sparingly with a special paintbrush that almost looks like a makeup brush. It's very full but then tapers to a point. This kind of a brush helped me get into all the crevices in the fretwork and place just a tiny bit of color. Then, by making tiny circular movements with the brush, I blended the color and spread it out. Painstaking work, but good results!
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/572/485/028/750/original/f13b768933e35b33.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/572/490/757/298/original/6a90205ed8a13ea0.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/572/609/652/180/original/7500054789146382.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/572/701/935/749/original/5378572afa2ea15a.jpg

2025-10-14 16:48:47 GMT

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But no big deal; the folders covered the mirrors nicely and I was saved all that scraping clean-up in the long run.
Here's how the pieces looked after I did the light yellow color accent with the dry sponge technique:
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/472/915/013/050/original/7e8fd9cc2d797bde.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/539/315/319/707/original/2cff4879792ef591.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/539/871/757/195/original/c9643fa7807f4dc7.jpg

2025-10-14 16:25:03 GMT

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So what I did was to cut thick Manila file folders to size and slip them between the lattice work and the mirrors. I wish that I'd found plastic ones but I had to make do with what I had. For the most part, these worked just fine. The only difficulty I had was removing them once my project was finished. It took an ex-acto knife and razor blades to cut the file folders out in pieces; I was not able to remove them easily.

2025-10-14 16:24:18 GMT

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The lattice work on the doors was a particular challenge because it was over mirrors, not wood. I did not relish cleaning up the mirrors with a razor blade! The corners were tiny squares, especially tight to maneuver with a razor and therefore difficult to scrape clean. I could not remove the mirrors from the doors because they were sealed with a rubber gasket to keep them from shifting. I knew that I'd never be able to get back those gaskets back place neatly. I needed a good solution!
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/444/005/627/152/original/39e1e09f3627b944.jpg

2025-10-14 16:11:04 GMT

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The latex dried much faster than the oil paints, so not a few times I was caught off- guard and had to correct my mistakes. This was not difficult to do; I just dipped my spine in some water and smoothed off the mistake and tried again. Some artists use a spray bottle; this technique does not work well for me so I erase and reapply a new coat instead.
Here's a picture of one of my "oops!":
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/391/556/325/177/original/fdf31b064bd9749c.jpg

2025-10-14 16:07:46 GMT

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The first accent was a lighter yellow. I brushed this on with an almost-dry paint sponge, again going with the wood grain. What I wanted to do was soften and mute the deep yellow so it would give off almost a glowing effect. The mustard color by itself is very stark. It would have been fine in a minimalist environment but I needed it to coordinate with my existing furniture, not dominate it. I also chose a satin finish rather than a high gloss for the same reasons...harmony and subtlety.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/375/935/976/266/original/9f8ae1a8767dca14.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/377/051/790/795/original/948114cbf90e2e84.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/379/215/114/531/original/696551d95f3094b1.jpg

2025-10-14 16:00:42 GMT

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@nprofile…py73
We praise G-d.

2025-10-14 16:00:09 GMT

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Painting the interior of the top cabinet was the worst. I had a migraine after doing this part from all the chemicals! It pushed me back an entire day because I had to rest and get past that.
The second coat went on much faster. I was happy to close up my oil-based enamel and move on to accent colors. These were all latex-base paints. I didn't need a lot, so I just got paint samples! These weren't available at Home Depot when I first started refinishing furniture and could have used them!

2025-10-14 15:45:01 GMT

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I took my time and very carefully painted the pieces, making sure that both got lots of those authentic brush marks. The oil paint was a dream to paint with but I can see why it's not a big seller. It's really stinky and it gets you high and not in an enjoyable way. I had to open windows and put a fan in the foyer window to pull the smell out of the house. Puppy went upstairs to escape! I had to soldier and suffer through but I left the house frequently to get fresh air. We took pups with!

2025-10-14 15:35:23 GMT

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The reason deep colors require a sheer base is to prevent the colors from going pastel on you. For instance, if you put any red into a white base, you'll get pink paint as the result. So the darker colors like navy, red or black go into a base that's mostly clear so the color isn't lightened by the white.
I did not expect this yellow to need a deep base, but it sure did! Once I started to apply it onto the door, I could see how rich and intense the color was and I understood a lot better!
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/249/730/561/377/original/42674df4755328c1.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/249/765/270/086/original/72bae730977159b4.jpg
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/250/493/452/059/original/780da8339fc519d8.jpg

2025-10-14 15:28:36 GMT

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I love to apply the first coat of paint! For this project I got myself the top of the line brush, a one- inch angled one. Ooooooo was the color magnificent! Back in the day when I was a homemaker raising my kids, I worked part- time at Home Depot in the paint department to make ends meet. So I know paint! And, I was so surprised that this yellow required a deep base rather than a white one. When you have a deep base it's mostly pigment in the can, in a sheer medium to deliver the color.

2025-10-14 15:23:58 GMT

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Now I could start on the base coat! I got a ton of paint samples and looked at them in natural lighting to get the best shade. What I wanted was to do was match these pieces as closely as possible to my own vintage bedroom suite, which is also painted. The in-vogue color of that time was a yellowed-ivory kind of thing. When I looked closely though I noticed shading, and stippling, and even scraping was used to artistically age the pieces. I chose 1 base color and 3 colors to accent/age.

2025-10-14 15:18:32 GMT

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So many folks do not take time to do this because they figure that paint will be covering the primer anyway. This is a mistake! The brush marks show right through so you want to have everything as aligned with the wood grain as possible. It only took one quart to do both pieces. Just as I suspected, the fretwork did get a lot of drips... so it was a good decision to go with the oil based primer.
After my primer set, I went over both pieces again with super fine sandpaper and wiped clean.

2025-10-14 15:17:03 GMT

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I decided to use oil based primer and paint, a first for me. The reason I choose that medium was the extended drying time. I suspected that the liquid would pool in the fretwork regardless of how carefully I painted, and it would cause drips. I wanted to be able to go back and smooth those areas again without causing the surface to gum up.
The priming was only one coat, which I put on very carefully and brushed with the direction of the wood's natural grain.
https://files.freeatlantis.com/system/media_attachments/files/115/373/179/478/181/140/original/6419c1401a6b03ff.jpg

2025-10-14 15:15:27 GMT

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The dust that this created was horrible! I have an aversion to masks because of COVID (!!!) but trust you me, I put one on for this work. I did not know what kind of chemicals were used in the original coating on the piece so I wanted to be safe rather than be sorry. (I also put the dog outside, because YOU try to put a mask on an Akita) It took a full dozen tack cloths to get all the fine debris off the pieces before I could begin painting.

2025-10-14 15:14:04 GMT

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So I decided to paint it, which is not normally something I do with vintage furniture. This time though, it was necessary! I took my time and very carefully filled in all the damaged areas with wood filler and smoothed the surfaces with extra fine sandpaper. This took a lot longer than you'd think! Some places I just needed to sand carefully.
After repairs were completed, I prepared the cabinet for priming. I took medium- fine sandpaper and roughed the entire surface of both pieces.

2025-10-14 14:47:04 GMT

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It needed a LOT of work, which is probably why the couple who I got it from never did anything with it. They told me they'd had it over 10 years and all that time, it just sat in their garage! The amount of work it required was intimidating: huge chunks out of one door and chips to the finish. It also has very intricate woodworking with lots of crevices. I could see immediately that it was too difficult to strip and re-stain the pieces because of all the wood filler needed, and the fretwork.

2025-10-14 14:43:39 GMT

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I never mentioned to mom that her time was drawing nigh....I just made every opportunity to facilitate those connections. I didn't look at the cabinet at all during that last month other than shifting the furniture out of the foyer into my bedroom so we could get the cabinet inside the house . I figured that I would work on it later, in that space. And so, it sat there ....from June until yesterday.
Once the government shut down I finally had time free, so I started restoring the piece.

2025-10-14 14:42:37 GMT

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My mom went downhill literally the day after we picked up that piece, so I never got the chance to show it to her. It just seemed frivolous and out of place with all the more compelling issues we were dealing with. Mom's energy was limited and her focus was narrowing down to family and food. I got her her favorite foods to try to keep her eating, visited every day, and helped her FaceTime with family.